Considering a New Vet

I'm hoping maybe having input from others will help me think of important questions to ask a possible new vet. I am considering a vet that just opened in my Town - right around the corner from me. Right now I drive almost half an hour to see my vet, which not only is an inconvenience, but worries me in an emergency. For example, Abbey reacted to her shots and I had to rush back to my vet. The entire drive (which I was doing WAY too fast) I kept worrying she was going to go into anaphylactic shock - OK maybe extreme but still... I really love my vet but hate the drive. If I could find someone closer that I love just as much, well I would likely switch vets.

Anyways, what would you recommend I do to "check out" this vet? What should I ask? My vet came so highly recommended it was easy. But no one seems to know this new vet in Town.

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Member Since 2010Permalink Reply by Patricia Deeds on November 20, 2010 at 8:54pm

It has to be state by state basis for anyone to listen I am told by my Senator. But whatever state you are in we can always write about the many stories such as Lynne's about the food. You might benefit by finding out about your state's vet board, are they doing their job? Do they dismiss almost ALL complaints? My guess would be YES. I would put money on it. We also need to get the animal laws changed, this PROPERTY status has got to go. In Md our pets are under the agrilculture dept, should be health department. Did you know that vets pay about $350. per year for malpractice Ins? They are not held accountable for their mistakes, ALL vets have made mistakes, so for all looking for new veterinarians you get what you pay for. Look out for padding because unfortunately animal care has become an industry. I call it pets for profit. Ask for CIS sheets (Client Information Sheets) on ALL drugs that are going to be used. Most people do not want to question their veterinarian, YOU owe your pets that because at the end of the day, YOU are the on responsible for their well being, not the vet. Know ALl side effects and understand that there is NO SAFE DRUG. I want to share something that I will never forget that the drug manufacturer told me : Drugs are a controlled dose of poision. Always ask if the clinic or hospital has someone there after hours to monitor your pet, if not take them home do not leave them. You will pay for 24 hours of monitored care even though there will be no one there until morning. They will not always have this posted. Make sure they have an oxygen machine if they are doing surgeries. Most of all make sure they are licensed. These are just a few things that I have learned.

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Permalink Reply by Sue & the Crew on November 21, 2010 at 1:31pm

Patricia/Lynne...what a great discussion. This is why I enjoy RRC so much - learning from others.

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Member Since 2010Permalink Reply by Patricia Deeds on November 21, 2010 at 5:18pm

It is my mission until I die to tell my story and advise people of BAD veterinarian care. I hate that it has become such an industry. The state vet boards are not protecting us either. I have enjoyed it as well. Thanks

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Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Dr. Judith P. LaVorgna on November 25, 2010 at 9:20am

Hi Patricia, I'm late to answering this, but I have read your comments and the others on the thread. It looks to me as though you probably have a lot of experience with Vets...not all good either. BUT, here's what I do when I need or want a new Veterinarian.

I always interview three or four before making a decision. I make an appointment, without my dogs, to talk, and then that's what I do for 15 or 20 minutes, and I tend to keep an eye out for an office kitty cat or doggie too. Here are some of the questions I ask:

How did you decided to become a Veterinarian?
How would you handle emergencies with my dogs or cats?
What health issues with my gang would you NOT feel comfortable handling?
What are you passionate about with regard to companion animals?
What is the least understood part of your practice?
How do your fees and charges fit with owners who might switch to you? Do you give a discount to multiple pet owners?
How did you select your associates or Vet Techs...what were you looking for?
Who will be getting back to me with regard to test results, you or your Tech?I

I want to know this Vet as a human being, want to know he or she has a clear understanding of my needs, that I will have an available "partner" in the health and well being of my fur kids.
I have enjoyed wonderful relationships with "my" Vets and sometimes, years afterward, one will say, "I remember when you came in and talked with me." I have never been charged for this first meeting...and I try to get my questions out quickly so I am not taking time away from a client who is very ill or injured. And my last question is always:
What do you expect from me as a client of yours?"
I then have information and comparable information to make a considered judgment. I've never been sorry. Ultimately the Vet I choose knows he or she met me as a good consumer, and from the answers a judgment related to best choice for me and my "kids". Judy

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Permalink Reply by Sue & the Crew on November 25, 2010 at 12:44pm

Judy, thank you so much. These are great questions to ask a potential new vet.

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Member Since 2010Permalink Reply by Patricia Deeds on November 26, 2010 at 5:11pm

Yes I agree with you but what about the veterinarians out there that are allowed to practice (thaqnk your state's vet board) Who make mistakes despite all of the questions asked by you? There are an alarming rate of pet deaths and they are on the rise. I am in a group in my state in which we have alot of members whose pets were either harmed or killed by a veterinarian, even though they were recommended and had all of the supposed registrations and licenses. This does not always mean things will all be rosy. I know unfortunately. I just want people to be informed and ask about the risks, side effects and be an informed pet owner.

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Member Since 2009Permalink Reply by Dr. Judith P. LaVorgna on November 26, 2010 at 5:22pm

Sometimes, you have to follow the string. You have to see why a Vet would seek shelter and sustenance under an umbrella. I like to collaps umbrellas. If you have to find like minded folks who will sit in front of the office with uiet signs, not block the entrances, etc., then you could effectively cause some "damage. This is not the AMA, dogs don't speak, WE speak for them when we most believe we are right and just.

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Member Since 2010Permalink Reply by Patricia Deeds on November 26, 2010 at 5:34pm

Why, because most state vet boards dismiss most valid cases . They protect the vets. Their jobs are to protect the pets and their owners. Also the veterianrians don't pay mich more than $350. per year for insurance, and it has not been raised for many years despite the rise in court actions against them. It has become an industry.

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AdminPermalink Reply by LM Fowler - Admin on November 26, 2010 at 5:43pm

That certainly is the case and why we need to educate ourselves and not take the vets word for anything. I research everything before I do or give it to my dogs. If more people did this, there might be far less deaths.