When you need to take your pets to a veterinary clinic–whether it’s for routine check-ups or because they seem to be sick, where you go is of great importance. Choosing a good local vet could mean life or death for your pets.
Depending on where you’re located, most vets won’t have a great deal of training working with various animals. Make sure the veterinary clinic you choose specializes in your particular pet: if you have a cat, choose the veterinary clinic with the cat doctor, even if they might be a bit further from home.
There’s a good chance that you might already have a clinic that you’re content with or you might have a clinic to which you were referred by some friends. This is an awesome starting point but there’s always room for improvement!
After all, your friends’ and family’s needs might be different from your own. In this article, we’ll be discussing the different things to watch out for when you’re choosing the local veterinary clinic for you and your furry friend!
Plan, Plan, Plan
It’s always good to prepare for things in advance. Make a specific list of clinics and a list of the services that you need so you have a plan of action when you go there. Make sure that you factor in things like emergency care, admitting processes, the prices at which pet medicine is sold, and of course, which animals they specialize in.
Sometimes, it can get a bit tricky when you’re there at the clinic, in the thick of things–take your lists with you so you don’t get confused or forget to ask any of the important questions.
Be Observant
Take a tour around the clinic. When you come in for an ocular, explain to the staff that you’re looking for a place to serve as your pet’s regular clinic. Most vets will gladly show you around and explain the different procedures and sections of the clinic.
Observe how they treat the pets and also how they sanitize their equipment. Think of the place from your pet’s point of view: is it safe? Does it feel cozy and non-threatening? Also pay attention to the cleanliness of the place. Do they use freshly-opened syringes and medical equipment? Are the litter trays clean (for cats)? Have they laid down fresh bedding in the cages (for bunnies)? Do the dogs have flea collars?
All of these seem like small, detailed touches but cleanliness is very important. Badly kept places could increase the spread of disease and cause the pets in the vicinity to get even more ill. Cleanliness is a must!
Check Up on Their Association Memberships & Accreditations
Most accredited veterinary clinics like Sugarland Vet will have their certificates of accreditation and membership on display. This usually reflects the vet’s specializations. For example, if they have the International Society of Feline Medicine membership and you have a cat, then this is a great place to go.
However, if you have a dog and you don’t notice any memberships for canine associations, then this might not be the best vet clinic for you and your fur baby!
Mind the Way that the Pets are Treated
It might be a small gesture but take note of the way that pets are taken in and out of their holders, cages, or beds. Pay special attention to veterinary assistants and technicians. They play a major part in how safe your pets will be, on the off-chance that they get confined due to illness.
When animals–especially dogs and cats, which have become very domesticated over the years–are under a lot of stress, it lowers their chances of a quick recovery. Rough pet handling can definitely be a major stressor. Make sure that you ask the vet and/or the technicians what kind of Pet-Friendly certification they have.
If you so much as see one of the vets or technicians being rough with one of the other pets–get out of there as quickly as you can. Remember that it could be your pet next.
Read more: 6 Common Health Problems in Beagles and How to Address Them
Check if They Have a Nursing Specialist
This is very important especially if your pets are under six months old. Many kittens and puppies will need to suckle to get nutrition–and they won’t take very well to artificial methods of feeding. If they’re used to you feeding them or if they breastfeed from an older pet back home, then the clinic will have a very hard time feeding them without an expert.
A nursing specialist is a must for those with younger pets. If they do have a nursing specialist, ask her which animals she studied and had experience with. Cats, dogs, and bunnies all nurse in unique ways.Choosing your regular local veterinary clinic is crucial for your pet’s well-being and overall health. Make sure that you choose wisely–keep our tips in mind the next time you’re scouting for great clinics like Sugarland Vet Clinic. When you ask the right questions, you’re making a huge investment in your pet’s future!