It can be hard to leave a veterinarian you love and trust behind in a move to a new city or state. Your pet’s health and well-being are too important to leave to chance, so finding a new veterinary practice should be high on your to-do list once you’re settled into your new home.
When choosing a veterinarian, it helps to think about it the same way you would when picking a doctor or dentist for yourself or a family member: someone who is skilled, trustworthy, and a good fit for your needs.
4 Ways to Find a Local Veterinarian in a New Area
Search Online
Start with a quick Google search for “veterinarian near me” or “animal hospital in [your city].” This will give you a quick roundup of local veterinarians and allow you to view their business hours, ratings, and photos of their facilities. When researching veterinarians, be sure to pay attention not just to star ratings, but also to the details in reviews — clients often share helpful insights about communication, bedside manner, and the overall experience, which will all be helpful in deciding which veterinary clinic is a good fit for your furry (or scaly or feathered) friends.
Utilize Veterinarian Directories
In addition to looking at results on Google or other search engines, be sure to utilize specialized directories and resources. Professional resources like the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) hospital locator, your state veterinary medical association’s directory, or other independent veterinarian directories are excellent places to find accredited practices that meet higher standards of care.
Get Recommendations from Neighbors & Locals
Your new neighbors or coworkers can be great resources for getting recommendations on businesses in your area — veterinarians included! If you haven’t met any of your neighbors yet or if they don’t have pets, don’t be afraid to ask around at the dog park, pet supply store, or even in neighborhood Facebook and Nextdoor groups to see which clinics people trust and recommend.
Ask Your Current Veterinarian!
Whenever you have your final visit with your current veterinarian, let them know you’re moving and ask them if they have any recommendations on good veterinarians in the area you’re moving to. Even if you’re leaving the state, your veterinarian may have colleagues or former classmates across the country that they can recommend. It can never hurt to ask!
Our Top Tips on How to Choose a Veterinarian
Once you’ve done your research and have selected a few candidates that seem like they would be a good fit, it’s time to narrow things down and make your final choice on which local veterinary practice to schedule an appointment with. When making your final decision, there are a few important things to consider that could make or break your relationship with a new vet, including:
- Location and proximity to your new home: For many pet owners, convenience is important, and they want to use a veterinary clinic that’s close to their home. Alternatively, some other pet owners are okay with traveling further to go to the right vet. Decide which is more important to you, and if a veterinarian in your area fits your needs, or if you need to widen your search.
- Practice hours and appointment availability: It’s important that a clinic’s schedule meets your needs as an owner. If you work late or aren’t always available during regular business hours, consider looking for a clinic that has flexible hours or evening or weekend availability.
- Services offered: If you have a senior pet or one with a chronic health condition or advanced medical needs, you’ll want to be sure you’re looking for a veterinary practice that can accommodate your pet and their health care. Be sure to look at the veterinary clinic’s services listed on their website to make sure they have everything your pet will need.
- Types of pets seen: Not all veterinary hospitals have the same expertise or capabilities, so if you have an exotic pet, like a bird, reptile, or rodent, it’s important to look for a veterinarian who is specially trained in exotic animal medicine and can address your pet’s health needs. This tip can apply to traditional pets like dogs and cats, too! If you have an anxious cat that hates the vet more than anything, it may be a good idea to look for a feline-only veterinary clinic to help them have a more relaxed and stress-free visit.
- Cost and acceptance of pet insurance: The cost of veterinary care can vary depending on your location, the type of pet you have, and a variety of other factors. If costs are a concern for you when selecting veterinary care, be sure to call and ask about their prices in advance, as well as if they accept pet insurance, to avoid any surprises during your first visit.
- Facility cleanliness and atmosphere: A veterinary practice may sound great from its reviews and website information, but don’t forget to take a closer look at pictures, too. Look at photos of the practice online on their website, Google Business Profile, and social media accounts to make sure the facilities meet your needs for cleanliness and atmosphere. Looking at the layout of a clinic’s lobby, exam rooms, and reception areas can be incredibly helpful in determining if the space is right for you and your pet.
- Reputation and reviews: Online ratings and word-of-mouth can tell you a lot about consistency and client satisfaction. Be sure to check out the reviews on their website, as well as any available on Google, Facebook, Yelp, or other online reputation platforms. Reading the experiences of other clients.
Be sure to also find out if the local veterinarians you’re looking at are accepting new patients or if there is a wait to join their client list. It’s not a good feeling to think you’ve found the perfect new veterinarian for your pet, only to call in and be told there’s a multi-month wait before you can be seen!
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