How should you choose a
veterinarian?
·
recommendations from friends, local humane societies,
shelters
· clean, well-lit, odor-free premises
· evidence the veterinarian is continually
updating his knowledge
· some clinics are certified by the American
Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
· veterinarian and staff are polite, efficient,
and kind
· emergency or after-hours service is available,
either at this facility or another
· you and your pet should feel a rapport with the
doctor, and all your questions
should be answered in a caring, thoughtful manner
According to
Stuart W. Turner, DVM, writing for the Veterinary
Information Network, Inc. on aol's Pet Care Forum:
By definition a
veterinary "clinic" has a set number of hours in
which it is staffed or open and does not provide 24
hour care. A "hospital" is open 24 hours and staffed
by either a veterinarian or para-professional staff.
This is important because the word "hospital" is
termed rather loosely and many veterinary facilities
call themselves hospitals, yet they do not provide
24 hour care or monitoring for hospitalized pets. If
your pet is to be "hospitalized" overnight, ask who
will observe your pet and the specific hours they
will be there. It is not uncommon for a pet to
remain unobserved for as much as 14 hours. Ask also
about emergency or critical care facilities where
your pet may be transferred if necessary.
·
If a procedure is recommended, the veterinarian should
give you a range of options, if possible.
·
Ask about billing procedures:
- is full payment expected immediately?
- are credit cards accepted?
- are prices discussed before the procedure?
- will you be charged for an appointment you forgot to
cancel?
Select your veterinarian
for his or her ability to relate to people as well as to
your pet. Veterinarians say cllients who ask more
questions are more emotionally involved with their pets
and make good owners.
We collect for you many
interesting info about this subject in the
following information...