Finding the right veterinary practice should be more than just good luck. It takes some research and some thinking, but with a little effort you should be able to find one that offers the right standards of care and is reliable and honest.
First Step
Whilst word-of-mouth can give a general indication of the quality of a veterinary practice, it shouldn’t be the only thing you check. But ask around other pet owners. Ask what problems they have had, if any, and how the practice has dealt with their pet. Get a list of practices so that you can compare before going onto the next step.
Ensuring the best care for our pet does not only depend on the skill or knowledge of our vet; we, as owners, also need to be informed in order to understand the information we are given and know what to expect. Here are a few things that maybe important to know when taking your pet to the vet.Second Step
Once you have a list, check which ones are on the BSAVA list of approved practices. This is a list of practices that have been inspected and meet the BSAVA guidelines. This list can be found through the following link:
http://www.bsava.com/practice_index.php?nav=309
You have to remember that not all practices have been inspected and approved, and, in itself, not being on the list does not necessarily mean that a practice is not excellent. However, those practices on the approved list have achieved a high standard and are worth considering. Look for a practice that specialises in the particular animal you have.
The RCVS also lists all of the vets registered to practice, and members of the public can make a search. It’s not that easy, but this is the link:
http://www.rcvs.org.uk/Templates/system/Search.asp?NodeID=89634
Third Step
Once you have selected a practice it’s time to speak to the vet in charge. There are a number of things to ask about, an in particular you may want to know the following;
1. Does the practice offer 24-hour care? If the answer is ‘Yes’, then who has responsibility for the animals at night and what are their qualifications?
2. Are all of the vets working there registered with the RCVS? (This may sound a little unnecessary, but it’s always worth asking. The answer should ALWAYS be ‘Yes’))
3. Are the ‘nurses’ working there actually qualified? (There is no restriction on who can call themselves a ‘Veterinary Nurse’, so the practice should be able to demonstrate who is qualified and who is not. If they have no qualified nurses you might as well cross them off straight away.)
4. What do they do about preventing serious infections and how do they know they are successful? (It’s not enough for them to simply say that MRSA has never been on their premises – 20% of their staff are likely to be colonised!)
5. Do they carry out surgical procedures on the premises and what are the facilities like?
6. Is it their policy to NOT refer animals to specialist centres? (A practice that has a policy of not referring to specialist centres is likely to try to work above the competence of its practitioners. Cross them off the list.)
7. Do they have a pet ambulance for use in emergencies? (They may not have one of their own, but if they have access to one - and not just a transport service – then that is certainly in their favour.)
8. Who takes responsibility when the vet(s) are on holiday?
9. Ask the questions on our website page ‘Dealing with vets and animal hospitals’.
10. Ask to be shown around the premises. It will give you an idea of the general level of cleanliness and a good vet will be pleased to let you see the conditions in which your pet will be kept.
Fourth Step
The answers you get to these questions will give some indication of the quality of care a practice can give, but there are no guarantees. Speak to as many people as you can from several practices. Make your choice, but always be prepared to go somewhere else for a second opinion (preferably from a different practice). Don’t believe that the vet you pick will know all there is to know about everything, but a vet who regularly refers to those more expert is likely to be more aware of risk than a vet who doesn’t.
Ultimately, our choice of vet is just that, a choice. We cannot remove every risk, but if we are systematic in our approach we are more likely to get a vet who will give our pet the care and treatment they need, not just what the vet thinks is enough.
