Choosing the right veterinarian is greatly underestimated. Just as you may have switched doctors until you found the "perfect" one, your pet may also need to visit multiple vets until you find the right one for both of you. Here are some tips to help you find the right vet:
Personal recommendation
The easiest way to find a good veterinarian is through recommendations from other pet owners. Of course, you shouldn't listen to just any opinion. However, if you have a friend or neighbor who has had animals for a long time and they recommend a particular veterinary practice to you, you can be assured that the vet will not disappoint you. If you or your animal don't like the practice, that's no problem. Just keep looking! Every animal is different!
Browsing the Internet
Another popular option is to search the internet for nearby veterinary practices. A search engine like Google can be very helpful, especially if you've just moved to a new city or country and aren't very social yet. However, beware of scammers when searching for a veterinarian on the internet. Make sure the sites you're looking at are trustworthy, and if something strikes you as odd, go with your gut and find another vet.
Ask your local pet store
Don't be afraid to ask your pet store for recommendations. The staff most likely have pets themselves and can recommend some good vets.
What to look for in a veterinarian
If you have received some suggestions or have found some potential veterinarians yourself, do not hesitate to visit the practices in person. Here are some things to look out for:
distance
Is the vet office far from you? The closer the practice is, the better it is for you and your pet, especially if it is an emergency or if your pet does not like (public) transport.
staff
A bright, clean and friendly veterinary office is important to give pet owners a sense of security. You can also recognize a good veterinary practice by the fact that the staff makes a happy impression and does not change frequently. Regularly changing staff makes it difficult to build trust in the practice. When your veterinarian has a loyal staff, you can be assured that they will treat people with kindness and respect and will therefore treat your pet the same way.
Treatment
If your pet suffers from a specific condition, don't hesitate to ask your veterinarian if he or she has experience treating that condition. You can also recognize a good veterinarian by the fact that he explains the examinations to you in detail and explains the medication and its effects, so that you too can recognize the benefits of the treatment and are informed about possible side effects.
opening hours
This may seem unimportant, but if you work a lot it can be very helpful to know exactly when and how many days of the week your vet is available. Some practices are only open in the mornings, others only in the afternoons. Find something that works for you and your schedule. Also, ask if home visits are available if that's important to you.
Prices
In Germany, all veterinarians must bill according to the scale of fees for veterinarians.
- A general examination can cost between €10 and €30.
Insurance
If you have health insurance for your pet, ask your vet if they will bill the insurance company directly or if you need to pay upfront.
As you can see, finding a vet that is right for you and your pet is very important. Over time, your pet will become accustomed to their veterinarian and fear will decrease over time. It is also an advantage for you if you can trust your veterinarian and his judgement. A good vet will always have the best for your pet in mind.
