How to Find the Best Cat Veterinarian
At some point, every cat owner will need to find a veterinarian for their feline friend. It’s even a good idea to pick out your vet before you even pick out your cat. In either case, here are a few tips on how to choose a cat veterinarian.
Facilities
Once you have narrowed down your list of prospective vets, you will want to check out the facility. Take a tour to ensure that everything is clean and up-to-date. If the vet works with animals other than cats, they should be housed separately.
Staff
During your visit, try to get to know the vet as well as other staff members. Everyone should be friendly, and more importantly knowledgeable about cats. If there are multiple vets working at the facility, ask if you would get to see a regular one.
Services
When trying to narrow down the best cat veterinarian, determine exactly what services the facility offers. Your cat may need certain diagnostic tests such as x-rays or ultrasounds. Would they be conducted on-site? Some vets also handle all of their own blood work instead of sending it out to labs. If your cat needs to stay overnight, are there adequate accommodations and staff on-hand?
Operation
Another thing to consider when trying to choose a veterinarian for your cat is the hours of operation. If you work late, then it wouldn’t be a good idea to try to go to a vet that closes early in the afternoon and isn’t open on the weekends.
Some vets also require you to make appointments instead of just walking in. However, emergencies can arise at any time. Ask the vet how they would go about handling it, or if they would direct you to an emergency clinic instead.
Price
Of course, you will want to take price into account when choosing a cat veterinarian. It would definitely be in your best interests to get quotes from several different vets. Consider the payment methods that they accept. You may have to bring cash every visit if they don’t accept credit or debit cards.
Insurance
More and more people are starting to take advantage of the benefits of pet insurance. Be aware that not all veterinarians take insurance. Also, your insurance company itself may require you to go to someone in-network anyway.
Don’t just choose the first cat veterinarian that you come across in the phone book or on the internet. It is well-worth the time it takes to research in order to find the best.