Choosing a veterinarian that is the right one for your Doodle pup is an important decision. Most people choose their vet before they even bring their new puppy home, and we encourage you to do your research thoroughly and carefully. Here are 7 important questions to help you get started in choosing your puppy’s forever vet.
Choosing a Vet for your Puppy
Are they a licensed veterinarian?
You will want to make sure that you are choosing a vet that is licensed in your state. In addition to state licensure, what accreditations do they have or what associations do they belong to? We encourage you to read this article from the AKC that provides suggested accreditations or associations for vets: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-find-best-veterinarian/
How long have they been in practice?
It is valuable to know your potential vet’s educational background, how long they’ve been in practice, and what their experience and expertise is. You will want to make sure that they have had significant experience with dogs and that they are familiar with your dog’s Doodle breed.
What are their customer reviews?
Check out Google Reviews online and customer reviews on social media. Personal recommendations and word of mouth from friends are both so helpful to finding a vet that will provide expert medical care with compassion.
Are their staff friendly?
Stop by and visit veterinarian offices to get a feel for the culture and atmosphere among the staff. Take note of how employees treat one another, their customers, and the furry patients under their care. Ask them for a tour. Do they take pride in their facility and keep it clean and attractive?
Are their prices comparable?
Shop around and evaluate standard pricing for office visits, shots administered, spaying/neutering, etc. Pricing can vary widely. Also, if you have pet insurance, check to make sure the vet accepts your pet insurance.
What are their hours and what emergency after-hours services are available?
Find out what regular business hours are as well as what services are available after hours. Unfortunately, emergencies can happen with our pets, and just like people emergencies, they rarely happen at convenient times. If the vet does not offer 24-hour care, find out the protocol for their emergency services care.
Where are they located?
Of course, you will want to consider the location of vets you are considering and their distance from your home. Whether it’s routine office visits, concerns about a new issue that’s popped up, or emergency situations, it will give you peace of mind knowing that your vet is easily accessible.
Other Considerations when choosing a vet for your forever pet:
- If you have more than one pet, do they offer multi-pet family discounts?
- Do they offer puppy packages?
- Do they offer other resources for pet owners like training or boarding recommendations?
We know that you want to provide your furry companion the best care possible. Choosing a vet that is compassionate and qualified to provide counsel and care is crucial to helping your Doodle thrive for years to come!
Check out our Puppy Guide for more ideas and support as a new Doodle parent!
