How Can I Find The Best Vet Near Me?
Finding the perfect vet for your little one is an important task. Our pets will need routine vet care for years to come, so it’s essential to find a clinic that meets each of your pet’s needs. Establishing a veterinary relationship from the moment your pet enters your life is one of the best ways to offer them a happy and healthy future.
Most cities have multiple vet clinics, so we know just how challenging it can be to pick the perfect one for your pet. The team at Vetted wants you to find the best option for your family, so let’s discuss our tips on finding the best vets near you!
When Should I Start Looking For A Vet Near Me?
Once you welcome a new pet into your family, you may wonder when it is the best time to have them checked out by a vet. Whether you have just welcomed a new baby or an adopted rescue into your home, we always suggest having them assessed by a vet within 5-7 days of having them. By giving them a few days to calm their nerves and settle in, the process of going to the vet won’t seem as scary.
Even if your newly adopted pet has just been examined in their previous environment, we still recommend starting the process with your vet of choice. Even the healthiest of pets should have a quick assessment within the 5-7 day timeframe, as some medical complications could have been missed in their previous home.
Another reason you want to get your pet checked as soon as possible is to be able to get a clean health record and immediately get pet insurance. This is important because most pet insurance companies do not cover pre-existing conditions. When your pet is the youngest, they have the lowest chances of having underlying conditions, and therefore are in the best position to get a comprehensive insurance plan.
Are There Online Vet Resources For Pet Parents?
Before we dive into our favorite vet finding tips, we first should mention that there are other veterinary resources you can explore. In addition to the in person exams and routine care that vet clinics offer, your beloved pet can also benefit from the help of our virtual 24/7 veterinary professionals team. If you are looking for a vet and are interested in a recommendation, please ping us on the app and speak with one of our professionals now. We would be happy to refer you to the clinics we love in your area.
Want to learn more about proactive primary care for your pet? Book an appointment at one of the Vetted Primary Care Clinics today! Click here to book!
How To Find The Best Vet Clinic Near You
Now that you understand the importance of implementing a pet care plan from the start, let’s help you find a vet clinic in your area.
Consider Your Pet’s Specific Needs
Before you begin your search for the perfect vet near you, you should first consider your pet’s specific needs. Factors such as age or underlying conditions should always be considered in your search, as each vet clinic will vary in terms of what they can offer.
For example, if you have a brand new puppy or kitten in your home, you might want to consider working with a clinic that offers puppy and kitten care packages and wellness plans. This will benefit your pet especially in the first year of their life, which requires a big investment in preventative health vet appointments.
If you have a senior pet, you might want to consider a wellness plan that can support more routine visits to the vet. Through the Vetted membership you will be able to get all the at-home services covered through your membership. Vetted will even reward you financially when you see your vet for those routine, but crucial, vet visits.
By making a list of the services your pet will need both now and in the near future, you can find the best clinic option for your family.
Ask Your Local Friends
One of the best ways to find reputable vets near you is by asking those around you. Many of your friends or neighbors will have treasured pets in their lives, as well as vets they trust to care for them. By gathering a list of recommended vets near you, you can begin to narrow down your search. If you are looking for advice and need more support, please feel free to reach out to us and we will let you know if there are any vet clinics we can recommend in your area!
Join Online Groups For Your Neighborhood
No matter where you live throughout the country, there will always be online resources that help you connect with those around you. Resources such as the Next Door app or Facebook groups can allow you to connect with your neighbors, and ask specific questions about services in your area. You can use these platforms to ask about the best vets near you, as well as any vets that meet your list of specific care requirements. Make sure to ask people why they love their vet to ensure that this is also the right fit for you!
Ask About Wellness Plans & Care Packages
Our pets will need ongoing care to keep them healthy throughout the years. Getting a wellness plan really pays off at the puppy and senior stage of your pet’s life. If you have a pet who has a medical condition and needs to go to the vet more often, a wellness plan can also be a good fit for you.
Keep in mind that there are also multiple ways that you can offer your pet ongoing care from home to prevent many emergencies and unnecessary vet visits. Vetted’s mission is to empower the pet parent from home so that you can give your pet the highest standard of care throughout the year. This service is complimentary to your routine vet visits. Preventative health at Vetted includes dental care, hip and joint supplements, digestive care, behavioral support, and skin and grooming.
You can always download the Vetted app or email our team directly at love@getvetted.io
Ask Any Questions That Are Important To You
When you do begin to call around to local vet clinics, you will want to have a list of questions that are important for you and your pet. Every pet parent will have different needs, but here are a few examples of questions you should ask:
- Do you offer any wellness packages?
- What are your hours of operation?
- How many vets do you have at your practice?
- Do you accept walk-ins, or are you appointment only?
- Do you offer dental care procedures?
- What diagnostics do you offer at your clinic?
- How much are your fees for vaccines, blood tests, dental cleanings, etc.?
- Can I arrange a tour if I would like to see your clinic first?
- Do you accept any medical emergencies, or do you refer out to other practices?
- Do you have an online booking system?
- Where do you store my medical records?
- Do you work with third party pharmacies?
- Who does the vaccines, blood work, and injections at your clinic? The vet or the vet technicians?
These are just a few questions that you can ask your vet clinic of interest, but feel free to ask any others that are important to you!
Final Thoughts
Finding the right vet for your pet is the first important decision you will make for them! Vetted wants to support pet parents as they make these necessary decisions, and arm you with knowledge on how to best care for them moving forward.
