The right vet for your pet
There have been many surveys carried out among pet owners on what they require from their veterinary surgeon and the top of the list has always been "one who cares about both pet and owner".
This article is intended as guidance for the average pet owner on how to choose that ‘knight in shining armour’ who will provide a total health care programme for the whole of your pet’s life.
I will begin by listing some of the most important criteria which it is sensible to investigate on your first inquiry – the vets themselves, the staff, the premises, accommodation for the animals, out-of-hours arrangements and the cost.
While an initial telephone inquiry is useful, it is possible to learn a lot more by visiting the surgery. There are three categories of pet owner who will be looking for a vet: the first-time pet owner, those who have just moved into an area with their pet and those who have become dissatisfied with the service they have received.
On first contacting a practice, it is unlikely that you will meet or speak to the vet. It will almost certainly be a receptionist or veterinary nurse. Were you treated in a warm, friendly and caring way, were they helpful and efficient and did they give you confidence that you and your pet were very important?
Did they look clean and tidy and was there anything in the waiting area (like a notice board) which indicated to you who was on the staff and had they received appropriate training?
Were the premises clean and tidy and in good decorative order and free from unpleasant smells? Were you offered an opportunity to see behind the scenes?
What arrangements are there for out-of-hours care? It is common practice for several practices in an area to work a rota system for emergency work. There is no problem with this, provided you are not expected to travel a long way, when time may be important. Cost is also a factor and charges will vary from practice to practice. Bear in mind that charges will almost certainly be related to overheads and practices in the city area, where property and rentals are expensive.
Most surveys among pet owners indicate that many more are interested in the best treatment that is available and value for money rather than lower fees. Pet insurance is the best way to provide for the unexpected catastrophe. The caring vet with minimal facilities will also be able to refer the animal to a colleague with the necessary equipment to deal with your pet.
All veterinary surgeons when they qualify have received an excellent professional training which allows them to tend to all species of animal. Nowadays more and more vets are specialising and spending more of their time working in one of three fields – companion animals, horses or farm animals. Although there are still many who deal capably with all species, someone who spends most of their time working with dogs and cats will not be as familiar with horses and farm animals and vice versa.
To keep up to date involves attending continuing education courses, congresses and professional meetings. It is worth knowing what the practice policy is on this important aspect.
The bottom line which surpasses all else is: “does the vet and all his support staff really care about your pet?”
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Friday 25 May 2012
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