Pet owners often form strong attachments to their animals, and they expect high-quality veterinary care. When you get a new pet, the veterinarian you choose will explain your pet's life stages and guide you in creating a positive human-pet relationship. The vet will help you understand how to meet your pet's needs to prevent behavior problems and ensure that your dog, cat, and other animal remains happy and healthy. A quality veterinary clinic pays attention to both your pet's health and the well-being of your family.
Veterinarians focus on building long-term relationships with families and their pets and recognize the importance of pets as family members. Different veterinarians have different skills, and each pet owner needs to find the one that's right for them. For example, people with children may wish to choose a vet who communicates well with kids and makes them feel comfortable during visits. Some pet owners may prefer a veterinarian who incorporates holistic treatments (offering both traditional medical care and alternative therapies) into their practice. Still others may seek out a vet that focuses on caring for specific types of pets, such as just cats or exotic animals.
One newer type of care offered by some veterinary clinics is called “fear-free” care. Veterinary clinics offering fear-free care have at least one vet or staff member who has taken courses on how to handle a pet in a way that decreases the pet's stress, fear, and anxiety during its visit. Approaches may include providing a calm environment, providing positive reinforcement (often rewarding pets with treats), using gentle restraint techniques, and in some cases, using mild sedatives.
Emergency veterinary clinics provide emergency care when regular veterinary offices are closed. Emergency vets do not typically provide routine care and should not be considered your pet’s main veterinarian.
Veterinarians with medical specialties, such as surgeons or dermatologists (skin specialists), work with regular vets to treat very complicated medical problems. If your pet develops a complicated medical problem, your regular veterinarian can refer your pet to a specialist if needed.
It's crucial to find a veterinarian who meets both your needs and those of your pet. If you feel at ease in the vet's office, your pet is likely to feel comfortable too. Good communication is essential, and a vet should be willing to discuss your pet's needs, treatment options, and ways to keep your pet happy and healthy.
