What to Expect from a Great Veterinarian

Your vet is one of the most important parts of your pet's health (after you, of course). How can you tell if you found a great vet? Background, experience and education are all very important factors. However, perhaps an even greater measure is how the vet makes you feel.

#1. Education and Experience

When choosing a veterinarian, you can start by studying the veterinarian and her clinic. Ask others to share their experiences.

Investigate your veterinarian background and online education if possible (or just call the clinic and ask about it). Information about the vet is often available on the clinic website. You can usually verify a veterinary license by looking online through the state licensing board or secretary of state.

To become a veterinarian, you must obtain a university degree (usually a Bachelor of Science) followed by four years of postgraduate education in veterinary school. It is quite difficult to get into your own school as there is a lot of competition and not many veterinary schools in the US (compared to medical schools). In addition, the school curriculum itself is rigorous. After school itself, candidates must take and pass a complicated test (boards) in order to become licensed. Some people complete one or more internships after school, although this is not a requirement. Know that by being admitted to his own school, completing the program, then passing the licensing boards, he himself has already shown great knowledge.

Having said that, not all selves are created equal. Continuous experience and education within the field allows a veteran to hone her skills and become excellent.

#2. Own Office:

Once you have chosen a veterinarian, it is best to visit the clinic first. To meet the vet, you usually need to make an appointment (choose something like a routine exam, unless your pet is sick).

Before meeting the veteran, consider your experience with other staff of animal clinic. You will likely need to see at least one support doctor/veteriarian before meeting the actual vet.

#3. Bed in Bed / Professionalism:

When the vet enters the examination room, the one should be warm, friendly and introduced. She should take a moment to greet your pet, then a few minutes to talk to you about the reason for the visit and listen carefully to any concerns you may have about your pet.

During the examination, you should observe your veterinarian looking over every part of your pet's body while the technology or assistant treats your pet carefully. Some experienced people are really quick in their exams, so do not assume that something was overlooked. Ask if you think he has lost something.

#4. Communication:

The veterinarian should talk to you about her exam findings, then make her recommendations. In some cases, it is simple to say that everything was normal and made recommendations for basic well-being (like vaccines and routine lab tests). If your pet is not well, or if something abnormal is seen on the exam, your veteran should discuss the details of your options.

If a diagnostic test is recommended, he or she must explain what tests he or she wants to do and what these tests will show. If treatment is recommended, it should explain what the treatments involve and how they will help your pet. All of this needs to be explained in a way that you can understand, using common terminology (not too much medical jargon). The veteran should take steps to make sure you understand and ask if you have any questions before leaving the room. Communication is the key to a successful self-client relationship.

#5. Support Staff

Note that it is normal for vets to ask their technologists or assistants to share information with pet owners. This is usually basic, general information. For detailed medical recommendations, you will usually talk to your veterinarian. Of course, vets are busy people.

Good veterinarians will train and empower their staff members to help clients and pets as much as possible (within reason and in accordance with their training and education). Give the staff a chance to help you. However, if at any time you think you will be better served by a direct conversation with the vet, speak up. A great vet will be happier talking to you!

Overall, if your veteran is amazing, you will leave that feeling of satisfaction and confidence for your pet’s medical care.