Your veterinarian is one of the most important people in your pet’s life. The right veterinarian not only treats acute injuries and illnesses, but helps you create a care and wellness plan to keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy for years to come. Choosing the right veterinarian can take some work, but there are some ways to make sure you find one you can trust.
Ask For Recommendations
One of the best ways to find a good veterinarian in the Lakewood or Golden area is to simply talk with friends or family that have similar attitudes about pet care. They likely already have experience with vets in the area and can tell you the pros and cons of various practices. If you participate in dog training or regularly visit a dog daycare or groomer, consider asking professionals at those locations for their opinions as well. They likely have experience with veterinarians throughout the region.
Look Into Accreditation
While there are some excellent veterinarians who do not seek accreditation beyond state licensing requirements, credentials can provide additional peace of mind. The American Animal Hospital Association is the primary organization in the United States. It evaluates veterinary practices based on numerous factors ranging from surgical and nursing care to medical records and cleanliness, and only passes those that meet its high standards.
Board certification is another consideration, particularly if your dog has a special medical need. Board-certified veterinarians typically study for two to four additional years after graduating from veterinary school, and they specialize in particular conditions. For example, veterinary behavioralists can help dogs suffering from severe anxiety or other behavioral problems.
Make Sure It’s Practical
Look at any potential veterinarian’s hours and policies before booking an appointment. If the vet has limited hours and you can’t miss work, then it may be better to look for another clinic in Golden or Lakewood. Make sure they are communicative and open. While many veterinarians are unable to give detailed costs over the phone, they should generally have a basic pricing structure for routine care. Check to make sure that it is in your budget before booking an appointment.
Talk About Your Views
It’s important to be on the same page as your veterinarian, so be sure to discuss important issues during your first visit. Look for veterinarians who understand the importance of exercise and socialization, particularly those who understand the unique health concerns that may come with dog daycare and dog boarding. The kennel environment can require vaccinations that veterinarians may not normally recommend, so be sure to be open about your dog’s lifestyle. Some veterinarians have their own dog boarding operations, so be sure that your veterinarian is fine with your dog going to the kennel of your choosing if you have an established relationship with another facility.
This is also a good time to get a feel for the veterinarian’s personality. Bedside manner is important, so make sure you like the way the doctor handles your pet. She should spend time putting your dog at ease. In addition, you should feel comfortable talking with the veterinarian and asking questions or expressing concerns. Make sure you understand what she says and that she can clarify anything that confuses you.
Evaluate the Staff
Every experience is a potential for dog training, so be sure your pooch feels comfortable and relaxed around all of the staff members. While conscientious veterinarians are typically very careful about their employees, some workers can get flustered and impatient with pets. Look for clinics that have a calm, professional attitude that puts the dogs’ needs first. Clinic staff should also have some general familiarity with dog training and handling so that they can help your dog stay calm and safe.
Consider asking about how long the staff has worked at the clinic. You can do this by asking the veterinarian or office manager directly, or casually asking individual staff members as you chat. Good clinics tend to have a low turnover and loyal staff. If one or two staff members is new, that’s no reason to worry. However, a large number of new staff or frequently changing staff may hint at trouble behind the scenes.
Ask for a Tour
Good, professional facilities are generally fairly open and willing to let you see the entire clinic, so consider asking for a tour. It’s a good idea to ask for this upfront as many veterinarians work on a tight schedule and may need to plan for extra time or keep a tech available to show you around. The back of the clinic typically contains the kennel, recovery rooms and spaces for other procedures, and should be clean, tidy and professional-looking.
Although openness is a good thing, be reasonable about your requests. You may not be allowed in areas where other pets are being actively treated or in areas where there may be a risk of contamination. This is normal procedure and no cause for concern.
Choosing a good veterinarian can take a bit of research and time, but the right practitioner can make a significant difference for your pet. Do a little research and interview potential Lakewood and Golden veterinarians thoroughly, then move forward with confidence and trust.
