Choosing a Veterinarian

[selzer]

Originally Posted by seahorsee

Hi! I've recently got a puppy, and now I'm looking for a good vet. I've looked through many reviews (Animal Services Reviews @ Pissed Consumer), but still can't make a right choice. What does a good vet mean? What qualities should this specialist have? Please help!

"The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones" William Shakespeare


I must ask, what the heck did you think you were going to read on a sight that is labeled such???

Since my momma taught me not to use that word, peed-on consumers are unlikely to tell you how their vet had respect for them and their pet, and discussed everything knowledgeably. But whatever.

[Odin24]

I had been using this one vet for a few years. I had a cat and house rabbits at the time and it is hard to find a vet who knows rabbits. I got my first German Shepherd and it had endless stomach issues from the beginning. After numerous trips to the vet with no results, the vet informed me that the only problem with the dog was me. So I buy another bag of Low Residue kibble and go to leave. The receptionist insists on helping me carry the food to the car (it was only a five pound bag). In the parking lot she tells me to take the dog to another vet and gives me his name. They get me in the next day. The dog had twisted its intestine at the mesentaric root. New vet did surgery and the dog lived to be 11.

[DollBaby]

When in a new area, I ask area people for vet recommendations. I go where the folks say is the best for an 'easy' appointment and make my own evaluation. It's worked for me and mine

[MissLilyBean]

When I was looking for a vet in my area, I asked around. Most recommended one particular clinic which was only about 15 minutes from me. There were several practicing there. The first one seemed a little rushed and I was sort of turned off by it. But when Sweet Pea's hip dislocated and we took her in, the man that saw us that time was WONDERFUL. So sweet with animals and very thorough. At her second hip reduction follow-up, he was all, "Oh here's my beautiful Sweet Pea. You look so good. Let's see you walk sweetheart!" Then he has me walk her up and down the hallway... all the while shouting, "Look at you go Sweet Pea! Work it girl!"

In other words, huge difference between vets under one roof. Needless to say, we requested him from that point forward. Proof is in the pudding because he's always booked up compared to the others.

Unfortunately we've moved an extra 10 miles away. I still want to use him but we're now looking for one that's closer just in case. I don't wanna have an emergency and take her into the first one up the street without knowing what I'm getting into. You know?


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[katro]

I first chose my vet practice because they were really close to my house. Then my cat had urinary tract issues and I picked a random doctor there and she turned out to be one fantastic lady! She treated my Nightshade so thoroughly and effectively and even didn't charge me once because I had to wait 45 minutes for my appointment (due to another pet having an emergency)! The rescue group I got Ralphie from used a different place that wasn't too far from my house either and I got a free coupon for an initial check-up (plus I had to take Ralphie back there after the first week to get his neuter stitches out). I went there once and only once. The doctor I got was very impersonal and even though Ralphie was emaciated, he told me that he was at a perfect weight (ummm, pretty sure you're not supposed to be able to SEE ribs and hips/pelvic bones sticking out) so I seriously doubted his professional opinion and took Ralphie to my cat vet who again, has done a wonderful job with Ralphie, too. My advice would be to go to someone you're comfortable with. If you go to one place and they just don't do it for you, go somewhere else.