So, you’ve got a new pet and you’re very excited! The first step for most pet owners is to get a health check for your new addition to make sure that they are disease-free and in top shape. But how do you know where to take them?  These days, most people turn to the internet to find a veterinarian in their area. They read reviews posted by others, check out some websites and addresses, and maybe phone around to a few offices to compare prices. A place is chosen and an appointment is made likely before even setting foot in the hospital! While location, reviews, and costs are definitely factors to consider when choosing a vet clinic, I encourage you to not stop there in your search. There are so many more aspects to consider when it comes to finding the right veterinarian for your pet and your family!

My number one consideration that I recommend is to look for clinics in the area that are AAHA accredited. AAHA stands for the American Animal Hospital Association and it is a voluntary, PAID membership that veterinary clinics apply for. In order to be approved the clinics have to pass a comprehensive inspection and meet a minimum standard. Basically, a clinic that takes the effort and money to become AAHA accredited is a clinic that provides an excellent standard of care for the patients they see, and is one that I would immediately trust with my pet. However, that doesn’t mean a clinic that is not certified is a bad one. It is just a way to immediately know about the care they provide.

Next, I would look into the different services that are offered at the clinics you are considering. A hospital that has the latest technologies or is offering progressive surgeries or procedures is one that invests in education and takes an interest in new medicine. Improved technology means better results and more information for veterinarians to use in treating animals. Also, ask the clinics you are considering for a tour. See what their treatment area, surgical suite and kennels look like. There should be a separate operating room for surgery where a sterile environment can be maintained. The treatment area should be clean and tidy, and you should feel good about the state of the clinic. I would be at least wary if a clinic did not agree to a tour! Unless it is an emergency clinic or large specialty hospital, most clinics wouldn’t have a problem giving a tour.

Finally, cost. I realize that cost is an important factor for most people. Yet, I really caution that it be the main factor in this decision. It may be appealing to go the cheapest place, but there is usually a reason it is the cheapest. Exams and vaccines are often discounted to bring in new business, and that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking the real important things, like spays and neuters, dentistry, etc. These things are very important and should not have corners cut to save money. I’m not saying that you should go with the most expensive place either. But most likely a clinic that can charge low prices on everything they provide is one that does not provide the best care they possibly could.

So, my advice is to just really have a look and carefully consider a few clinics before choosing one. Take all these factors into consideration, and any others that may be important to you. And nothing says you have to stay with the first clinic you go to. If you are unsatisfied with your experience you can always go to another. But you want the best for your pet and they deserve a little consideration when you make this decision for them.

For a list of AAHA hospitals near you, use the search tool at their website.