When
I adopted my first dog, I had no idea how to choose a vet. How do you
know what kind of practitioner is best for your particular dog? Good old
fashioned word-of-mouth is the best place to start.
If you’re a dog person, chances are you know other dog people whose pet-care philosophies are in line with your own. So ask a friend about their veterinarian. (As a bonus, many vets have referral programs that can lead to discounts for you and the friend who referred you.)
If you’re in a new place where you don’t know many people, check out reviews on a site like Yelp or Angie’s List,
where you can learn about other people’s experiences with veterinarians
in your area, and select a few who might meet your needs.
Whether you get a referral from a friend or an online search, you’ll want to make sure the veterinary practice is accredited with the American Animal Hospital Association. The AAHA evaluates veterinary practices on standards
for patient care and pain management, surgery, facilities, medical
records, cleanliness, emergency services, dental care, diagnostic
imaging, anesthesiology, and continuing education. While vet hospitals
are not required by law to be accredited, accreditation shows a commitment to maintaining high standards of care and services.
