Choosing a vet. Wait. What?

[Staciewells1]

(Mods, if I've posted this in the wrong forum, please feel free to move it.)

We lost Truman, our 11 year old possibly-Kelpie-mostly-mutt, to HSA this week. I'm nowhere close to being ready for a new dog, but I know we will eventually adopt again. My problem is I've been unhappy with my current vet for a little while now, and would rather use a new vet with a new dog. When I adopt, though, the paperwork will ask me for my vet's information. I know I can always use my old vet information, but I would really like to establish a relationship with the doctor and staff before I get a dog. Does that make sense? How does one go about shopping for a vet with no pet? Will they think I'm a crazy person? What types of questions should I ask?

[marko]

Best advice is always getting a personal referral from someone you trust.

If that isn't possible, I don't know if this is useful, but perhaps start off with a general vet rating site like http://www.vetratingz.com/

Good luck!

[hazelrunpack]

So sorry about Truman, Staciewells1!

I think it's awesome that you want to establish the relationship before you get a dog, but you might want to touch bases with the organization you intend to adopt from, if you know it, because they may prefer to contact the old vet, as well. It will give them history about your relationship with Truman.

As for a new clinic, if they think you're crazy when you approach them, you need to keep looking! They should be accommodating to potential customers--it's just good business! Some clinics will even give you a tour of the facilities, but at the very least, you'll want to meet face-to-face with at least one of the vets. You can learn a lot just from talking to the staff at the front desk, too.

As to questions, what's important to you? Vaccination schedules, diet, services offered, fees? What sorts of things made you unhappy with your old vet? Ask about how they handle those things at the new place. Make up a list of questions before you go and use it as a starting point. If you feel uncomfortable with the answers, try a different clinic...

I hope you find a good clinic close to you, and best of luck when you finally get to the point of adoption! I hope you intend to post lots of puppy pics when you do!

[Barkingdog]

Originally Posted by marko

Best advice is always getting a personal referral from someone you trust.

If that isn't possible, I don't know if this is useful, but perhaps start off with a general vet rating site like http://www.vetratingz.com/

Good luck!

I agree with marko, I was going to post the same advice that he did .

[Staciewells1]

Thanks for the fast responses. This whole process is overwhelming! That is a great site.
Back to lurking for a while. As usual, I'll be back when I need you guys!

[Barkingdog]

Originally Posted by Staciewells1

Thanks for the fast responses. This whole process is overwhelming! That is a great site.
Back to lurking for a while. As usual, I'll be back when I need you guys!

I agree , this is a great site ! I think it the best one that I use.

[Longblades]

My condolences on your recent loss of Truman.

REscues I know, and I volunteer with one, ask for your Vet information as a check on how good a pet parent you have been in the past. You are under no obligation to stay with the Vet you say cared for your last pet just because you honestly say who cared for your last pet. That may not be the case everywhere but it is in my experience.

[MaxaLisa]

I actually think that you can't really establish a relationship until you are working with the vet, and that usually means that you are bringing your pet to them. You can however have an initial meeting, or phone call. I do agree with HRP that you need to decide on your philosophy of diet, vaccination, health, etc., and then find a vet that matches that.