by LVF on 10-23-2018 in Choosing a Veterinarian
There are many different circumstances under which a pet guardian is looking for an animal hospital, veterinarian, veterinarian specialist or animal professional. One important factor to remember no matter what is going on, that YOU are your PETS ADVOCATE and VOICE. It's up to you to find the best sources to help with their issues. You know your companion best!
FIRST: If it's an emergency, you have no time for research. Find the closest EMERGENCY CENTER OR CLINIC and go! You need to get your pet stabilized first and foremost. After that, you can start the research in finding a veterinarian, specialist or pet professional that will meet your pet companion needs.
SECOND: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. Don't let yourself get frustrated. If you don't like or find that your first round of resources to be most beneficial or of any great success or find a dead end or that the professional has nothing else to offer, then keep researching and communicating with other pet guardians and find new and more sources. There are just so many options out there that you will most likely find someone or place that can offer more. That’s where we hope to help. Our goal at the Local Vet Finder is to help you find sources to contact but it's up to you, the Pet Guardian, to determine if the sources are one you deem appropriate for your pet.
HOW TO FIND A VETERINARIAN OR PET SPECIALIST TO FIT YOUR PETS NEEDS:
Talking with other Pet Guardians about sources for your companion issues or needs can be a great starting point. Talking with those experiencing the same issues, in my personal opinion, is very helpful. With the web available to us it can be endless. There are so many groups out there with other Pet Guardians trying to find answers that these blogs and online sources are so beneficial. For instance, Yahoo Groups. I use them and found the information shared was of great help to our pets and specific issues. Most likely you will find a group that's just about your specific issue. Don't be shy, sign up and start reading. There are other local sources as well. Contact your local pet boutique store, they often have sources that have been shared with them. Talking with your current vet and calling other vets asking for sources can also be a very viable resource. Other great local sources are clubs, rescues or your local SPCA or Humane Society.
Interviewing veterinarians and other pet professionals are also very important. It can save you a lot of time and frustration. When your pet companion is unhealthy, time is of the essence. So you don't want to waste time on someone that can't offer you some options or solutions.
The interview is to learn about the veterinarian and their pet hospital's abilities, what they have to offer your pet and about their experiences and success. This is not about them analyzing your pet, their blood work, and test results. That would normally be the next step with an initial consult visit. Of course, if they offer to review, don’t deny that one.
So how do you interview a veterinarian or other pet professional, well there several ways. If you decide to do this, be respectful of their time and they will be respectful of your goals. Remember they are as busy as you and I. 5-10 minutes is usually sufficient. You can ask a lot of questions in that amount of time, you would be surprised. Be prepared before even contacting them with a list of your questions ready at hand when you make the call. Some veterinarians or pet professional will take 5 or so minutes to chat with you on the phone right then, or sometimes the vet techs and assistance will be able to answer your questions sufficiently as well. This is why I say to have your questions ready, you may not be calling back. If the veterinarian and/or their tech/assistance are not willing or able to answer then, ask if you can set up a time to chat for 5 or so minutes on the phone. If they are not responsive to the idea, you can then make an appointment and pay for their time. I've never had to do that personally myself, every time I've interviewed a veterinarian, I've been able to get the info I needed on the phone at no charge.
Don't be shy with your questions. Be prepared. Be Direct and to the point. For instance if you dealing with CRF, ask how many times they have the dealt with it, what kind of success do they have, will they let you do some of the procedures yourself at home such as giving fluids, what types of meds do they normally offer, will they be open to other medicines that you research and suggest to them, and so on. If you find they are not a good match, ask if they can recommend someone who has dealt with your pet issues many times over or is a specialist they like.
This is just the start of the process. RESEARCH by the pet guardian is so critical. You are leading the charge for your pet companion, so your decisions are so very important. Don't take a back seat, be driving.
I hope this was helpful and we wish all pet guardians and their companions great health, a long life and lots of love.
