CAT’s mission is to work with our community to save the lives of homeless, sick and injured cats and kittens by offering shelter, adoption, foster, hospice, and veterinary services to end needless feline euthanasia in our community.
Adopting a pet from the shelter like CAT is the beginning of a rewarding, lifelong relationship.
However, there is another relationship you will need to build to give your pet a long and healthy life: a relationship with a veterinarian. For the best health, your pet should be seen by a veterinarian on an annual basis, and choosing one can be daunting. Here are several steps to choosing the right veterinarian for you and your pet.
Narrow down your search: Start with some research. Most pet owners prefer not to travel a long distance for a veterinary visit, so it is important to narrow down your choices to a few clinics in your area. A great first step is to ask friends who have pets what veterinarian they see and how they like that clinic. Staff at your local animal shelter may be able to provide some information on local clinics (note that most will avoid making recommendations since shelters work closely with several local veterinarians). Word of mouth is an important tool. Web sites to narrow down your search include: oregonvma.org, citysearch.com, yelp.com, and Google Maps. Many include customer reviews to give you an idea of how their most passionate clients feel. The highest level of accreditation a veterinary clinic can achieve is through the American Animal Hospital Association.
Call or visit the clinics: After you have narrowed down the list to a few nearby clinics, it is a good idea to call or visit each one. A good veterinary clinic should be welcoming and willing to answer questions. If you decide to stop by, check out the lobby. Is it clean? Does it smell fresh? Are you greeted immediately and does the staff seem friendly? Do the clients there seem relaxed and happy? Many clinics will even offer you a tour.
Ask questions: You might want to ask about general prices and whether estimates are presented before services are performed. Keep in mind that in the veterinary field, like in so many others, you should be careful not to choose simply based on low cost because you may be sacrificing quality of care.
Other questions to ask might be: What are the clinic hours? How many veterinarians are there at the practice? Are appointments required or are walk-in visits allowed? What forms of payment are accepted? How does the clinic handle large bills; is there a payment plan or do they use CareCredit? How are emergencies handled? Are services performed with the owner present or is the pet taken to a separate treatment area? Are records kept electronically? Does the clinic use phone, fax, or email for communication? Does the clinic perform controversial procedures like declawing of cats and tail docking of dogs? What anesthesia is used and how are pets monitored during anesthetic procedures? Is pre-anesthetic blood work always performed?
Schedule an appointment: Once you select a clinic, schedule your pet for a wellness visit and establish care with the veterinarian before a serious health issue occurs. This not only helps you decide if this is the veterinarian you want to trust if your pet becomes seriously ill, but also allows the veterinarian to see how your pet is in a healthy state.
Your first visit: When you come for your first visit, make sure that you have your cat in a carrier or your dog on a leash. Observe the clinic staff and how your pet reacts to the environment. Does your pet seem calm and at ease? (Remember, most pets are anxious in a strange environment so “calm” would be relative to how your pet handles new situations.) Is the staff friendly? Do they approach your pet slowly and handle your pet gently to reduce stress? Does the staff take your pet’s complete history and really listen to your input? Click here for some tips to help make the visit stress free for you and your cat.
Many clinics will try to reduce stress in several ways, such as by offering separate entrances for cats and dogs, minimizing waiting time in the lobby, and letting pets explore the exam room to become comfortable before starting the physical exam.
A complete physical exam includes a staff member taking your pet’s complete history. Be prepared with any previous medical records and information about your pet’s diet, bathroom habits, and any concerns you may have.
During the examination, the veterinary staff may take your pet’s temperature, pulse, and heart-rate. The doctor will examine your pet completely, including teeth, eyes, skin, ears, and abdomen. The results of this exam should be documented in your pet’s file and discussed with you, along with any concerns the veterinarian might have and plans to improve your pet’s health. If any serious issues are discovered, your veterinarian will recommend diagnostics, a follow-up visit, or refer you to a specialist. Also ask your veterinarian for a recommendation of where to go in case of an emergency, as you should always have that information on hand.
Checking out: The receptionist will explain your charges, your payment options, verify that you received all your products (food, medication, etc.), and make sure all your questions are addressed. Look carefully at the labels of any medications prescribed to ensure you understand the instructions and dosage. If any lab work was completed, find out how and when you will get the results. Many veterinary clinics will follow up with you the next day by phone.
This experience will help you decide whether a clinic is a good match for you and your pet. If your first experience is not positive, follow these steps again until you find the right veterinarian. You should have the utmost trust in your veterinarian, who is your partner in ensuring your pet has a long and healthy life.
By Daniela Iancu, Veterinarian Assistant and CAT volunteer
14175 SW Galbreath Drive.Sherwood, OR 97140.(503) 925-8903..(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
