Finding a vet

What factors should you consider when choosing a vet?

Apart from finding someone who is capable, professional, and compassionate, there are a few more things you could consider:

• Location

  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.

• Staff

  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?

• Facilities and equipment

  Modern clinics should be well equipped to provide clinical, anaesthetic and diagnostic care. Check whether operations can be performed on-site.

• Areas of specialty
  Most general vet clinics will treat cats and dogs, so if you have another pet such as a guinea pig or a rabbit, you’ll need to find out whether your desired clinic will treat them too.

  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.

• Qualifications

  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.

• Fees

  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.

• Personal recommendations

  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.

Is vet clinic access 24/7?

Vet clinics tend to operate across standard business hours, but it doesn’t hurt to ask your desired clinic what they can offer in case of an emergency. Some suburban clinics work together to offer after-hours care on rotation, and some towns may have an emergency 24/7 vet hospital nearby.

What else is there to consider?

Make sure you shop around before you make your final decision. Call clinics in your neighbourhood, step inside a few of them, and ask any questions you’d like answered. If the staff are friendly, it’s likely your pet will be cared for.

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