how did you pick your vet?

[Deb1]

By trial and Error! We are on our 3rd vet since we have had dogs! I found the most wonderful vets about 40 min. from our home and it is worth the drive! They see a lot of yorkies & one even has a yorkie himself! I love & trust the vets & their staff!

[Magnus]

Both Magnus and Zoey goes to Banfield. I went to Banfield on referrals from a family member who has a Dalmatian. I know there are a lot of horror stories but... I like my vet at the one I go to. She seems to genuinely care for animals. If she doesn't think she can help, she tells me to go to a bigger hospital so they can do wider range of tests.

With that said, I'm planning on changing vet. Has nothing to do with the quality but more with cost wise. I've been asking my neighbors who are also pet parents and absolutely adores their pups. I'll probably do some more research and narrow down the perspectives.

[Gilbertsmommy]

Originally Posted by OwnedByJezebel

I notice there is a VCA in Pasadena: http://local.vcahospitals.com/main/free-pet-exam/form/market/houston/g26420?utm_content=market&kshid=p.1045.59bcb656-f7e5-7ee9-1246-00002ea36058.kw456110&mm_keyword=kw_456110&mm_camp aign={K_CT_NUMBER}&utm_source=Google&utm_campaign= Houston_General_EC&mm_replace=TRUE&utm_medium=cpc& utm_term=+veterinarian

I used them years ago, not this location, but the one in Sugar Land. My experience with them was very favorable as far as the vets and staff go. The facilities are great, they have specialists on staff, and the one I went to was open 24 hours, which came in VERY handy one night 18 years ago when I had a hypoglycemic pup on my hands. My only issue with them is that they seemed to be too high priced, and I guess that's due to the fact that they are not stand-alone vet practices, they are a nation-wide network with a corporate structure overhead that has to be paid for. But I did not have any complaints with any of the vets or any care received.

If you can't find a good referral for another practice, you can always start at VCA. They've got a coupon at the link above that will get you the first exam free. You can use that to evaluate and interview them. If you haven't seen a vet yet, even though it isn't time for shots yet, go get your pup checked out. That should have been done in the first day or two after they came home with you, if you haven't done it already.

If you don't get other referrals, this will buy you some time. And you may even decide that you want to stick with them. I did, for several years until I moved farther out.

thank you. I started researching them today.

[Gilbertsmommy]

I already scheduled Gilbert's first vet appoint with VCA. I get a free and the shots and microchip are a lot cheaper. so hopefully we like this place!

[Princes mom]

Originally Posted by Gilbertsmommy

what were some questions you asked? I am going to day to look at the clinic and I just want to be prepared

I asked how many yorkies, or small breed dogs they have currently as patients, what their opinion is on owners's input, how long they have been at that location, references...if possible, and basically over-all vibe. I also check out their credentials. They are googled before I arrive to see if their have been any complaints, or concerns. There are a lot of vets in my location, so I also have a choice. I also talk to people in the waiting area, and outside.

[Princes mom]

Originally Posted by Gilbertsmommy

thank you. I started researching them today.

Ian also goes to a VCA pet hospital. So far, so good.