Seven Qualifications a Veterinarian Office Must Have

When looking for a “good vet” you might think all veterinarians are trained alike? If they give good service and have convenient hours, isn't that enough? The answer is no. All veterinarians are not created equal. Below is a list of qualifications and considerations that good veterinarians satisfy.

1. Does the office carry the “AAHA” logo? It stands for American Animal Hospital Association, and if you're like most pet owners, you've probably never heard of this organization.   Veterinary hospitals can voluntarily join this organization, which is a lot more than a club. While membership is open to all animal hospitals, only those adhering to rigorous voluntary requirements and inspections are permitted to display the AAHA logo. It is not cheap, but veterinarians who are serious about quality invest the money and energy to be eligible. Only 15% of animal hospitals qualify.

2. Look for multiple doctors in the practice. A practice with at least three doctors is best. Why? Conscientious doctors don't need to be asked to get a second opinion for their clients. Anything that is not clear-cut warrants a consultation at a good hospital. Buy one opinion, get two more for free.

3. "Closed for lunch." So if your pet gets hit by a car at 12:15, the people at the veterinary hospital need to finish their lunch before they can come to the rescue? This is simply not acceptable. You need a veterinarian when your pet does.

4. Extended hours. A hospital that is open 24 hours would be the best, but hardly any are. However, many are open until 7 P.M. or later, as well as every day of the week. Not many pet health problems have to be treated immediately, but there will be times when you'll want to see the veterinarian sometime before the end of the day. Besides, the convenience of evening and weekend hours is, well, a convenience.

5. “By appointment only”. It’s fine if your veterinarian’s office works by appointments, but if your pet is sick enough to need help, you want to be able to come in right away.  Not to be able to do so is simply not acceptable. (A word of advice, though: When a problem crops up, and you need to take your pet in right away, better to call ahead.

6. Services you want. For instance, if the ad for the veterinarian lists spays, neuters, and vaccinations and that's about it, you should look for a different doctor. Look for a broad range of services such as pet cancer treatment, dental care, illness, and injury. Better yet, look for a veterinarian that lists behavior management, too. Try to find most of what you may need under one roof.

7. Proximity to home. This is by far the most common criterion used by people searching for a new veterinarian. It makes sense in case of emergency, but be careful not to rank convenience over quality.

When looking for a veterinarian, remember that not all veterinarians are created equal. Be sure to do your homework by reviewing the criteria discussed above, so the next time your pet needs care you’ll be ready.

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