Choosing a veterinarian is one of the most important decisions. Here are some guidelines to make the process easier.
*Is the hospital clean? An organized environment communicates the integrity of the practice.
*Are you comfortable with the veterinarian and staff? The first appointment will provide a lot of insight. Is the veterinarian patient with your concerns?
*How does your pet internalize the experience? Is the hospital staff sympathetic to your pet's personality? For example, frightened or excitable pets need more understanding.
If possible, take your pet to the office before the first appointment. If not, you can still make visiting the doctor a positive experience. For dogs, take along a favorite chew and have the office staff offer some biscuits. For cats take special treats.
Let your pet explore the area.
Kennels and Options
Being the one left behind is no picnic. Make sure your dog is in a nurturing environment while you are away. Kennels can have a real camp atmosphere, with clean runs, happy caretakers and bona fide play times. Others are below standard. Unfortunately, you cannot go by the price or fancy terminology.
*Talk to the staff.
*Get recommendations.
*Observe the environment and the dogs and cats that are on their way home. There are other options to kennels: some people have pens in their homes and are in the business for the love of it. There are also home sitters who will visit during the day or live at another's house while the owners are away. If you explore one of these options, personal recommendations are a must.
Groomers
Not every pet needs a personal groomer. For some there may be the occasional emergency for rolling in debris or chasing a skunk. For other pet owners, their groomer may become a close friend, but you will want the person handling your pet to be compassionate.
*Get recommendations.
*Observe the place. Good grooming should extend to more than the pets.
*Find a groomer who will allow you to watch his or her technique with other pets. (Watching your own may make the pet overly nervous).
*Ask if you can take along a mat and a toy for your pet to have while drying off.
Trainers And Behaviorists
If you need help with your pet's behavior or if you want to have your dog trained, there are many different approaches. Scouting out good help can be a lifesaver, so take time to find a person who shares your sensitivity. Ask questions like these:
*How long have they been in the field? What is their approach?
*How have they contributed to their field? For example, have they had any books or articles published?
*Are the candidates sympathetic to your individual problem? Will they custom fit their session to meet your needs and goals? This is not a question to ask, it is something they should offer.
*What types of training options do they offer? Private? Group? Board and train? Specialized trial training? Be wary of people who try to be everything to everyone: their knowledge is often spread too thin.
*Do they offer a series of sessions or can you pay for one session at a time to insure that you agree with their philosophy?
Finding a person to help you with your pet's behavior is a very personal matter. If the job is done right you should feel like the one who is being trained.
