Finding the right vet for your pet

You've just adopted a 10-week-old puppy from the local humane society. There's a lot to learn about your new furry friend, and one of the most important decisions you'll make as a pet parent is finding a quality health-care provider for him.

When you bring a new pet into your life, you are responsible from that day forward for his care, which includes nutrition, safety and health.

Selecting the right veterinarian is a personal decision, but you'll want to choose a practice that offers the highest available care, one that you can trust to care for your pet's health through the years.

Your veterinarian is one of your pet's most important caretakers. So finding and establishing a relationship with the right vet can be critical to the long-term health and well-being of your cat or dog. Whether you're new to pet parenting or need to switch vets, here are some helpful tips to consider during your search.

Start by asking friends, family or neighbors - preferably those who own a dog or cat, for recommendations. But chances are if you purchased your pet from a local breeder or animal shelter, they would know the local vet community and can refer you to a trusted practice.

Always be sure to double-check references.

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) evaluates veterinary practices on the quality of their facilities, staff, equipment and patient care. So you can search the organization's website at http://www.healthypet.com for a list of accredited vets in your area.

And if possible choose a vet that is close to home. Short car rides will help minimize stress to your dog or cat, especially if he is sick or injured.

When selecting a vet, you're doing more than searching for a medical expert. You're looking for someone to meet your needs and those of your pet, a doctor who has people as well as animal skills.

Remember, the worst time to look for a vet is when you really need on, so plan ahead and choose wisely.

Once you've narrowed your search, schedule a visit to meet the staff and tour the facility to learn about the hospitals philosophy and policies. This really is a reasonable request that any vet should be glad to do, so don't be shy. Write down your questions ahead of time.

A few things you should look for when touring the facility are cleanliness, friendliness and organization.

Since veterinarians often work with a team of professionals, including technicians and qualified support staff, you might want to evaluate the vet's team's competence.

Is the staff calm, courteous and caring, and do they communicate effectively?

Remember to consider the hospital's location and think about fees when making a decision.

A good hospital should have access to x-ray, ultrasound, dentistry, in-house lab tests, IV pumps, blood-pressure, and eye-pressure monitoring, as well as the ability to send out labs and refer to specialists. This is important to know because if your pet ends up with an emergency, the quicker he gets care, the better. It will help you feel more comfortable to be able to know that your vet's hospital is equipped with whatever Fido or Kitty needs for urgent care.

Schedule a "get-to-know-you" wellness appointment. Making a wellness appointment at a time when your pet is otherwise healthy is a great way to get to know your new vet, facility, and staff.

The first staff member you usually meet is a veterinarian technician or assistant. Does the staff member seem knowledgeable about and sensitive to your pet?

After your new vet enters the exam room, observe how he or she interacts with your furry friend. The vet should approach your pet in a friendly manner to minimize stress and provide positive interaction.

The vet should smile and be upbeat during the routine wellness call and shouldn't be in a hurry and attempt to speed up the exam.

Remember that appointments will go more smoothly when you have a list of questions to ask your vet.

Once you've found the right vet for you and your furry friend, have regular preventative visits, not just when Fido or Kitty becomes ill.

Learn what's normal for your pet, so you recognize the first signs of illness. If your pet's not well, don't wait until he's really sick before you call your vet.