Advice on finding a good vet

[TracyTN 237]

You've gotten some great advice in this thread!

I've always gone on referrals from friends. The vet I'm with now was recommended by a friend - and what's better, his wife works there as one of the technicians. So I know if my kitty ever had to stay for a procedure, my friend's wife would definitely want to be there with my kitty. Also, if puddy tat had to stay overnight in the facility, her and my friend are one of two couples who rotate in to feed them/check on them in the evenings. The personal touch is very important to me - and its just a bonus that the vet is wonderful too - kind, observant, very communicative.

I had kitty in there two weeks ago for a checkup - they had the entire office in there watching her floss (yes my cat is weird).

Edited September 14, 2007 by TracyTN

[maya62 7]

I would imagine most places have some sort of low-cost spay/neuter program by now. The one in this area will do a female cat spay and rabies vaccine for about $50. Just checked because we have an older kitten who needs one.

AAHA has high standards for animal hospitals... checking with them is a great idea. They have an AAHA-approved hospital locator here:

http://healthypet.aahanet.org/eweb/startpa...site=HealthyPet

Good luck!

Maya

[JVKn'CVO 11]

Hey, just wanted to add one small thing, I know your concern was about the cleanliness of the facility, but I wanted to comment on the actual professional, based on my personal experience/ knowledge. A good vet takes the time and has the technique to make a good physical examination. X-rays and blood work and all that, are called "complementary" analysis because they can never replace a good checkup. At the beginning of the consult, the vet should take the animal's vital signs, and then move from a general examination, to the specific examination. This is very important in veterinary, because the physical examination is the only way to obtain the symptoms. Also, "normal standards" vary a lot (especially between dogs), so if you check vital signs in health, you will spot variations more easily in the event of sickness.

Something else to keep in mind when choosing your vet

Saludos,

Caro

Edited September 15, 2007 by JVKn'CVO