Choosing a Great Vet Clinic

---

I’ve been procrastinating about writing this topic for some time, but a series of recent incidents at a national chain vet pushed me to finally put my thoughts down.

Last year, I had a conversation with my regular vet about the changing culture and business of veterinary medicine. Large corporations are increasingly buying out existing vet clinics, turning them into less personal, more business-driven practices. Curious about this trend, I did some research and found it’s a nationwide phenomenon.

For my own furry kids, I exclusively use my vet, whom I’ve been visiting for almost a decade since moving to my current location. For my foster kittens, however, I rely on several vet clinics for different purposes. For serious medical issues, I take them to my trusted vet because I value her expertise and the high quality of care she provides. For vaccinations and spaying, I use two local spay clinics that offer very low-cost services for basic care.

In addition, I sometimes use an emergency vet and (used to use) a nationwide chain clinic as needed. As part of a non-profit rescue that operates on donations, I have to be strategic about how I allocate funds and which clinic to use for different types of situations. Between my own kids and foster kittens, I visit vet clinics at least 3-4 times a month, giving me plenty of experience to compare various practices.

I wanted to share how I choose my vet and what I look for in a great vet clinic.

Phone “Interview”

When I moved to my current city, I called several vet clinics in the area and asked a series of questions to learn more about each one. Knowing what I know today, here are some of the questions I would have asked:

• Can I schedule a “meet and greet”?
  Some vet clinics offer a “meet and greet” appointment and may even waive the initial office visit charge. You can bring your cat or dog to see how they respond to the environment and observe how the staff and vet interact with them.
• Can you perform a blood draw in the exam room instead of taking my kid to the back?
  This is very important to me because I want to stay with my cat or dog during stressful procedures whenever possible. While there are times when taking an animal to the back is necessary, I prefer to know if the staff is willing to accommodate this request to reduce stress for my kids.
• Which vaccinations do you recommend for [a specific animal]?
  This question helps me understand how flexible they are with my preferences and whether they are up-to-date with the latest studies and research on vaccinations.
• Is your clinic privately owned or part of a corporate chain?
  I personally prefer a privately owned practice. With a chain, there’s a higher likelihood of losing your vet in the near future due to high turnover. It’s disappointing to find a good provider in the medical field, only to lose them shortly afterward.

The lobby

The first thing I observe is the lobby—is it crowded? A considerate vet practice avoids having multiple patients wait together in a small area. The clinic I go to has two separate doors: one for entering and another for checking out and exiting—which creates a smoother flow. Upon arrival, the staff directs you into one of several exam rooms so your cats or dogs don’t have to interact with other unfamiliar animals in the lobby. A quiet lobby also often indicates that the practice doesn’t overbook appointments.

I remember the old vet I used about 20 years ago routinely overbooked, and waiting over an hour for our turn was normal.

When I started going to my current vet with my late Jazzy and Cooper, I recall seeing her examining two small dogs in the parking lot. This was years before COVID, and she was doing it because those dogs were too anxious to go inside the building. It was a clear sign that she genuinely cared about her patients’ comfort.

Vaccinations and tests

Some of the nationwide vet clinics I mentioned earlier tend to push unnecessary treatments and vaccines. As their advocates, we, as cat/dog parents, should do our own research and decide what’s best for our furry kids. I always ask my vet which vaccines, tests, and treatments she recommends, and I make the final decisions.

You should also never be made to feel guilty for declining a treatment you don’t think is necessary. For example, when GB had his first adult kitty check-up, my vet and I had a thorough discussion about his preventive care. Based on his lifestyle as “Papa G” to young kittens, his potential exposure to illnesses, and the possible immunity he’s built up from that exposure, I selected specific tests and vaccines for him.

Bedside manners and extra care

This is probably the most important quality I look for in a great vet. With my background as a trainer specializing in working with fear, I deeply appreciate when a vet takes the time to get to know my kids. Both BB and Phoebe have social anxieties, though they manifest differently. For BB, who I describe as “autistic,” my vet and I have developed a routine protocol to minimize her anxiety. When BB needs dental cleaning, the clinic lets me use one of their exam rooms for several hours. I essentially move in with my laptop, snacks, dog beds, and a heated blanket. The initial sedation begins while BB is with me, and once she’s relaxed, they take her to the back. After the procedure, they bring her back to our room before she’s fully awake, so I’m the first one she sees as she comes out of sedation. The fact that the clinic allows this speaks volumes—it shows how much they care about BB’s well-being.

With Phoebe, we follow a different protocol. Lately, I’ve been bringing GB along because his presence provides comfort—for everyone, including me! GB helps Phoebe feel more relaxed. My vet and the tech usually sit on the floor, allowing Phoebe to settle down. They give her (and GB) treats, and once Phoebe starts giving them kisses, they proceed with the exam. Yes, they could perform the exam and give her shots right away, but doing so would make her more nervous during future visits.

This kind of extra care is only possible when a practice doesn’t overbook appointments. Even if the cost of care is slightly higher, it’s absolutely worth it.

I understand that being this selective isn’t always possible. But remember one thing: they are your kids, and you are their advocate. Ask if they could draw blood in front of you instead of taking them to the back room. Request that they spend an extra few minutes giving treats or making your cat/dog feel more comfortable. If you aren’t satisfied with the care provided and switching to a different vet is an option, don’t hesitate to make that change. Not all vets are created equal, and your kids’ comfort, health, and emotional well-being should be the priority.

Support Your Vet!

One last thing! Relationships go both ways. If you find a vet you’re happy with, show your appreciation by leaving a positive review! For private practices, word of mouth and good reviews are vital for their success. After all, you want them to have a successful business so you can continue relying on their care.

I won’t share my vet’s location to protect my privacy, but if you’re in the south Houston area and need a great vet, feel free to email me at bordernerd@yahoo.com.