5 best ways to find a vet

3. Ask questions
• What are your qualifications? Choosing the right vet is like interviewing a candidate for any other service. You want to make sure the vet you choose meets your needs and those of your pet. Most vets will be proud to share their accomplishments and any special training they have received.

• What equipment is on-site? You need to know if the practice has specialized equipment, such as ultrasound or endoscopy. “If you find a clinic that has that piece of equipment, and the people are appropriately trained, that's certainly a nice thing to have available,” says Cavanagh.

• Are any tests or treatments outsourced? Ask about what is available right in the clinic and what treatments or tests may be outsourced to another practice. “If there are top-notch specialists in the neighbourhood with all the bells and whistles, a lot of practices won't make that investment,” says Cavanagh. “They can send [patients] down the road and get that expertise and special equipment without having to train themselves.”

• Do you provide emergency care? Not all clinics deal with emergencies on-site. Vets in larger cities, for example, may refer you to an emergency hospital during off-hours, such as late at night or on weekends. Ask for a referral for emergency care so you are prepared for injury or sudden illness.

• Who decides which vet will treat my pet? If you are visiting a clinic with multiple doctors, you might not see the same veterinarian every time. Some clinics take on a team mentality, while others ensure owners will see one vet consistently. Cavanagh says both methods are effective, but owners must be aware of the differences and determine what they are comfortable with.

• What are your hours? The clinic that looks and feels best might not be the one for you if its hours don't match your schedule, so ask about vet hours as well as the hours of the clinic, which is useful if you want to pick up medication or food.

4. Feel it out
Cavanagh and Shaw agree that the vet's ability to communicate and show compassion are important factors in choosing a veterinarian. Good communication includes involving you in the decision-making process, explaining conditions or treatments as much -- or as little -- as you wish and giving you the opportunity to express any concerns without rushing.

“You can be a brilliant person in terms of your knowledge and ability to diagnose disease, but if you can't communicate that effectively with clients, you really can't do your job at all,” says Shaw, who conducts a communications rotation with senior-year students at the Atlantic Veterinary College to reinforce the importance of doctor-client relationships.

Vets, like other professionals, all have different personalities. Some may want to get down on the floor and fawn over your pet like a long-lost friend, while others are more businesslike. After your initial visits, consider which style feels most natural to you and what suits your particular needs.

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