Making Sure Your Pet's Doc Is No Dog!

Choosing a veterinarian can be very straightforward and simple, or not.

If you live in an area where there's lots of nature and not too much of human development around, the choice of veterinarian is probably limited to the one who is there or will come there, or that you can get to on only one tank of gas. If you live where there's less of nature and lots of human development, there will be a large assortment of veterinarians near by.

Selecting an animal doctor is not a lot different than selecting a dentist or physician. While we sometimes may smell a little worse at the end of the day, we're usually not too ripe at the beginning. Some of us suit up for work in white shirt and tie, some of us in coveralls and rubber boots, and a very few of us in both.

Most of us are caring, competent, know our limitations, and are interested in what we are doing. Some have been at it too long and are tired. Some are brand new and very eager. Some inspire confidence and some don't. Some are warm, others cold. Some see therapeutic options, explain things in great detail and have you make informed decisions; others see single pathways and ask only for authorization to treat as they see fit. Some are friendly, some are ornery.

Unlike Dr. Herriot, beloved author of "All Creatures Great and Small" most veterinarians limit their practice to some degree. A very few can and will do almost everything well. If you have a large assortment of pets and livestock, search for a vet or a practice with multiple disciplines and capabilities. If you own a circus, you have different requirements than a solitary goldfish's owner.

If you work long hours and only have free time at midnight, you want a 24-hour animal hospital. If you want 24-hour availability with MRI and Radiation Therapy units on premises, you are looking for a Veterinary School or large city veterinary center, and even then, something you need may be elsewhere.

If you prefer to see the same vet every time, look for a solo practitioner.