Building a relationship with a veterinarian you can trust will be one of the most integral relationships you form being a pet parent. With so many animal hospitals to choose from, in one city alone, it can be a challenge to know which one to pick. Although it may seem overwhelming, finding a great veterinarian can be as easy as the following 6 steps.
Consult your provincial or national veterinary association
Provincial and national veterinary associations provide great directories, which can often be accessed online, to help pet parents find veterinarians in their area. These directories will provide listings for licensed veterinarians broken down by province and city making it quick to find a list of veterinarians providing pet care in your local area.
Look in your phone directory
Searching your phone directory under “Veterinarians” will also give you a large list to choose from. These advertisements often showcase what species of animals are treated at a particular hospital and the services they provide.
Ask a friend for a referral
Friends that are fellow pet owners are often a great resource when searching out a veterinarian to take your own cat to. They may have already scouted out the local veterinary hospitals and have a strong relationship built with a veterinarian in your area. If you friend holds their pet in the same high regard you do, their referral may help you in finding a veterinarian who you can trust your own pets care to.
Ask your pet sitter for a referral
Pet sitters can be a great source of information when it comes to whom to choose to care for your cat’s medical needs. Pet sitters come in contact with many pet owners who have had both good and bad experiences at certain veterinary establishments. There is truth to the term “bad news travels fast,” and pet owner’s experiences with veterinary care are no exception. Pet sitters will also be privy to the great stories many pet owners will share about their outstanding experiences with local veterinarians. With this knowledge, pet sitters are often willing to make a referral based on where they would be comfortable taking their own pets to.
Ask your breeder for a referral
Reputable cat breeders are well versed in what common conditions the breed of cat they deal with are predisposed to, and who to go to when treatment is needed. Breeders also have usually had a great deal of experience working closely with veterinarians to maintain the health of the cats in their breeding program. This previous experience makes your cat breeder a great resource to go to when looking for a referral to a veterinarian for your own cat.
Surf online for local animal hospital websites
Many animal hospitals have well developed websites showcasing their veterinary hospital and the veterinarians on staff. Biographies of staff veterinarians are often included on these websites giving pet owners some background information on the level of experience and expertise their veterinarians offer. Pet hospital websites also feature information in regards to the level of support staff available, services provided, and hours of operation.
