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How to Find the Right Animal Clinic for Your Family Pet

Petroglyph Animal Hospital of Albuquerque New Mexico knows how important it is to find the right Veterinarian, Animal Clinic or Animal Hospital for you and your family pet. Here are some important considerations to make when choosing the right animal clinic for your pet in Albuquerque.

One of the most important decisions to make as a pet owner is what veterinary practice in your local area is right for you and your family pet. Finding a quality health care provider for your furry or scaly friend can promote a healthier, longer life for your adopted animal loved one. Selecting the right veterinarian is a personal decision. You’ll want to select an animal hospital practice that offers the highest available standard of care for your pet and their particular needs.

How to choose what veterinarian is right for you?

It’s always a good idea to start by asking for recommendations from friends, family and trusted neighbors. You can also ask your local breeders and pet stores for their recommendations. After you have sought the advice of people you know, the next step is to consider the following advice when actually selecting your family vet.

  • Make a preliminary appointment with prospective vets so you can get an overall feel for the facility, how they practice and what types of animals they service.
  • During your preliminary appointment, take a good look at the facility. How clean is it? Is it modern and well organized? Does the staff seem friendly and outgoing? How are the animals in the waiting room treated and behaving?
  • Ask about the different vets on staff and find out if you will be working with the same vet or if the responsibility of care is shared by the entire vet team.
  • Ask questions; lots of them. You are responsible for the well-being of your family pet and your potential veterinarian shouldn’t seem reluctant or hesitant to answer your important health care questions or concerns.
  • Once your visit has concluded, reflect on the encounter. Did you feel like you had a good rapport with the veterinarian and support staff, including the front desk person? Did you like the facility? Did they answer all of your questions?

What are some questions to ask the veterinarian and support staff when selecting an animal hospital or clinic?

Your questions may vary depending on the reason for your visit, but you can use the following list as a guide, especially when selecting a new practice to provide health treatment for your pet.

  • Does this practice have licensed veterinary technicians on staff, and if so, how many?
  • What type of animals do you treat?
  • Do you dispense and provide your own pharmaceuticals in house or am I required to order my prescriptions from an outside source?
  • Is this practice AAHA-accredited?
  • How are overnight patients monitored and cared for?
  • What types of equipment does this practice own, use, outsource?
  • Does this animal clinic refer patients to outside specialists?
  • How are patients evaluated before anesthesia and surgery ?
  • What are your protocols and guidelines for pain management?

Guess what? If you have problems with your vet or no longer feel your needs are being met, you can always switch.

If you have concerns about the quality of care being provided by your current vet, don’t worry, you can find a practice that better serves your needs. Most veterinary practices, like all businesses, expect clients to come and go. Before you leave, remember to ask for a complete copy of your pet’s health records to be mailed or faxed to you or your new animal healthcare practitioner.

Petroglyph Animal Hospital serves the Greater Albuquerque, New Mexico Area. If you are looking for a new animal clinic, veterinarian, or animal hospital for your adopted furry or scaly loved one, we would love for you to consider us as part of your new pet’s health considerations.

Just Call (505) 898-8874

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