As a pet parent it is very important that you have a good relationship with your veterinarian and their staff. You may be moving to a new area or deciding it’s time to find a new veterinary office. Here are some tips that you may find helpful:

• One of the best things you can do is to ask friends, family and co-workers for recommendations. Ask them what they like about their veterinarian and their staff. Is there any one veterinarian that may be a better fit for your pet than any other in the office? Many pet owners with nervous pets often look for a soft spoken, gentle veterinarian.
• Do you like to communicate by email? Ask if this is an option with the veterinary staff.
• How convenient are the hours, location and methods of payment? What credit cards are accepted?
• Do they offer senior citizen, service animal or multi-pet discounts?
• What is the set up of the hospital? Will your cat or small dog be seated in the waiting room next to an animal they might find scary? Are the hospitalized cats and dogs kept in different areas?
• A great hospital does not have to be fancy but it does need to be clean, well organized and comfortable.
• Some hospitals are AAHA certified. The American Animal Hospital Association provides voluntary accreditation to companion animal hospitals. AAHA certified hospitals have made a commitment to meeting the highest standards of veterinary care.

And now it’s time for you to be a great client! Your new hospital staff will love you if you:

• Show up on time for your appointments and/or surgery drop offs. Always call if you are running late or can’t find your pet. Their schedule may not be able to accommodate you if you show up late.
• Although you may be scared, worried or frustrated, please treat all staff with courtesy.
• Restrain your pet appropriately. Always use a collar and leash, a harness or a pet carrier. Never show up with a cat in your arms! If you are having trouble with our pet, leave them in the car briefly and ask the receptionist to send someone out to help you.
• Remember to turn off your phone, especially when you are in the exam room! If you must keep it on while in the waiting room, speak softly when getting a phone call.
• Are focused and present and asking questions if something is not clear to you.
• Always call ahead for prescription refills and understand that if you do not, you may have to wait or come back at another time.
• Call ahead in an emergency situation to see if a veterinarian is available. If they are not, you may be referred to an emergency facility so that your pet can be seen without delay. Although you might only want to see the veterinarian you are familiar with, it is for your pet’s well being.
• Take with a grain of salt what you read on the internet. Your veterinarian is still the best source of medical information!