| This article will assist you with finding a vet for the | | | | � Is vet's office clean? |
| newest member of your family. | | | | � Is the staff friendly to you and your |
| One of the most important requirements in selecting | | | | animal? |
| a vet for your new puppy is communication. You | | | | � Are the technicians licensed? |
| need a vet that will speak to you, not down to you | | | | � Does vet have a fee schedule that you |
| as if you were not intelligent. Your puppy's health | | | | may have? |
| depends on you and you need to feel comfortable | | | | � Is pet insurance accepted? |
| with this vet. Does the vet take time to answer all | | | | � Does vet accept credit cards and does |
| your questions or are they in a hurry to go on to the | | | | vet have payment plan? |
| next patient? Does the vet speak in medical jargon | | | | � Does the vet answer all your questions |
| or do they explain procedures, conditions and | | | | and not rush you out the door? |
| treatment options in layman's terms? It is very | | | | � Does the vet make referrals to specialists? |
| important that you understand your puppy's health | | | | If so, is the specialists close by? |
| conditions and treatment options so you can decide | | | | Finding a vet for your puppy is the same as finding a |
| what is best for your animal. | | | | doctor for yourself. You want someone who is |
| If you are a new pet owner or have just moved to | | | | qualified and caring. No matter how qualified a doctor |
| a new community it may take a few days or weeks | | | | is in his/her field, you would not go to them if they |
| to find a vet. Asking for recommendations from | | | | were rude and uncommunicative. Once you decide on |
| friends that have dogs, breeders or local breed | | | | a vet, take your puppy in for a check up. The vet |
| groups may assist you in your search for a vet. | | | | will let you know what shots your puppy needs and |
| Please keep in mind that a vet that does marvelous | | | | if they need to place your puppy on preventive |
| with your neighbors toy poodle may not be a | | | | heart worm medication or flea preventive medication. |
| perfect fit for your little Rottweiler puppy that grows | | | | Make sure you get all the shots for your puppy and |
| up to weigh 120 pounds. Make sure the vet is | | | | follow the schedule the vet gives you. There are |
| comfortable with your puppy as well as your puppy | | | | certain shots that will be given to your dog through |
| being comfortable with the vet. | | | | out his life. |
| Finding a well established vet who offers on site lab | | | | After two or three visits to the vet you should |
| work ups and x-rays are a plus. If lab work has to be | | | | know if your puppy is happy to see the vet and if |
| sent to an outside facility, it usually means the cost is | | | | you feel comfortable. If there are any concerns, you |
| more and there may be a delay of receiving the | | | | should bring this to the attention of the vet or office |
| results. This may not be the case, so it would be | | | | staff. If you feel uncomfortable you always have the |
| wise to discuss this with the vet or office personnel | | | | option of finding another vet. Remember it is you and |
| before making any decision. Cost of vet care may | | | | the vet working together that will keep your puppy |
| vary with area and the office set up of the vet. | | | | healthy and happy. |
| Before you decide on the vet who will take care of | | | | The cost of veterinary care is on the rise just like |
| your puppy please consider all of the following: | | | | medical care for humans. Also with all the new |
| � Will I be able to make a same day | | | | advances in vet care our furry friends are able to live |
| appointment to see the vet? | | | | longer healthier lives. It would be advisable to have |
| � Does vet offer 24 hour emergency | | | | pet insurance on your new family member and |
| services or are they affiliated with animal hospital in | | | | belong to an organization like PetCare RX for all your |
| the immediate area? | | | | prescription and non prescription items. |