Finding vet
Next to you and your family, your dog's vet is the most important person in their life. After all, the vet will be responsible for your dog’s health throughout their entire life. So how do you choose a veterinarian that will provide the best possible care?
One of the best ways to find a vet is through the recommendation of a friend. If you know someone in your area with a dog or a cat, ask them where they take their pet and what they think of the quality of service provided.
Dial or click
Alternatively, a good place to start your search is through the phone book or on the internet. You don't want to have to drive for an hour to receive treatment for your sick dog, so focus on those nearest you. Select a couple of practices in your area and call to see if they'd mind you dropping by to take a look and introduce yourself.
Remember, you don't need to bring your dog for this initial visit. This is purely for you to get a feel for the place and the people who work there. Is it clean? are the staff professional? If you get the chance to meet the vets, are they friendly and approachable? You're going to be entrusting your dog's life to these people so it's important that you feel comfortable with them.
Tasty Tips
Find out if they are a solo or group practice. Most veterinary clinics have one vet and several nurses to deal with the animals. Group practices are increasingly common because they allow a pool of skills to be available to patients. However a group practice is not necessarily better than a single vet practice.
How much?
Cost is an important factor in determining how you treat your dog's health. Veterinary care can be expensive so it might be a good idea to ask about pet insurance once you have found the clinic you like.
Another factor to consider is emergency care. A veterinary practice will have arrangements for emergencies 24 hours a day. Find out what the policy is for emergency cases and where they are referred.
The best advice is to take a tip from your dog and follow your instincts. What you want in a veterinarian is someone who cares deeply about animals and your dog in particular.
Your vet will frequently be your first line of contact for many of the trials and tribulations that can arise when you own a dog, so choose someone you feel you can communicate openly and honestly with.
Related products
Light Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Light Adult Small & Mini Breed Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
Helps keep your dog fit and active with our low calorie, great-tasting food.
Precise nutrition for less active adult small dogs that require a low calorie food to help maintain a healthy weight & lifestyle.
Small & Mini Mature Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Small & Mini Breed Mature Adult Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
Tailored nutrition to support graceful ageing in small dogs. Specially made with a synergistic blend of nutrients for energy & vigor.
Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Small & Mini Breed Adult Dog Food with Lamb & Rice is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
Tailored nutrition for the unique needs of small dogs during the prime of their life.
Small & Mini Puppy Food
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Small & Mini Breed Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
100% balanced nutrition to support optimal growth & the immune system.
Related articles
Is Chocolate Bad for My Dog? (& What to Do If They Eat It)
Learn the the dangers of feeding your dog chocolate, which types are most dangerous, and what to do if you discover that they have consumed chocolate.
Overweight Dogs: A Recent Epidemic
Learn more about the problem of dog obesity and more importantly, what you can do to help your dog avoid becoming overweight.
What to Feed Your Pregnant or Nursing Dog
Learn what you can feed your pregnant or nursing dog to keep her and her new pups healthy.
How to Treat Your Dog’s Dry Skin: Dry Puppy Skin Signs, Causes, and Treatments
Learn about the symptoms, causes and treatments of dry puppy skin and how to provide relief for your dog. For expert skin care advice, visit Hill's Pet MT.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.