I know of a lot of people that take their furbabies to vet hospitals where there are usually more than 1 vet on staff and it seems like their biggest complaint is the lack of personalized attention. Many times they don't even get the same vet when they bring their dogs in for routine check-ups/annual vaccinations--they get whomever is available, they spend a short amount of time examining their dogs, and they explain procedures quickly so they can get to the next dog. Some also recommend unnecessary procedures to inflate costs. I'm sure that not ALL of them are like this but some are.
I totally agree that we should use our instincts--who knows our furbabies better than we do--but sometimes I need a professional's opinion so I don't think that there is anything wrong with looking for a vet with whom you feel comfortable and confident in his/her abilities.
A few dog owners have told me and from my own personal experience I have found that the small vet clinics that have 1 vet provide more personalized attention and services and are cheaper than going to a vet hospital. My vet has his own practice, he's in his 60s and has an 'old school' way of thinking and does not recommend unnecessary procedures. If I bring Max or Abbie to see him and he needs to run additional tests (urine samples, stool samples, etc.) I can drop off the sample and he does not charge me for an office visit--just the cost of the test. His first priority is his 'patients'--not inflating charges so he can make more money, which is why I drive about an hour to take Max and Abbie to see him. There are good vets out there--unfortunately it may take a while to find them. Ask people who have dogs for their recommendations
__________________ Brenda, Max  & Abbie |