Figuring out how to find a good vet for your dog can be tough for a number of reasons. You need to choose someone your furry member of the family is comfortable with and more importantly treats your dog with the expert care she deserves.
Your precious pooch is a member of your family. Like finding a good family doctor, you want to find a vet that will give your dog the attention, care and treatment she needs to live a healthy and happy life.
Why routine care and vet visits are essential to the health of your pet
You might be thinking that it doesn’t really matter who your vet is, your pet is healthy and you hardly ever go to the vet. But the thing is, vet visits and other day-to-day pet care are crucial to your pet’s health.
You should never leave vet visits to the last minute when it comes to your pets. Vet check-ups, vaccinations, dental care and other essential risk prevention methods help your vet to detect and diagnose any underlying issues before they become worse.
Vaccinations are an ongoing occurrence (and cost) and can help save your pet’s life. Pet insurance can help cover the costs of vet visits and routine care.
Pet insurance that lets you go to any vet of your choice
In most cases, pet insurers have a specified network of vets to choose from. This means you can ONLY go to these vets in order to claim from your insurer. And then there’s Oneplan Pet Insurance. They let you go to ANY vet of your choice. No specified networks. It’s that simple.
Oneplan even pays you before you see the vet
Oh, and it gets better. They front you with the cash you need for your vet visit BEFORE your visit. How they do this is through the Oneplan Claim Card. You will receive a Claim Card when you become a member of the Oneplan Pet Family.
Before your visit to the vet, simply login to the Oneplan App, load your claim, and the funds will be transferred to your Oneplan Claim Card in seconds. You then use this card to swipe at your vet’s office – the same way you would use a debit card.
Related: What Does Dog Insurance Cost?
How to find a good vet for your dog
1. Chat to friends and family
Ask your friends, colleagues, family members and even ask online community forums about good vets in your area.
2. Read reviews online
Check online for reviews as this will give you an indication of the level of service and customer satisfaction. Remember to also take what you read with a pinch of salt; you just need to focus on what the majority of reviews say. One bad review does not mean that the vet’s practice is not a good choice for you.
3. The front desk
Once you have jotted down some vets you want to check out in your area, phone their reception and get a feel for what their staff are like. Make sure the person at the front desk is easy to work with, experienced and well mannered. Did you feel that the reception staff were genuine and wanted to help you? Did they answer any questions you had?
4. Visit the clinic
Before you bring your dog with you to the vet, visit the clinic yourself and get a feel for the place. Is it clean and well run? Are the staff friendly and helpful?
Read this: 10 Warning Signs You Need to Take Your Pet to the Vet
5. Meeting the vet with your pet
When you meet your vet for the first time, you need to ensure they are qualified but do not only base your decision on their qualifications. Pay attention to how he or she interacts with your dog and you.
Do they make eye contact and take a genuine interest in your pet’s health history? Do they handle your precious pooch in a caring and gentle manner? Does your pet seem to feel comfortable around him or her? (Bear in mind that going to the vet is a stressful experience for most dogs).
Does the vet complete a full physical exam which includes looking at your pet’s ears, mouth and eyes, scanning the body and feeling the lymph nodes and abdomen? Go with your gut feeling and how your pet responds to the vet.
Questions to ask your vet
There are certain questions you can ask your vet. Keep in mind that these will depend on your pet and the type of visit.
- What routine or regular pet health care do you recommend for my dog?
- If your pet is on chronic medication or is undergoing treatment for a specific condition, then ask what other tests may be required? Or what other treatment options are there?
- Who will see my dog if you (as my regular vet) aren’t available?
- Does your clinic offer emergency and after-hours care? If not, is there a clinic nearby that offers this?
We hope you find a vet that is right for you, your pet and your pet’s health and happiness.
Discover: 6 Important Things to Know About Pet Diabetes
Yours in Not-So-Average Pet Advice,
The Petinsurance.co.za