Now that you're in need of a new veterinarian to care for your pet, it's a good idea to consult with a few prospects before choosing one to ensure that all of your needs and expectations will be met as time goes on. The following are a few important considerations to make when deciding which available veterinarian in your area you want to work with:
How are Vaccinations Handled?
As your pet ages, it is likely that your veterinarian will recommend a series of vaccinations to keep them healthy and happy throughout adulthood. But you probably don't want to have to visit the vet once or twice a month in order to get your pet the vaccinations they need based on its schedule. Make sure that the veterinarian you choose to work with is willing and able to administer your pet's vaccinations in a way that doesn't require extra visits – once or twice is a year is all you should need to visit the vet to keep your pet healthy.
Is Specialty Care Available?
If you find that your pet needs specialty care of some kind in the future, will the veterinarian you decide to work with be ready and capable of handling those special needs? For instance, does the vet have access to state-of-the-art surgery tools and cancer treatments? What if your pet is hit by a car and ends up with several broken bones? How will skin allergies be handled?
Find out what types of specialty services are offered by each prospective service provider before ultimately choosing a vet for your pet. If the vet you choose doesn't offer specialty services, make sure that they at least have a network of service providers to refer you to if the need arises.
What are the End-of-Life Care Guidelines?
Eventually, you will have to think about properly caring for your pet during the last years of their life, when they may have special needs. Whether it is the development of diabetes, cataracts, or arthritis, your veterinarian should be able to put together a comprehensive care plan that keeps your pet happy and comfortable. Ask each veterinarian you consider working with to provide you with their end-of-life care guidelines so you and your family know exactly what to expect for your pet.
Add your own list of questions and concerns to the considerations outlined here and use the list as a guideline when consulting with prospective veterinarians. You can contact professionals like Sepulveda Animal Hospital for more information.
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