Follow these six tips to make choosing a veterinary clinic for your pet easier and less stressful.

 Check Qualifications

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) is an organization that sets guidelines for veterinary clinics. Their main objective is to to improve the quality of care provided by veterinary practices in the U.S. You can check veterinary hospitals for AAHA certification by visiting the organization’s website.

It’s also a good idea to ask whether any veterinarians in the practice specialize in certain pets or specific areas in the medical field. These could be things such as breeding, training, sports, orthopedics, allergies, small animals, ruminants, pocket pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, etc.), reptiles, and more.

Consider Distance and Hours

Distance is an extremely important factor to consider when looking for a vet clinic because it can make the difference between life and death in an emergency. Just to be on the safe side, choose a clinic that is a short distance from your home. Otherwise, make sure you have an alternative option, such as a nearby veterinary emergency hospital.

You should also ask about the clinic’s availability to see if the service hours work for you. If they’re open at inconvenient hours, you’re going to have a hard time scheduling an appointment. This isn’t good, as you’ll likely put off your pet’s health.

Ask About Equipment

Not all veterinary facilities contain the same type of equipment. Some clinics have additional equipment that allows them to offer more services. For example, a laparoscope is a fairly new surgical instrument in the veterinary field; it is used to perform minimally invasive surgeries. Other equipment that you can ask about includes an ultrasound machine, endoscope, hydrotherapy unit, and electrocardiogram. If the clinic does not have this type of equipment, they will refer you to a specialist or another veterinary hospital that does include this in their facility.

Find Out if Additional Services are Available

Most people today are short on time, which is why finding an “all-in-one” veterinary practice is beneficial. Ask whether additional services, such as grooming, boarding, and training, are available at the clinic.

Investigate Financial Options

It’s always good to have different financial options in case of an emergency. Some veterinary clinic offer payment plans, and others are affiliated with credit card companies which you can apply for. If you’re concerned about money, you can also ask about prices and compare them to other clinics. The most important thing is that the service provided is high quality.

Evaluate the Staff

Evaluating the staff is the last and most important part of selecting a veterinary clinic. You and your dog must get along with staff members and feel comfortable asking questions. Otherwise, there will be a communication barrier between you and the staff, which can prevent your pet from getting the best possible care.