Clinton Parkway

Choosing a Veterinarian

The best time to find a veterinarian is before your pet needs one!

There are multiple choices in choosing a veterinarian in Lawrence. Many pet owners do not realize however, that there may be significant differences between veterinary practices. Even though it may be tempting to go for the one right around the corner, it might be worthwhile to spend some time in selecting the veterinary hospital that is best for you and your companion.

Important information to consider:

• After you, a veterinarian will be the most important person in your pet’s life
• Choose an animal doctor as carefully as you would choose a family doctor
• Find someone you can talk to and trust
• Is it important to you to have the most advanced quality of care or is a more basic approach acceptable to you?
• Ask someone you trust for a recommendation, who they’d recommend, and why.
• What are the hours of operation?
• Visit the facility, checking for cleanliness in all areas of the hospital
• Does the waiting room have separate areas for dogs and cats?
• Visit a practice’s Web site to get a feel for their approach to veterinary care
• Is the pratice accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association?
• Are any doctors board-certified in the ABVP category of Canine and Feline Practice?
• Can laboratory tests, ultrasound, etc.be done the same day—time is important if your pet is sick.
• Are certified technicians available to care for your pet?
• Are the office staff friendly and ready to answer questions and give you a tour?
• Does the staff attend seminars and workshops regularly?
• What emergency care services are provided?
• Will the veterinarian personally return your emergency call late at night or on weekends?
• Are there payment plans in case of unexpected large veterinary bills?
• Is pet health insurance available?
• Multiple veterinarians are important if an urgent appointment is needed

Other important questions:

Anesthesia safety:

• Do certified veterinary technicians monitor anesthetics?
• What anesthetic parameters are monitored to avoid anesthetic complications? Learn more about anesthetic monitoring
• What is done to to prevent patient hypothermia during the surgery and recovery?
  Information regarding hypothermia in pets

Dental care:

• Are cleanings done by a certified technician?
• Does a trained assistant monitor anesthesia 100% of the time?

Radiology:

• Does a board-certified radiologist review all radiographs?

Ultrasound:

• Does the hospital have on-site ultrasound services available?
• When was the ultrasound machine purchased—significant improvements in technology have been made within the last few years.
• What experience and training does the veterinarian have in this field?

Pain management:

• Does the hospital have a written protocol regarding pain management?

Additional information regarding choosing a veterinarian:

American Veterinary Medical Association
The Humane Society of the United States
Cats.about.com
Pets911.com