| In my work with people whose pets have passed | | | | may have a special need that they do not |
| away I have gained a lot of experience about pet | | | | accommodate. One of your concerns might be after |
| health care and safety. One of the most surprising | | | | hours and weekend emergency care. They may or |
| things I learned is that all veterinarians are not alike. I | | | | may not provide that service and you need to know |
| don't know why this was a surprise to me. Perhaps it | | | | before your need arises. |
| was because like most pet lovers I just assumed | | | | � You should observe the general |
| that people in the animal care business had great big | | | | appearance of the office and facilities. Are they |
| hearts and were very conscientious about an animal's | | | | clean? Is there an overpowering foul odor? Is the |
| well being. | | | | waiting room adequate? How professional does the |
| Unfortunately, I found that this is not true. The | | | | staff look and act? If possible and if it can be done |
| veterinarian field is no different than any other. Its | | | | discretely, ask a waiting client how they like the clinic. |
| ranks are populated by people with different ethics, | | | | � Ask for a schedule of costs. Most |
| values and motivations. Most veterinarians are great | | | | veterinarians charge about the same for services, but |
| people who care about both their human and animal | | | | some have greater overheads than others (i.e. |
| clients. But there are those few who do not. They | | | | upscale neighborhoods, more employees, etc.) and |
| care only about making money and being affluent. | | | | must charge a little more. You don't want any |
| The care they give may sometimes be adequate, | | | | surprises on your visits. Animal care can be |
| but often it is not. They lack compassion and just do | | | | expensive. Added or unseen expenses might hurt |
| not care. They are ugly veterinarians. | | | | your budget. Don't be afraid to ask. |
| Complaints about veterinarian indifference and poor | | | | � If you are satisfied with the veterinarian, |
| conduct arrive in my mail routinely. Unless a | | | | the staff, the facilities and costs, then call and make |
| veterinarian commits an extremely egregious or | | | | your first appointment. Even though you may not |
| unlawful act, there is not much recourse that you can | | | | need to, ask for a specific date and time to see how |
| take. There are regulatory bodies and a legal system, | | | | responsive they are to your personal needs. Don't be |
| but I think you will find that animals and their people | | | | unreasonable. Select a day and time for the following |
| do not usually get a fair shake in these situations. | | | | week. If they cannot accommodate you, ask them |
| One only needs to look at the number of animals put | | | | why they cannot. There may be a good reason (i.e. |
| down in shelters each day to know what importance | | | | the veterinarian might be going on vacation, etc). If |
| society places on them. | | | | they say they are just too busy, this might not be a |
| The best cure then is prevention. We who keep | | | | bad thing. Generally, good clinics draw the clients. You |
| animals need to set the bar on what is acceptable to | | | | need to look at all the facts and then decide. It might |
| us in terms of animal care and then choose only | | | | be worth the wait. |
| those veterinarians who meet our standards. The | | | | There should never be routine complaints about a |
| following suggestions are offered as a guide and | | | | veterinarian. If people would do their homework, |
| should be at least your minimum considerations: | | | | they would select a capable and caring veterinarian |
| � Meet with the Veterinarian. A veterinarian | | | | and not an ugly one. If everyone would do this, |
| who understands the importance of your pet to you | | | | those ugly veterinarians who come up short would |
| should have no problem finding a few minutes to | | | | not get new clients. They would soon be out of |
| meet with you. My veterinarian always comes out to | | | | business and most us would not miss them. |
| talk with me before he sees one of my pets and | | | | The author is a retired Coast Guard Officer with |
| once in awhile he calls me unexpectedly to see how | | | | over 32 years of service. He is also a Baptist |
| they are doing. If you detect reluctance by either the | | | | Preacher and Bible Teacher. He helps those grieving |
| Veterinarian or their staff to accommodate a short | | | | the loss of a pet to understand the Biblical evidence |
| introductory meeting, you probably should take this | | | | that proves they live on. His most popular book, |
| as a negative signal. | | | | "Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates" delivers hope and |
| � During your introductory meeting, you | | | | comfort to the reader in a very gentle, yet |
| should ask about services that they provide. You | | | | convincing way. Visit at for more information and tips. |