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Look for a practice that’s close to where you live. This can come in handy if you need to make regular visits, and it’ll also be a blessing in case of an emergency – the last thing you’d want is to be stuck in traffic! Even if your pet needs an extended stay after an operation, you’ll feel better knowing they’re not too far away.
Notice how the staff interact with each other and the animals in their care. Consider whether they come across as knowledgeable and caring, whether there are enough vets to cope with busy periods, and if your pet stays overnight, will it be sufficiently supervised?
Modern clinics should be well equipped to provide clinical, anaesthetic and diagnostic care. Check whether operations can be performed on-site.
If your pet needs specialist treatment, look for a vet who’s registered with the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council, as its membership requires longer study and expertise in a specific area.
Specialists include ophthalmologists, oncologists, dermatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and diagnostic imaging specialists.
Clinics typically display the practitioners’ accreditation and qualifications.
Vets may also be a member of the Australian Veterinary Association, which is the only professional association representing veterinarians across Australia since 1921.
And if you’d like to know more about the nurses at your clinic, you can ask about the vet nurses’ certifications and if their clinic runs any ongoing training for them.
Typically, there aren’t any standard fees for veterinary services or medications, so before you take your pet to get a check-up or treatment, enquire with the clinic and ask for a full quote before you go ahead with any service.
Keep in mind that a clinic might be more expensive than another because it may provide access to better equipment, more staff, or a wider range of services.
You can’t go wrong by word-of-mouth marketing from trusted family and friends. And if you know any animal trainers, pet sitters, or groomers, then it might be worth having a chat with them too.
And if you’ve been wondering about taking care of your pet in the long term, pet insurance could be a good option to help you cover eligible vet bills. We’ve partnered with Choosi so you can start comparing a range of pet insurance policies with us right here.
Last updated: 01/06/2022