Even though we are not vets, it's nice to know that our opinions and experience count for something when recommending vets to our clients. Recently we've been asked a number of times who we would recommend for various reasons from a client moving to a new area, those seeking second opinions and also on occasion clients not receiving great service and wanting to change.
Our first experience in all of this is to advise you strongly to trust your gut instinct. This natural resource that we all possess should never be underestimated. If somewhere doesn't feel right it probably isn't. Also if you are somewhere your dog is giving off uncomfortable signals to you, then also try hard to tune into your dog, trust what you are feeling from your dog and try somewhere else, after all it is your dog that will be left at the location and you want to know and feel that he or she will feel at least a little bit welcomed and cared for in a truly "passionate" way.
Other key considerations to ensure you find a trustworthy and reliable practice for your dog's care include:
Recommendations: Seeking recommendations from friends, family, or other dog owners whose opinions you trust are great. Online reviews and social media can also provide insights into other clients' experiences.
Credentials and Accreditation: Look for clinics staffed by licenced veterinary surgeons and certified veterinary technicians/nurses. Accreditation by organisations such as the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) or the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM).
Facility and Equipment: Visit the clinic in person if possible to assess the cleanliness, organisation, and overall atmosphere. Modern equipment and facilities can indicate a commitment to providing higher-quality care. A clinic should smell fresh and clean and be bright and cheerful.
Range of Services: Consider the range of services offered by the clinic, including preventive care, diagnostics, surgery, and emergency services. A comprehensive suite of services can ensure that your dog's needs are met throughout their life. Do they have specialist vets for example in orthopaedics or neurology? Do they have good diagnostic support for X-rays and/or Ultrasound, and staff members who know how to use them correctly and accurately read the results given, you will be surprised how many clinics have the machinery but not the correct staff to use such equipment. Ask to be shown around the clinic.
Communication and Approach: Evaluate the staff communication styles, willingness to answer questions, and approach to patient care. A compassionate and transparent approach can help build trust and confidence with the veterinary team. When calling the clinic do you get someone who can understand you or someone who is just a receptionist with no idea what you are talking about? Without clear communication time can be wasted, information not shared correctly and unwanted frustration for you when you need it most.
Emergency Protocols: Enquire about the clinic's procedures for handling emergencies and after-hours care. Knowing that your pet will have access to care in case of an emergency can provide peace of mind. Do they have on-site staff 24/7 or do they close the doors every night regardless and not offer proper round-the-clock care?
Compatibility: Trust your instincts and consider how comfortable you feel with the clinic's staff and environment. Building a positive and trusting relationship with your veterinarian is essential for your dog's ongoing care.
With the above practical things to consider when choosing a vet, we cannot stress enough that with the vast choice of veterinary clinics now available it is OK to change clinics it is OK to move on to another establishment that offers more or you feel more comfortable with. Hopefully, you will gain trust quickly with a clinic and you will have trust and comfortable engagement with them, this is the ideal solution but sometimes things change and it's time to move on, that's OK too.
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