Where Can I Find a Vet for My Cat?
Veterinarians’ arrangements for their feline patients vary greatly. Look for a veterinarian accredited as a Cat-Friendly Practice for the most stress-free appointments. Cat-friendly practitioners take pleasure in understanding feline behavior and using a gentle, compassionate approach to handling and care, in addition to often offering separate waiting spaces for dogs and cats.
The American Association of Feline Practitioners can help you find a Cat-Friendly Practice in your area.
How to Begin (and Narrow) Your Search
Once you’ve decided what you’re looking for in a veterinarian, it’s time to identify a few possibilities. The greatest place to begin is with good old-fashioned word-of-mouth.
If you’re a dog person, chances are you know other dog people who share your pet-care beliefs. So, inquire about a friend’s veterinarian. (As a bonus, many veterinarians have referral schemes that can result in discounts for both you and the buddy who referred you.)
If you’re in a new town and don’t know many people, read reviews on sites like Yelp or Angi to learn about other people’s experiences with veterinarians in your region and choose a few who might match your needs.
Whether you get a suggestion from a friend or find a veterinary clinic through an online search, ensure sure the American Animal Hospital Association accredits the veterinary practice. The AAHA reviews veterinary clinics based on patient care and pain management standards, surgery, facilities, medical records, sanitation, emergency services, dental care, diagnostic imaging, anesthesia, and continuous education. While certification is not required by law, it demonstrates a commitment to maintaining high standards of care and services.
Organize a Tour
Once you’ve narrowed it down to one or two potential vets, schedule a facility tour without your dog to get a sense of the location. Any reputable veterinarian practice will gladly show you around and make you feel at ease. Here’s a list of things to look for while visiting a veterinarian clinic:
Is it easy to travel to from your house, and is parking easy to get by?
Is the facility clean, both in the lobby/waiting area and examination rooms? You should also request to visit the “behind-the-scenes” facilities; depending on what’s occurring on that day, you may or may not be able to tour the hospital, but most reputable vets respect transparency and will show you as much as they can.
Is there a separate location for dogs and cats to wait?
Do the animals and people in the waiting area and hospital appear relaxed (bearing in mind that many pets are scared visiting the vet, so they don’t have to appear “happy,” just relaxed and safe)?
Is the personnel kind, calm, and polite?
Your tour may be led by a staff member or a vet tech, but you should be able to meet with at least one of the veterinarians on staff.