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Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective
By Gregory M. Simpson
Life is full of close working relationships. One of them should be with your veterinarian.
Are you aware that admission to veterinary school is more competitive than medical school? This is because there are only 27 U.S. veterinary schools as compared to 155 medical schools.
So how do you choose a veterinarian who was so carefully selected for veterinary training? There are many factors to consider. Feeling confident about his or her veterinary skills should be at the top of the list. Therefore, seek one or more recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors as testimonials.
Once the relationship is established, be conversant with your veterinarian about any condition or treatment related to your companion animal. In this internet age, it is a simple matter to access additional information about any veterinary diagnosis or treatment. There are also publications available, such as the Cornell Book of Cats, Cat Fancy, Dog Fancy, and Catnip: A Newsletter for Caring Cat Owners.
As important as veterinary skills is "bedside manor," both for you and your companion animal. Choose a veterinarian who is willing to spend quality time with you, explaining diagnoses and procedures to your satisfaction. If you want a second opinion, you should be able to ask for one without resistance. At times, it may be appropriate for the vet to even make the contact.
"Bedside manor" extends beyond office appointments, through follow-up phone calls or e-mails to see how your animal is progressing. It is also common for vets to send holiday cards and sympathy cards when companion animals pass on. However, your veterinarian alone does not establish a supportive environment. Veterinary technicians and reception staff play important roles in setting the atmosphere. Are they friendly and knowledgeable? They may be the ones you speak with as often as your vet.
What is the ambience of the veterinary clinic or hospital? Is it bright, warm, and inviting? Is it clean? When considering a veterinary practice, appropriately ask for a tour of the facility. Are all parts of the practice equally well-maintained? Examine where your animal will stay if ill. Would your sick cat be caged in a room with barking dogs or be placed separately with only cats? Is the cage space large enough to move around in if multiple overnight stays are needed?
Availability is a key factor. What are the hospital hours? Are the hours convenient to drop off your companion animal before work and pick up afterwards? Is the clinic open on Saturdays? How are emergencies handled? Could you reach a vet from the practice after hours or would you need to go to an emergency hospital? Is the veterinary practice close enough to your home so as to be readily accessible on short notice? Are clients seen for appointments on time? These are all questions for which you will be glad to have answers before selecting a vet.
There are other signs that a veterinary practice may be a "good place" for you and your companion animal. Are there one or more resident animals that greet each client? Does the vet participate in a low-cost spay/neuter program like Spay USA or Friends of Animals? Does the practice offer multiple pet discounts? Does the clinic help place animals needing homes? Does it maintain a bulletin board of useful information, such as places to adopt or upcoming animal welfare group events? Does the vet donate time or discounts to animal rescue organizations?
After selecting a veterinary practice, allow time for the working relationship to develop. A vet gets to know your animal’s physical and psychological needs better over time. Remember that you spend the most time with your pet, so you are the most important symptom reporter. If you have any questions about the vet’s assessment or treatment – ask. It is your companion animal and the responsibility to secure the best care is yours. It is the veterinarian’s responsibility to provide the best veterinary care he or she can. And remember - regular check-ups are important. Not all health problems are symptomatic. For instance, heart murmurs can be a silent killer.
Doing all of the above will make the process of visiting the vet more pleasant and productive – for both your pet and you!
For the animals,
Gregory M. Simpson
Gregory Simpson’s animal welfare involvement spans over 25 years, having provided leadership for several Connecticut organizations, as well as having served as state advisor to the national Friends of Animals. Currently a Board member of Protectors of Animals, Inc., he was chosen by CAT FANCY magazine as one of the ultimate cat lovers in the U.S. He is also a member of the Cat Writers’ Association.
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