Continued from page 1
2. Does
vet offer a full surgery suite with on-site lab work? X-rays? Ultrasound? If vet has to send all lab tests to an outside agency to be processed, you may be getting popped with additional charges because those tests aren’t being performed or processed in-house.
3. Get a fee schedule. Cost is usually one of biggest considerations for dog owners, and it should be lowest on list of importance, at least in my mind. Not because cost isn’t important – of course it is, but - if you have a vet that you’re happy with – who gives your dog best care you can possibly find in your area – does paying a little extra for that care really matter in long run?
4. Check out physical characteristics of facility. Is it clean, or does it smell? Are ads or magazines in waiting room current? (That may not sound important, but if staff and doctors aren’t keeping up-to-date on latest and greatest information, this may not be place you want to bring your dog.)
5. Communication – by that I mean how well does your vet communicate with you? Will he or she explain condition or illness in terms that you can easily understand, or do they try to confuse you with high-tech or medical jargon? A good vet will go over treatment options with you, explain necessary tests, review x-rays or test results, give complete and clear instructions for home care or further testing requirements, etc.
Take your time to do a complete and thorough evaluation before choosing a new vet. Your dog’s life literally depends on what choice you make. Make it a careful one. http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj
Author, "Dog Training Secrets!" To transform your stubborn, misbehaving dog into a loyal, well-behaving "best friend" who obeys your every command and is the envy of the neighborhood, visit: http://tinyurl.com/6u2cj
