Here are some tips to make your visit to the veterinarian go smoothly for your pet, the vet, and you!

Being prepared for a routine veterinarian visit reduces a lot of the normal stress and anxiety we can feel before we see the doctor. What can you do to be as comfortable as possible about your appointment?

Even if you already know your veterinarian and have taken your pet to the office, it’s still important to be ready:

• Bring a written list describing any changes in your pet’s behavior, or exposure to ticks, fleas, insect stings, or other hazards (unusual environments, new pets, contacts at a dog park, unusual food, etc.)
• Bring a written list of all your questions about your pet’s health
• Be a little early to your appointment to get checked in and give your pet time to relax

Knowing how your pet reacts to vet visits, you may already have your own pre-visit routine. If you’re unsure about how to keep your pet calm, ask your vet for recommendations. Some pets require mild sedation, others may need a play session or a walk before the appointment to reduce their nervous energy. Calming attire also helps (e.g., Thunder Shirt or swaddling the pet in a blanket or towel.) Avoiding disruptions and loud noises before and during your trip to the office will help.

You are the most important factor in keeping your pet calm and relaxed! Pets pick up your attitude and behavior instantly and will mirror much of your own feeling in their actions. Stay calm and relaxed before and during your visit to the vet. It will make it easier on everyone!

If you are looking for a new veterinarian, asking friends about their doctors and vet practices is a great first step. You can also search online for vet offices in your area and visit their websites to find out about the practice. His/her education? Board Certification? How long in practice, what services are offered, office hours, length of wait for an appointment, staff (certified Vet Techs, Vet Assistants, multiple vet practice, specializations, etc.).

Local groomers, managers of local shelters, and local dog trainers, as well as state and local veterinary societies can offer recommendations.

In finding a veterinarian it’s important to:

• Make an in-person visit without your pet to check out location, cleanliness, and organization (is it chaotic or peaceful?)
• Ask about philosophies on pet care – do they match yours?
• Observe how the veterinarians and staff interact with pets and owners
• Are they accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association? www.AAHA.org
• Do the vets belong to professional associations such as the AVMA (link below) or their state or local veterinary association?

The most important concern other than pet care is fees. Does the practice provide written estimates? What are the costs of procedures? What payment methods are available and expected? Are payment plans or financial assistance available? Be aware that some practices can’t offer these because in the past clients have not paid, and the practice has suffered losses. 

One resource for financial assistance is your state veterinary medical association. They may have a list of local organizations that can help. Some veterinary medical colleges also have programs providing financial assistance to pet owners who can show a need.

The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association – see the link below) keeps a list of organizations available to help with fees.

Resources to help in your vet search:

• The American Veterinary Medical Association www.avma.org
• American Kennel Club www.akc.org
• USDA APHIS locate an accredited veterinarian www.aphis.usda.gov

Holly Holmes, Pets At Home

NAPPS Marketing Committee