How to Choose a Vet for My Dog?

You did countless hours of research to find your own doctor (or you at least got a few five-star recs from some trusted friends). Choosing the right vet for your dog is just as important. You’ll need to assess clinic facilities, emergency services, (and pricing) to make sure your pup has the kind of care they deserve. A positive connection between the vet and your dog is crucial for a stress-free veterinary experience.

When should I take my dog to the vet?

“It’s always a good idea to get an appointment for a follow-up exam with your veterinarian soon after you adopt,” recommends Stephanie Filer, executive director of Shelter Animals Count (SAC), a source for animal sheltering data. Ideally, your dog should have their first vet visit within the first few days of being home. But, if your dog is a little stressed out and needs more time to settle in, don’t rush it.

Filer assures that if you’ve recently adopted a new dog, the shelter or rescue keeps pets healthy, often diagnosing and treating any existing conditions before the pet is ready for adoption. Adopted pets also typically receive vaccinations and a health exam before going home. Regardless, you’ll want to establish care for your new pet right away to begin building your relationship with your vet and ask any new pet parents questions you may have.  

After establishing care, the frequency of return visits depends on your dog’s age and any existing health conditions. For instance, a puppy who is still in the midst of their puppy vaccine series will need to see the vet every three to four weeks while a healthy adult dog typically requires one wellness visit a year. Seniors and dogs with health conditions may need to see their vet more often. 

How can I find local vets near me?

As you start your search for a veterinary clinic in your area, you’ll want to keep a few key things in mind, such as how far from home or work you’re willing to travel and if you’d like the clinic to have special experience with your dog’s breed and/or health conditions. 

• Search for a veterinary clinic by using search engines and review sites, such as Google Maps or Yelp for reviews.

• Explore community forums like Nextdoor, Facebook groups, or breed-specific forums for recommendations from fellow pet parents in your area.

• Ask friends and family about their experiences and preferences regarding local vet clinics, gathering insights on what they appreciate or would improve.

So, what makes a good dog vet?

Vet visits aren’t always a walk in the park but taking the time to choose the best clinic and vet for you and your pet significantly reduces the stress associated with visits. Finding the best clinic can seem daunting, so we’ve broken down a few key factors to consider when choosing a vet:

• Convenient location and hours: Can you easily get to the clinic when needed?

• Ease of scheduling: Once an established patient, what is the expected wait time to see the vet if your dog gets sick? Are appointments scheduled online, via application, or by calling the clinic?

• Vet bios: Review the backgrounds of the veterinarians at the clinic. Look for any specialized experience they may have with certain breeds or medical conditions. Take note of their approach to patient care and communication with pet parents.

• Routine services offered: Does the clinic provide the services your dog might need? For instance, some clinics may not have a canine dentist on staff, so you’ll need to go elsewhere for routine dental cleanings. 

• Emergency services offered: Do they offer after-hours care or urgent appointment slots? And if not, where is the closest emergency veterinarian?

• Cost: Compare the costs of services offered across different clinics in your area. 

• Payment options: Do they offer payment plans at an affordable rate?

After your first visit, ask yourself these questions:

• Does my dog feel comfortable here? Was your dog calm and comfortable during the visit? Some clinics go as far as separating cat and dog waiting and exam rooms to reduce excitement. 

• Did I feel comfortable here? Were you able to address all your concerns with the vet without feeling rushed or judged? 

• Was the staff friendly and helpful? Do they answer your questions clearly and treat your dog kindly?

• Was the office clean? Is the clinic well-maintained? Did they sanitize the exam room before calling your dog back?

What to expect from my first vet visit? 

During the first vet visit, your vet will review your dog’s health history and conduct a physical examination, checking their vital signs and body condition score. This score helps determine if your dog is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight.

This first check-up is a great time to ask any questions you may have as a new pet parent, like what and how much your dog should eat or their exercise needs. But, your vet should always be open to answering any questions you may have throughout your pet’s care. 

“Each stage of a pet’s life presents different medical or training needs,” says Filer, adding that establishing a long-term relationship with a trusted vet can help you tackle anything that comes your way.

If you’re wondering how much a dog costs and how you’ll pay for unexpected medical bills, pet insurance can help. Most importantly, don’t forget to visit your vet for regular checkups, even when your pet isn’t sick. They can help catch problems early for a long and healthy life. 

Commonly asked questions:

How much is a vet visit for a dog? 

You can expect to pay between $65 to $100 for your dog’s routine wellness exam. Your vet may also recommend vaccinations (ranging from $20 to $430 or more), bloodwork (approximately $95), or other specialized care. Pet insurance can help reduce pet care medical costs. 

How often do you take a dog to the vet? 

Puppies may need to visit the vet every three to four weeks. A healthy adult dog typically requires one wellness visit per year. But, seniors and dogs with health conditions may need more frequent vet visits. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to call your vet clinic for an appointment between routine wellness visits.