Have you ever realized how alike the process of finding the right vet and life partner is? The thought came to me after we moved to Central California and began to search for a new veterinarian. Though I have been married for seven-plus years it was not so long ago that I do not remember the angst of dating. As I searched for a vet the past came to mind. Some of the steps and even certain universal characteristics you are looking for are the same. Both can also be lengthy, painful and personal processes. I’m sharing 5 tips and a free cheat sheet to help your quest for finding the right veterinarian.

[bctt tweet=”Finding the right vet is like finding the right life-partner. Both can also be lengthy, painful and personal processes. Learn 5 tips to finding the right vet.” username=”denisegruzensk”]

Finding a Life Partner Steps

  1. Finding each other: Randomly meet, internet searching, or friend setups (A.K.A Blind dates)
  2. The first date
  3. We are dating but still seeing other people
  4. We are in a committed relationship
  5. We are dating but I have questions (insert into all parts of this relationship’s steps)
  6. I am not sure this relationship is right for me
  7. We discuss and make a decision to stay together forever or break up and return to step one

Tips for finding the right Vet

Finding a Vet Steps

  1. Finding each other: Internet searching and/or friend-neighbor referral
  2. The first visit
  3. Yearly visits
  4. Sick visits
  5. I have questions about my pet’s health and care (insert into all parts of this relationship’s steps)
  6. I am not sure this vet is right for us
  7. We discuss and decide to stay together or break up and return to step one

Finding the Right Vet

There are so many factors to consider when searching for the right vet but there are also some characteristics we are all looking to find. I am sharing my top five tips.

  1. Take a clinic tour
    • Is it clean, modern and well organized?
  2. Friendly staff & vet
    • Is it difficult to make a well visit?
    • Are the staff helpful?
    • Consider how it will feel when you call in urgently when your pet is ill as this will be a much more stressful time.
    • Are there several vets in the office? Can you request a particular vet when making an appointment?
    • How does the vet interact with your pet? If your vet interacts well with your pet it will decrease your pet’s stress during their visits.
  3. Respectful communication
    • Remember this goes both ways. I am a human Nurse Practitioner and find it amazing how much crossover there is between human and dog health but I am not a vet. I respect what it takes to become a vet and the knowledge acquired.
    • I will also have a lot of questions. I do not like to leave feeling like my questions were annoying or patronized by my dog’s vet. How does the vet respond to your questions? A well visit is a great place to figure this out. Your questions are just as important but are not asked when you are under the stress of illness. How the vet manages and answers your questions now gives you an understanding of how they will manage the stress filled situations. Will they add a calming presence or add to your stress?
  4. Like-minded philosophies
    • I am a pet parent, with all that implies. I will go to the ends of the earth for my dog’s quality of life. I am always searching for an alternative, new and researched based treatments for my dog. I call this practice Researched-Based Pet Parenting. I want my vet to be doing the same research as well as open to the discussion of possible new treatment options.
  5. Fees and your budget
    • What types of payment do they accept?  If you have pet health insurance, do they accept your plan? It is important to know, in advance, that you can afford and will be able to pay the vet’s bills.

Why I Choose an AAHA Accredited Vet

The American Animal Hospital Association is the only accrediting agency for the United States and Canada. Most pet parents including myself do not realize accreditation is not a requirement. We are used to human hospitals where it is mandatory.

Accreditation means the office is meeting the highest level of veterinary care. Each renewal takes place every 3 years.

[bctt tweet=”Finding a vet with AAHA accreditation means the office is meeting the highest level of veterinary care.” username=”denisegruzensk”]

AAHA Standards

  • Through: A full exam of the entire patient ensures the Vet has a completed picture of your pet’s health.
  • Responsive: As the AAHA website says, “every second counts” when there is an emergency. The standard is to have everything stocked and well labeled for the office’s response.
  • Sanitary: Critical infection control through washing hands and keeping all patient areas clean.
  • Safe: Keeping the pet safe and comfortable during exams is a priority. As well as mandatory training for all staff regarding compassionate care.

AAHA Guidelines

In human medicine, we have practice guidelines. Researched-based statements and recommendations to help optimize patient care. AAHA guidelines provide the same researched-based recommendations for veterinary clinics.

  • Diabetes Management
  • Canine Vaccination
  • Canine and Feline Oncology
  • Canine and Feline Behavioral Management
  • Dental Care
  • Life-stages
  • Weight Management
  • Pain Management
  • Anesthesia
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Preventative Medicine

Their guidelines are comprehensive and if you want to read more they are all available on the AAHA website here.

Breaking up is hard to do…

I will admit, I first heard about AAHA in 2016. At that time, I used their certified vet locator to see if one was close to where we live. The closest one was 16 miles. Honestly, I was very happy with our vet and did not have a reason to change. You may have the same situation and have a terrific vet. Just because they are not certified does not mean they are not wonderful and giving great care. You might suggest they get the certification as they probably already meet the criteria and it could be great for their business.

Fast forward our story to 2017. Shasta’s arthritis was getting significantly worse. I tried to talk to our vet about pain management. I wanted to look into all our options including medications, laser treatment, acupuncture, hydrotherapy etc. I left with an anti-inflammatory.

At BlogPaws 2017 I heard about AAHA again from Dr. Heather Loewnser with new interest. I will admit, I cried. I realized how much more we could be doing for Shasta’s pain. I returned immediately to the AAHA website, again looked up certified vets in our area and scheduled an appointment before we had left the conference.

I realize now how important tip 3 (like-minded philosophies) is. Our first vet is terrific but with a farm vet philosophy (I am just using this as a term, not generalizing vet care). His philosophy reminds me a lot of my father, a farm boy from Iowa. On a farm, a hurt animal is often put down without malicious intent. However, I am a pet parent and I need a vet who understands.

AAHA helped me find the right vet.

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