Whether you’ve just moved to Toronto, you’ve just purchased a dog, or your previous veterinarian is no longer taking clients, finding a new veterinarian can be a hugely daunting task. You may not know exactly what you’re looking for, which can make the process even more difficult. Here are a few important components that you should be looking for when finding a new veterinarian for your dog.
Location
Location is, of course, an important part of finding a new veterinarian. Not only do you need a veterinarian who’s licensed to work in Toronto, but it’s also important that it’s easy for you to visit that veterinarian. Many dogs love riding in the car, but the closer your veterinarian is, the more likely that you’ll be able to book an appointment and get to your veterinarian appointments easily.
This is one of the reasons that many people are looking into online vets in Toronto. An online vet appointment allows you to see a veterinarian in the comfort of your own home, so you don’t have to take your dog out to a vet appointment.
Availability
Availability is also very important. Some veterinarian offices may only have a few vets on staff, leaving them a bit limited in terms of how many appointments they can offer. If you’re interested in finding a local dog veterinarian, make sure you check their hours, the days they’re open, and how far in advance they ask you to call for an appointment. This ensures that you’re able to take your dog in when you’re available.
Knowledge of any conditions your dog has
If your dog has any special conditions, like arthritis, diabetes, or hip dysplasia, it’s important that the veterinarian you visit can treat these conditions. Not every veterinarian will have in-depth knowledge of every type of condition, so you should ask about these conditions during your first visit. The veterinarian can let you know if they feel comfortable caring for a dog with these specific needs.
General demeanor
Finally, the last component to check for is a much more subjective element. It’s important that you feel like your veterinarian is listening to you, caring for your dog in a kindly manner, and handling you and your dog with comfort and care. If you want to have a great relationship with your veterinarian, it’s important that you feel comfortable and confident in the care that they’re providing. You may also want to keep an eye on how the veterinarian behaves with other people who work in the clinic, including whether they treat these people with care and how the other people seem to enjoy being around the veterinarian.
Find a veterinarian to provide care for your dog
Finding a great veterinarian can feel very daunting, but it’s completely possible to find a veterinarian that you feel confident in providing care for your dog. By checking for a veterinarian who’s in your area, who’s available when you need them, who can care for your dog’s special conditions, and who generally acts in a way that you find comfortable, it’s possible to find a great veterinarian that provides your dog with the care they need.
