Choosing a veterinary office: Not a decision to be taken lightly

Whether you’ve recently moved or adopted a new furry friend, you may be looking for a veterinary office to keep your pet healthy.

Before you make a big decision, do your homework and pick a vet who is right for you, your pet and your budget. With about 3,330 vets to pick from in Ohio, it’s not a decision you can take lightly. To help make your decision easier, the Better Business Bureau offers the following tips for choosing a trustworthy veterinarian:

Research veterinary offices. Look at online reviews and make sure the website checks out.

Ask family and friends for veterinarian recommendations. Breeders and breed club members are also a good source for recommendations.

Consider the location and office hours. A convenient location close to home is great in case of emergencies. It also means you can avoid long car rides with your pet. Make sure office hours are compatible with your schedule.

Locate a vet before you actually need one. Don’t wait until your pet becomes ill or needs emergency care.

Take a tour of the office. When you visit, make sure the facility is clean and organized. Pay attention to how busy the clinic is as it’s likely an indication the veterinarian is well-liked and the staff is hard-working and reliable.

Ask how much examinations, yearly vaccines, elective surgeries and emergency treatments cost and make sure the prices fit your budget. Inquire about the type of payments accepted and pet insurance.

Be sure the vet has experience with your pet’s health problems if it has pre-existing conditions.

Find out how many licensed veterinarians are on staff and if they’re accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association or if they belong to other professional associations. Find out if technicians are certified and the experience they have.

Visit the clinic with your pet and observe the behavior between your pet and the staff.

Find out how the veterinarian feels about preventative care, spaying and neutering, dental care, holistic treatments and specialist care. If you don’t have common ground, consider a different vet.

Look for good customer service. Are the staff professional and friendly?

BBB can also help. BBB can provide a list of BBB Accredited veterinarians and Business Profiles on ones you may be considering. Visit BBB.org or call 937-222-5825 or 800-776-5301.