Finding a Good Vet

ngeew18 · Oct 7, 2014

Hi Again everyone.

So I decided to have my cat be checked by a vet after seeking advises as to why he is loosing weight. I actually have a regular vet which my baby and I visit. But I've notice that Vet gives advises to do that, to use that and all and just concerned of her payment and not worrying about the pet. I had an experience with her(Vet) when my Bundat (Mother of my Ngeew, which is currently my cat) got sick and doesn't wanna eat and very sick that time. She only gave me high protein canned food and some meds and didn't really check my cat. I followed her instructions and gave my bundat the medicines she prescibed. A week later, Bundat crossed the bridge. I didn't know the reason why she got sick since the vet really didn't discussed anything to me. I really don't know all the sickness a cat might have and the correct things to do until I came to this site. And I came to realize that the vet I consider to rescue my Darling really didn't do anything and only cared about her payment and things she can sell in her clinic. It is really alarming to me since based on that experience, there are really Vets that doesn't actually care about animals they're looking for. Im looking for a vet that is really concerned about the animal and might do eveything to save or check the animal. Im hoping and praying that I'm gonna find one.

Guys, please site me qualities of a good Vet and really does care about the pet that they are checking. I want to make sure this time Im not going to be wrong.

denice · Oct 7, 2014

Do you live in the U.S.? In the U.S. I think you tend to have better luck with cats only vet clinics, one that has a board certified specialist would be really good but many areas don't have one. The vet will have Diplomat somewhere after their name if they are board certified.

pinkdagger · Oct 7, 2014

I really like using http://www.vetratingz.com/ to find good vets if it's accessible for your area! If you live in a relatively populated area, you can find communities, Facebook groups, subreddits, etc. that you can ask for first hand vet recommendations from other pet owners.

A good vet will be willing to take the time to talk to you, answer questions, and offer further assistance. They won't make you seem like a burden. They'll want you to ask questions. They should be as tender with you as they are with your pet (for example, a vet that places blame or is outwardly judgmental won't be a vet you'll want to deal with long term), and they should also be respectful when handling your pets.

If you know your cat gets defensive or really scared when approached, touched, or held a certain way, you should let them know from the start and the vet should act accordingly (for their safety and your pet's). Someone who cares a lot about your pets will want to know as much as possible about your husbandry, like what they eat and their typical activities and behaviour. If a vet doesn't ask about any of this the first time you see them, I would be concerned they're just trying to get you in and out of the office like a task on a conveyer belt rather than see either you or your cat as an individual.

ngeew18 · Oct 8, 2014

pinkdagger said:
I really like using http://www.vetratingz.com/ to find good vets if it's accessible for your area! If you live in a relatively populated area, you can find communities, Facebook groups, subreddits, etc. that you can ask for first hand vet recommendations from other pet owners.

A good vet will be willing to take the time to talk to you, answer questions, and offer further assistance. They won't make you seem like a burden. They'll want you to ask questions. They should be as tender with you as they are with your pet (for example, a vet that places blame or is outwardly judgmental won't be a vet you'll want to deal with long term), and they should also be respectful when handling your pets.

If you know your cat gets defensive or really scared when approached, touched, or held a certain way, you should let them know from the start and the vet should act accordingly (for their safety and your pet's). Someone who cares a lot about your pets will want to know as much as possible about your husbandry, like what they eat and their typical activities and behaviour. If a vet doesn't ask about any of this the first time you see them, I would be concerned they're just trying to get you in and out of the office like a task on a conveyer belt rather than see either you or your cat as an individual.

Yes! That's exactly what Im looking for in a Vet. Thanks.

That's what Im gonna do, seek communities and probably get info on facebook. Im really praying to be lucky this time. Wish me luck

pinkdagger · Oct 8, 2014

Good luck! Just remember that if something doesn't feel right and your gut tells you something is off or wrong, trust your gut!

ngeew18 · Oct 8, 2014

Thank you soo much.. Im really learning a lot from site. Thanks to all the people, my fellow cat lovers.

lovemycalico · Oct 8, 2014

As far as finding a good vet, you can either go by word of mouth or try googling your area. I also found review sites like yelp.com and kudzu.com to be a great way to make you feel comfortable with the new vet. Vet's are like doctors, nurses etc or anyone else for that matter and sometimes I do think they get burnt out and lose focus on why they become a vet/doctor etc. They also trying to pay the bills so they have to see as many patients as possible. It is really sad when you are having a bad day, or no longer care it can cost a loved one's life.

Whover you decide for your next vet, demand your questions get answered without them walking out of the room (I find this to be the best approach as once they leave they can get the tech to bring the pills etc so any questions you have will not be answered). Sometimes calling back with questions can be a hit or miss. I am sure from this forum you will be more prepared to question what the vet is doing and why.

I am all about advocacy for humans and pets and like to go in having some knowledge about what I am dealing with (animal or human). It's not because I don't trust my vet/doc or want to one up anyone. I just find I can ask concise questions, writing them down before I go also helps to keep the visit go smoothly.

I know my vet is busy so I try not to use anymore time as needed but I am no afraid to demand more time if necesary. I have learned the hard way. Sorry, if it seems like I am preaching because I really don't think you are doing anything bad. Finding a vet you trust and are comfortable with can be a challenge. Esspecially with kitties who can get stressed out easy with mutliple vet visits.

Good vets treat the animal, discuss all your options and really are thinking about the cats health when thinking about treatment options (procedures/medicine). A good vet will take the time to talk to you and give you options. My vet has brought up money before (knowing that pet owners may not have the money) but she does it in a non-judgmental way. Our neighbor moved and left their dog in the backyard and she was starving to death. We took her in and took her to the vet and she tested positive for heartworms, which was devestating because she was such a sweetheart. My vet asked how she was getting along with the other animals knowing that we might not be able to afford the treatment but I had to try and now she is thriving, maybe too much as she is a little on the heavy side now. I have been going to my vet for over 9 years (1 cat, 2 dogs) and they have always been patient and loving and take the time to talk to me (even when I know they are rushed). They are not perfect of course, mistsakes happen but overall, I couldn't imagine taking them to another vet.

ngeew18 · Oct 16, 2014

lovemycalico said:
As far as finding a good vet, you can either go by word of mouth or try googling your area. I also found review sites like yelp.com and kudzu.com to be a great way to make you feel comfortable with the new vet. Vet's are like doctors, nurses etc or anyone else for that matter and sometimes I do think they get burnt out and lose focus on why they become a vet/doctor etc. They also trying to pay the bills so they have to see as many patients as possible. It is really sad when you are having a bad day, or no longer care it can cost a loved one's life.

Whover you decide for your next vet, demand your questions get answered without them walking out of the room (I find this to be the best approach as once they leave they can get the tech to bring the pills etc so any questions you have will not be answered). Sometimes calling back with questions can be a hit or miss. I am sure from this forum you will be more prepared to question what the vet is doing and why.

I am all about advocacy for humans and pets and like to go in having some knowledge about what I am dealing with (animal or human). It's not because I don't trust my vet/doc or want to one up anyone. I just find I can ask concise questions, writing them down before I go also helps to keep the visit go smoothly.

I know my vet is busy so I try not to use anymore time as needed but I am no afraid to demand more time if necesary. I have learned the hard way. Sorry, if it seems like I am preaching because I really don't think you are doing anything bad. Finding a vet you trust and are comfortable with can be a challenge. Esspecially with kitties who can get stressed out easy with mutliple vet visits.

Good vets treat the animal, discuss all your options and really are thinking about the cats health when thinking about treatment options (procedures/medicine). A good vet will take the time to talk to you and give you options. My vet has brought up money before (knowing that pet owners may not have the money) but she does it in a non-judgmental way. Our neighbor moved and left their dog in the backyard and she was starving to death. We took her in and took her to the vet and she tested positive for heartworms, which was devestating because she was such a sweetheart. My vet asked how she was getting along with the other animals knowing that we might not be able to afford the treatment but I had to try and now she is thriving, maybe too much as she is a little on the heavy side now. I have been going to my vet for over 9 years (1 cat, 2 dogs) and they have always been patient and loving and take the time to talk to me (even when I know they are rushed). They are not perfect of course, mistsakes happen but overall, I couldn't imagine taking them to another vet.

Went to the new vet last Monday, followed all things I learned here. Based on what I've notice, seems like I need to strive harder looking for that one "good vet". Wish there is one in our area atleast. huhu

lovemycalico · Oct 16, 2014

I'm sorry you are having trouble finding a good vet. Maybe someone you know has a vet they go to that might work for you? Personal referrals can be the best. I don't know where you are but I am sure you can find a vet that you like, I at least would hope you would be able to. It might just take some time but well worth it in the end.

marc999 · Oct 16, 2014

My limited experience has led me to believe they'll push extra services, similar to taking your car in for service.

That's my take on 3 of 4 Vets. I've been to in my neck of the woods.

It's a business like any other.

keyes · Oct 16, 2014

Try finding one that is AAHA. I found one that was 60 miles away but, trust me, it's worth it. My fur babies and I have a vet that is just awesome.

pinkdagger · Oct 16, 2014

Marc999 said:
My limited experience has led me to believe they'll push extra services, similar to taking your car in for service.

That's my take on 3 of 4 Vets. I've been to in my neck of the woods.

It's a business like any other.

In my experience, while every vet will offer and push services, if you politely decline, good vets will back off. They have to make sure you know the option is there and that it would be beneficial, but they can't (shouldn't) strong arm you into saying yes. I find a lot of bad reviews on vets are related to them being money gougers and only being interested in profit, but having dealt with all of the vets in two different offices who were labelled as gougers, I'm thinking they just felt that because the vet suggested it, it was written in stone. Even the owners of the clinics didn't pressure me. I've visited 4 vets who see all clients but specialize in exotics and 2 who see cats and dogs and haven't gotten that vibe from any of them, but I may be very lucky.

Just like some people find getting their car's oil changed every 3,000km overkill (which for a lot of models, it can be) and have to tell the mechanic that when all they wanted was their tires changed, people have to educate themselves and trust themselves with their car's - and their cat's - care to know when and how to say no, and to know what is and isn't urgent.

lovemycalico · Oct 16, 2014

It might be really worth looking into such a facility like keyes mentioned. Sometimes the AAHA hospitals are more expensive but that isn't always the case.

My vet is an AAHA facility with four doctors and they have never pushed products on me. Maybe I am just lucky. They only do what is best for my animals and never tried to sale me anything. They are also mindful of alternative medicines or options that are more cost effective. They also match prices from the reputable online pet sites that sale medications like heartworm pills etc.

denice · Oct 16, 2014

I really think it is just hard to find a good vet. On my six year vet hopping experience with a chronically ill kitty one of the vet clinics I tried was an AAHA facility and I got no where but a thousand dollar bill for hospitalization. I also tried a cats only clinic but the vet was not a certified feline specialist. She told me that my kitty could not get fatty liver because he was underweight, the next time he was really sick I waited too long and he had fatty liver. I finally found a good vet clinic where the head vet is a certified feline specialist. There are only 100 certified feline specialists in practice though so a lot of people don't have access to one.

maureen brad · Oct 16, 2014

Try looking for a cat certified by the AAFP ( American Academy of Feline Practitioners) I had a hard time finding a good vet . I finally checked Yelp and found a vet with 100 five star reviews. I had heard of them and they were close so I drove over. The office manager immediately took me on a tour and everyone was so friendly.I didn't know at the time that my vet was approved byy the AAFP . She is great, very up to date on things like diet.Bonus, they are less expensive than others in the area despie being state of the art.They believe in charging moderate rates so that people can afford to take care of their animals.They are also involved in rescue groups etc.. Recently my vet was named the best vet in the San Francisco bay area. This after only 2 years in her own practice.Now they are expanding.Just shop around, if the vets don't take time with your cat and just try to sell you things move on.

ngeew18 · Oct 17, 2014

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all the advises. I may have struggles in finding a "good vet" but I am overwhelmed by all support I get from this site.

The websites and the AAFP though doesn't work for me since Im not in the US.

Im still hoping and praying though.. Will keep all advises in mind. Good vibes.. ^^

Finding a Good Vet

ngeew18

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denice

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pinkdagger

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ngeew18

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pinkdagger

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ngeew18

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lovemycalico

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ngeew18

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lovemycalico

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marc999

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keyes

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