New Vet

[Twinkle]

After summer (as I will be away on vacation) I plan to adopt (I hope) two cats from my city's rescue group. My last vet was too far away. There isn't anyone in my neighbourhood to ask for recommendations as many people don't have pets. I have three potential places to check out. I need some help in what questions I should be asking to make sure my cat(s) get the best care.

Thanks everyone!

[Russ]

Ask about late hours and emergency numbers.

[nancycg56]

I would ask:

How they handle emergencies when the office is closed

Ask for referrals from clients

How they handle animals that have to stay overnight ~ does someone stay or come in

If you are into trying holistic medicine on your animals will they support you

Spaying and neutering costs and procedures

Do they expect payment in full or will they take payments for expensive procedures

I haven't had a cat in a long time but I wouldn't go to a vet that "routinely" declaws a cat ~ special circumstances are OK

I also wouldn't go to a vet that smells doggy or catty ~ there are ways to control the smell and they are obviously not on top of it

The last two are just my weird feelings about vets so you can ignore them

HTH and good luck!

[Josephhgoins]

First and foremost, I check with the BBB and look for complaints.

I always like to check out the examination rooms. Are they clean and well kept? Most people drop their pets off in the AM and pick them up after work so they don't bother checking.

I personally always stay with Thomas when he is at the vet. I think being there is stressful enough without adding being alone.

I also make sure to meet the Vet. If I don't care for them then I don't do business with them. Not only are most vet visits stressful on the animal they are on stressful on the owner as well. If the vet just rubs me the wrong way it will only be worse when it’s an emergency situation.

Make sure to check out the boarding area and see if it impresses you. The vet that I use has a large room for the cats and although they are in cages the room was specifically designed for them. They are lined up against a wall of windows and they actually keep squirrels and rabbits outside to entertain the cats. Also there is a huge aquarium inside for them to watch.

And now for the snob in me.......I apologize before hand. I must meet the attendants, the folks who actually carry and tend to my Cat. I talk to them and check out what they are wearing. Will it ruin their outfit if my cat has an accident on them or are they wearing scrubs? Are they working there for the joy of helping animals or to pay off a college loan? If possible I see how they interact with animals. Do they touch, feed or talk to the animals when they are showing me the facility or do they act like they may catch something if they do?

[dcompton]

What is the waiting area like? I went to a highly recommended vet, who professionally, was surely extremely good. But the waiting area was small and extremely noisy. My cat was so terrified, and my nerves were so jangled by it too, that I carried the cat back out to the porch and told them to come get me when they were ready. The receptionist seemed to think that was odd. There was noisy walking (almost stomping) on wooden floors like sounding boards - it was in an old house-, constant loud telephone ringing, banging doors, and assistants calling loudly to one another. It was becoming crowded and there were several large dogs I couldn't get away from. A very bad place for a cat.

I found another who had a quiet calm waiting room, large enough to move away from dogs if necessary. The attendents were quiet, and handled my cats very gently. The vet had a wonderful touch with them, quieting them and calming them quickly, and took time for some cuddling with them. Even my stand-offish princess responded to him.

All the questions above are important, but what was most important to me was the rapport he could establish at once with my cats and his quiet skill at handling and calming frightened animals.

[Twinkle]

Absolutely great questions - some I hadn't even have thought of! Thanks so much!!

[krbshappy71]

Note to yourself how quickly they get you into a waiting room. My pets are so much calmer if I can just get them out of that main room.

EAVESDROP. How do they talk to the other people? Watch the body language of the workers. Are they bored? Super stressed, perhaps overworked? Overworked can lead to mistakes. On a bad day, ya, some can seem frazzled but if it seems like that every time you go there, they might be understaffed.

Cleanliness is always a big deal to me, as well.

[2ndGenGranola]

You can also check online for customer opinions. We looked over those when choosing our new vet. Then DH called around asking for pricing. (are they there to provide a service or put their family though college?)

[shoiji]

I would still ask around your neighborhood since someone may have a friend or family member that uses a specific vet. You can also ask the rescue group what vet they used. Ask the vet if there are any discount programs for spaying/neutering since you got them from a rescue group. This area has a program which I was able to take advantage of. Just needed to show the vet proof that you did get the kitties from a rescue group or shelter. Mine also gives a discount since I am disabled.

I am thinking of changing to a different vet that is within walking distance. Since I do not have a car it will be easier to get to the vet in case something goes wrong. Had this happen last year and it was very anxiety causing trying to find a ride to the vet.

[krbshappy71]

I am thinking of changing to a different vet that is within walking distance. Since I do not have a car it will be easier to get to the vet in case something goes wrong. Had this happen last year and it was very anxiety causing trying to find a ride to the vet.

Wow I better keep my car running, my Golden Girl is 80 lbs, my other Golden is 65 lbs. I wouldn't be able to do this. I do walk them to the vet though when its just a wellness checkup/shots.

[frugalfranny]

Some great help here.......wow.

Hope you find a good vet twinkle, when you get ready for an addition to your family.

I often see posts on CL asking about a vet or for references for a certain area of town. If you have Craigslist.......you might give it a try.

The other posts pretty much covered everything I think. Think about what would be important to you......and then go for that.

[MTS04]

Some great questions above.
Ask what days are "surgery days" and ask when most procedures (anything beyond exams are done).
Ask how many Certified Vet Techs are on staff.
Lastly, on a non-surgery day, ask for a tour of the facility it's a great way to see how things work and how the staff interacts with one another.