Tips for Choosing the Right Veterinarian

When it comes to caring for your dog, choosing a good veterinarian is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet parent.

Your vet isn’t just there for annual checkups; they play a key role in your dog’s long-term health, helping diagnose illnesses, manage medical conditions, and guide preventative care that keeps your pup feeling their best. Because your veterinarian will be part of your dog’s life for years to come, it’s worth taking the time to find someone you trust and feel comfortable working with.

Whether you’ve recently welcomed a new dog into your home or are searching for a new veterinarian, here are some helpful tips to choose the right one:

Tables of Contents

• Consider Your Dog’s Unique Needs
• Ask Around and Get Recommendations
• Visit Your Local Veterinary Clinics Before Committing
• Ask About Emergency Care and Availability
• Make Sure Their Treatment Philosophy Matches Yours
• Look for Professional Credentials and Certifications
• Pay Attention to How the Staff Interacts With Your Dog
• Know What to Expect When It Comes to Costs and Services
• Making the Best Choice for Your Dog’s Health

Consider Your Dog’s Unique Needs

Every dog is different, and your veterinarian should be able to support your dog’s individual health, lifestyle, and personality.

For example:

• Puppies usually need more frequent visits for vaccinations, wellness checks, and early training guidance.
• Senior dogs may need more routine monitoring for mobility concerns, chronic conditions, or age-related illnesses.
• Specific dog breeds are more prone to certain health conditions, which may require a veterinarian familiar with those risks.

You’ll also want to consider behavioral or emotional needs. If your dog experiences anxiety or fear during vet visits, they may benefit from clinics that focus on low-stress handling techniques or Fear Free Practices designed to lower their stress and anxiety during exams.

Ask Around and Get Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a trusted veterinarian is through personal referrals. Talk to your friends, family members, neighbors, or fellow dog owners about the veterinarians they use and their experiences with them. Personal experiences can offer valuable insight into what you can expect as a new client.

It can also be helpful to ask trusted pet care professionals, such as trainers, groomers, or boarding and daycare staff, who regularly work alongside local veterinarians. These professionals often have insight into which clinics provide consistent, compassionate, and high-quality care.

As you get recommendations, try asking:

• What do you like most about your vet?
• Have their visits been general checkups?
• Have they helped your dog through any serious health concerns?
• Do they communicate clearly and answer questions thoroughly?

Visit Your Local Veterinary Clinics Before Committing

Scheduling a visit or consultation with your local vets is a great way to get a feel for a clinic before committing. Many practices allow potential clients to tour the facility or schedule introductory appointments.

When visiting, pay attention to your first impression of the clinic. Is the facility clean, organized, and welcoming? Is the staff friendly and helpful These details often reflect the level of care your dog may receive.

You’ll also want to take a closer look at the clinic’s capabilities and ask questions like:

• What types of medical problems are they able to handle?
• If your pet develops a more serious issue, can they treat it in-house or who do they refer you to?
• How many veterinarians and licensed technicians are on staff.
• How easy is it to schedule appointments and what are typical wait times?
• What types of onsite diagnostics do they provide, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or lab testing? What services do they send out or refer elsewhere?
• What are their standard preventative care recommendations? Do they offer wellness plans or care packages?
• Does the facility fit your budget? Do they offer payment plans if your dog develops a serious medical condition?

These conversations can help you understand whether the clinic can meet your dog’s current and future healthcare needs.

Ask About Emergency Care and Availability

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them, so it’s important to understand how a veterinary clinic handles urgent situations.

Some clinics offer 24-hour emergency services, while others partner with local emergency hospitals. If your veterinarian does not provide after-hours care, they should be able to clearly direct you to a trusted emergency facility and explain their referral process.

You may also want to consider convenience. Choosing a veterinary clinic close to your home or near trusted boarding or daycare providers can make routine visits and unexpected emergencies easier to manage. It’s also worth confirming that the veterinarian’s hours and appointment availability work with your schedule.

Make Sure Their Treatment Philosophy Matches Yours

A strong veterinarian-client relationship is built on trust and shared expectations for your dog’s care. During your initial visits, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the clinic’s treatment philosophy and preventative care approach.

You may want to discuss topics such as:

• Preventive care recommendations and wellness plans.
• Their approach to spaying or neutering.
• Options for holistic or integrative treatment when appropriate.
• Support for senior dogs or dogs with chronic medical conditions.
• End-of-life care philosophy and guidance.

You can also ask questions to help determine your comfort level with the veterinarian, such as:

• How long have they been practicing, and where did they attend veterinary school?
• Do they have any specialty areas of focus?

Just as importantly, pay attention to how they communicate. Did they take time with you during your visit or rush through the appointment?
Did they answer your questions in a way that felt clear and reassuring?

A good veterinarian should take time to explain recommendations, answer questions clearly, and help you feel confident in your dog’s care plan.

Look for Professional Credentials and Certifications

Veterinary clinics that invest in professional standards and continued education usually show a strong commitment to quality care.

For example, some veterinary hospitals are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), which evaluates clinics on strict standards for patient care, equipment, and facility management.

You may also come across clinics that are Fear Free Certified. Fear Free certification means staff members have completed specialized training focused on lowering fear, stress, and anxiety during veterinary visits, helping create a more comfortable experience for pets.

While certifications aren’t the only measure of quality, they can provide additional reassurance when comparing veterinary options.

Pay Attention to How the Staff Interacts With Your Dog

Your dog’s comfort matters just as much as medical expertise. During visits, watch how the veterinarian and support staff interact with your pet.

• Do they approach your dog calmly and patiently?
• Do they take time to help your dog feel comfortable before beginning an exam?
• Are they attentive to your dog’s body language and stress signals?
• Do they seem comfortable working with your pet?

You should also feel comfortable asking questions and discussing concerns. A veterinarian who listens carefully and takes time with both you and your dog helps build a strong, long-term partnership in your dog’s care.

Know What to Expect When It Comes to Costs and Services

Veterinary care is an investment in your dog’s health, so it’s important to understand service costs upfront. Ask about pricing for routine visits, vaccinations, dental care, and common procedures.

You may also want to ask:

• Do they provide written cost estimates before treatment?
• Do they accept pet insurance?
• Are payment plans or financial assistance options available?

Transparent pricing helps you plan ahead and avoid unexpected stress if your dog needs additional care.

Making the Best Choice for Your Dog’s Health

Remember, finding the right veterinarian takes time, but it’s one of the most valuable steps you can take as a responsible dog owner.

By researching your local clinics, getting personal referrals, asking thoughtful questions, and paying attention how veterinarians interact with both you and your dog, you can feel confident you’re making the best choice for your furry family member.

At Camp Bow Wow, we know your dog is family, which is why we put their safety first. Our dog daycare and overnight boarding provide a caring, supervised environment where dogs can play, socialize, and feel loved while you’re away. Find your local Camp Bow Wow today to schedule a tour and book your pup's stay!