Choosing the Right Vet For Your Pet

AVMA press release

Get ready pet lovers! National Pet Week is May 4-10 and it’s the perfect time to show your pet some love with the gift of good health. Just like annual checkups are important for people, regular veterinarian visits are a must for the four-legged companion in your life.

With an estimated 83+ million dog owners and 95+ million cat owners in the U.S. – it’s easy to understand why veterinarians have become more than a resource for pet owners; they are trusted family doctors to our furry friends. They are now family doctors to our furry friends. That’s why it’s important to find the right veterinarian for you and your pet. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has dedicated 150+ years to keeping pets happy and healthy, promoting responsible pet ownership, and has great advice for finding a veterinarian in your community.

Things to consider when choosing a veterinarian:

• Check the clinic’s office hours, and make sure it works with your schedule. If you work 9-5 during the week, see if they have evening or weekend hours.
• Pay close attention to how the veterinarians and staff treat you and your pet. It’s important to have rapport between you, your pet, the veterinarian and tech assistants, so your pet always feels safe and you know your pet is in good hands.
• Look over the clinic’s payment options and plans, and make sure they meet your expectations.
• If your pet is insured, see if the clinic accepts your insurance plan.
• Find out how after-hours emergencies are handled. Some clinics may not offer after-hours services, so consider finding the closest 24-hour pet hospital or emergency vet, just in case.
• If you have a pet other than a cat or dog, make sure the veterinarian has experience treating that species of pet.
• Ask your pet-loving friends or family members which veterinarians they recommend. A trusted opinion goes a long way in making sure you choose the right care for you and your pet.

Join the AVMA in Celebrating National Pet Week May 4-10 by checking out their National Pet Week video, and visit www.facebook.com/avmavets to learn about all the amazing ways veterinarians care for our pets. Our animals give us unconditional love and understanding so join the AVMA in taking time to repay that kindness by celebrating your pet.

*Source: 2012 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook