Selecting Your Veterinarian
 

Choosing the right veterinarian for you and your cat sometimes seems quite daunting.  You should feel comfortable and confident with the veterinarian you choose. 

People new to pet ownership might want to select a veterinarian before they choose a cat. Call the veterinary office and ask to meet and briefly talk with the veterinarian. This is a good chance to judge the personality of the clinic and the staff to see if they "feel" right for you and your cat.

Selection Tips You should keep several guidelines in mind when selecting a veterinarian. A few of the most important are:   1.) Find out what services the clinic offers. Veterinary medicine can now provide care in orthopedics, internal medicine, dentistry, nutritional and behavioral counseling, ultrasound, radiology and specialty care in cardiology, oncology, dermatology, neurology and many other disciplines. A single clinic is unlikely to offer all of these services, but check to see if the clinic can refer you to a specialist if needed.   2.) Inquire about the clinic's after hours and emergency services.   3.) Talk with other pet owners in the area and ask for a recommendation.  This will help you make an educated decision based on real experience rather than just impression.   4.)  Check to see that the clinic's hours are compatible with your work schedule and other commitments. 5.) Try to pick a clinic that is close to your work or house. Consider how important the proximity of the clinic will be for you when your cat is confined to a carrier.   A final thing to remember is that selecting veterinarians by their fee schedule alone is often short-sighted. The costs of obtaining a veterinary education and operating a facility are very substantial. Good quality medical care does have a price. Most clinics are happy to discuss their fee structures and explain what those charges cover.

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