5 best ways to find a vet

5. Dollars and sense
When comparing prices, keep in mind that one vet's price for a specific treatment may include painkilling medication and monitoring, for example, while another vet's price may not include these necessary treatments; ask for the total price for a procedure. All clinics will have varying overhead costs, which is why practices in urban centres may have much higher prices than those in smaller towns. Fees are not standardized across Canada to account for these differences.

Check it out
Hosted by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, animalhealthcare.ca offers an online clinic finder. Enter any Canadian town or city for a list of vets.

Hosted by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), healthypet.com offers an online search for accredited animal hospitals anywhere in Canada or the United States. Accredited practices have completed the application process of the AAHA. Accreditation includes an on-site visit to evaluate facilities, staff training and more.

Your pet's body talk
Animals use body language to communicate and show emotion. “You want to see your pet react to the vet as he or she would a friend at home,” says Janet Parker, owner of Clever Canine Training and Behaviour Consulting in Victoria, so make the vet's office a fun place. She suggests taking extra trips to the vet's office for a weigh-in and treat so not all veterinary experiences involve needles and uncomfortable prodding.

Parker says a comfortable pet will display the following behaviours.
• Eager to enter the vet's office
• Loose and relaxed attitude
• Interest in surroundings and alertness

Behaviours of an uncomfortable pet include the following.
• Clinging to your side
• Stiff movements
• Ears pinned down
• Refusing food
• Excessive drooling or panting

Parting with your vet
Most people cease their relationship with a veterinary clinic due to perceived attitude or communication problems, says Dr. Scott Kelman from Bow Bottom Veterinary Hospital in Calgary.

While it might be awkward, vets will appreciate feedback on why you're leaving, particularly if it has to do with inadequate services such as outdated technology. “Writing a letter or an e-mail is a great idea because it starts dialogue and allows the veterinarian to respond,” says Kelman. If you can't sort things out, many vets are happy to refer you elsewhere. All of the information in a patient's file belongs to the practice, but owners can pay for copies.

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