[Info] Ten Tips for Choosing a Veterinarian

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A 10-Point Plan to Protect Your Animal Companion

 

Do you know what happens in your veterinarian’s back room?

Unfortunately, not every vet is a dog’s best friend. During a PETA

investigation into a veterinary office, an undercover investigator

videotaped <http://www.petatv.com/tvpopup/Prefs.asp?video=village_vet>

veterinarian Howard Baker, who was generally well liked and trusted by

his clients, as he punched and choked the cats and dogs in his care. To

ensure that this will not happen to your dog or cat, you must know your

veterinarian, observe your animal companion, and be familiar with your

rights. Here are 10 things that you can do to ensure that your dog or

cat is being treated well behind the scenes:

 

1. Ask to see a copy of the veterinarian’s license. It should be

posted in the public area of the clinic.

2. Check with the Better Business Bureau and your local state

veterinary board to see if there have been any complaints or

disciplinary actions against or investigations into the

veterinarian in question.

3. Ask for a tour of the clinic; if you are refused, take your animal

elsewhere. The clinic should be clean and orderly. Animals should

be housed comfortably in clean cages or kennels.

4. Ask friends and family for referrals. Recommendations for trusted

veterinarians can be invaluable.

5. Observe your animal. Is your companion handshy around the

veterinarian, as though expecting a slap or a blow? Does he or she

cower or urinate when the veterinarian enters the room?

6. Observe the veterinarian. Is he or she nervous or irritable? Does

he or she go into the back room for even simple procedures? Are

the technicians rough when handling your animal?

7. /Always/ exercise your right to be with your animal at all times.

If the veterinarian or technicians want to take your companion to

another room, insist on going along. If they refuse, don't

hesitate—take your animal and leave.

8. If your animal must stay overnight (and /always/ question this),

make sure someone is going to be there to monitor him or her at

all times. If not, take your animal home where there will be

constant supervision.

9. Ask questions. A good veterinarian should explain what he or she

is doing—and why—at all times.

10. For any major medical concerns, seek a second or third opinion.

You are entitled to copies of your animal companion’s medical

records and x-rays.

 

If you believe that an animal has been mistreated, take him or her to

another veterinarian for a thorough examination. If you have evidence of

malpractice, you can file a complaint with the veterinary licensing

board in your area. Contact local law-enforcement officials if you

witness outright cruelty. Always keep records and take photographs.