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As pet owners, there’s no denying that our furry friends bring us great joy in our lives. However, that love also comes with a lot of responsibility, including finding the right vet and even looking through a pet insurance review to get the best insurance. Finding the right veterinarian to care for your pets is definitely important, but it’s also easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of options you have when searching for one near you. To help make this process easier, consider these six tips when choosing your next veterinarian.

6 Tips For Choosing The Right Veterinarian For Your Pets

1) How do you find a good vet?

To make your search for a vet easier, here are some tips to get you started. As you’re looking for veterinarians in your area, start by figuring out which services you need. Find out if any have added services such as pet insurance or holistic care—or even discounted wellness plans that can help save on regular visits—and call ahead to see how long you might expect to wait at each practice. If you are traveling, make sure you research the best options in the cities you will be traveling to. Remember that many vets only take patients in person and not over the phone or through email (this is why it’s crucial to choose one that fits with your schedule). Finally, if a vet offers extra perks like 24-hour emergency care or pet taxi services, they might be worth considering.

2) Can you bring your pet’s medical records with you?

Before you go to a new vet, check with your current vet to see if they can fax records or email them. If not, make sure you take all records with you; it’s in your best interest for your pet and for pet insurance claims. A good policy will cover several visits before requiring proof of vaccination, which should be on file with previous veterinarians. So if it’s been a while since you changed vets, don’t worry about bringing old records (as long as there is proof of vaccination); still be sure to bring them just in case.

3) How will your pet get along with the other pets at the vet’s office?

It is common for pets to get along with other pets in their home. While they may not necessarily play together, it’s likely that they don’t fight and aren’t territorial. However, bringing your pet to a veterinarian can be very different from bringing them home. It is best to find out how pet-friendly a practice is before you take your dog or cat there for their annual visit.

4) Is there a particular kind of clinic you should go to for your pet's needs?

Are you looking for a specific type of care for your pet? Some veterinarians specialize in working with animals with diabetes, others focus on cats, or small-breed dogs. Accordingly, you should also shop for the right pet insurance to cover the needs the vet will be fulfilling. Pet insurance may be a good option for you if you have financial concerns about veterinary care. While many people think that pet insurance is only for dogs and cats, some providers will offer coverage for other small animals such as rabbits, ferrets, and even fish. 

5) Does your pet need vaccinations if you are only going in for an annual exam?

If you have any concern at all that your pet might be exposed to a disease while waiting at a veterinary clinic, schedule an appointment with your regular veterinarian beforehand. Ask if your pet needs vaccines or other preventative care before going to his next checkup. This can help save time and money and reduce exposure to infections at veterinary clinics. If you're not sure if you need vaccinations for your pet, talk to his veterinarian about it. 

6) Do you need to give your pets any medications during their first visit?

You should always let your veterinarian know about any medications your pet is currently taking. If you’re wondering if it’s necessary to give your pet any medications during their first visit, talk to your vet; they’ll be able to determine whether a medication is really necessary. And if you don’t have health insurance for your pets, keep in mind that many veterinarians will provide consultation services at an affordable price, allowing you to choose from a variety of specialists without shelling out hundreds of dollars for each visit.