How do you choose a veterinarian?

Talk to your friends, groomers, trainers, etc. You can also look in the phone book. Some vets are also members of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and therefore have to meet certain standards. That doesn't mean that they are better then the person down the street but that they follow a standard protocol. A VIN (Veterinary Information Network) member is usually more progressive in the practice of veterinary medicine too. When you find a few that you maybe interested in, call and make an appointment to see them. You may have to pay a fee. Ask for a hospital tour to check for cleanliness, the helpfulness of the staff, the vets' bedside manner, etc. If your pets have major medical issues, ask about emergency services, on site diagnostics, oxygen, xray, etc. You can ask about pricing to a point, however many times price shopping is like comparing apples to oranges. On pricing make sure that you ask what is included in the price. Many places will offer senior discounts, multi pet discounts, etc. which can be selling points to some people. You should ask about the qualifications of the staff especially the people who will be taking care of your pet in the back. Many people do not realize that most vets do not administer anesthetics. That job is left up to the technicians which may or may not be credentialed. Vets should be interviewed just like MD's. Not all vets practice the same way.

Don't be afraid to call and ask to take a look around the facilities as well as meet the doctor(s) and staff. Judge for yourself...if you were a dog would you feel comfortable there? Is the clinic clean? Are the staff friendly and knowledgeable? Do you feel comfortable there? Trust your gut instinct. Ask about what type of services and products they offer? Are they a complete clinic or just do vaccines? Do they offer emergency services, or do you have to go someplace else? Are they affordable? Just remember, many times you get what you pay for. A good clinic will have competitive prices but also prices high enough to pay for the quality services and products they offer.

Visit any potential veterinarian you may want to choose and ask questions. It is important that you feel comfortable with the health-care provider you select. Most of the vets I know do not charge for a consultation. Higher fees do not guarantee a higher quality of care. Trust your instincts and ask for references. You should also be allowed to inspect the premises.

It seems or1088 has some very good ideas, and I can only add, I would ask other people that take good care of their pets who they use.
I will say, if they (the vets office) always get you to drop your dog off, (even just for vaccines, and regular checkups) and you never get to see the vet, nor how he treats your dog, run away as fast as your can! The only vet in our small town does this, and I was never comfortable doing this with our big old lab, but had no choice as no way to get to neighboring town (12 mi away) to other vets. Also, his waiting area and rooms never seemed clean, and always smelled like 'dog', if you know what I mean.
So, when we had to put our 13 yr old lab down due to health problems, he wanted me to just go out and let him do it. I told him "No way....I was staying with her to the end!". He knew I was standing my ground, and so with a big disgusted sigh, he did the procedure (By the way, this is the first time I ever saw that vet in the two years of going to him!).
Since, I got a car and am able to go to our present vet in the neighboring town, and it is wonderful there. They are clean, loving and caring to the max! They treat my dog like royalty (as they do all their patients), and she encourages the owner to stay with the dog during any exams, shots, etc. I love her, and have only the utmost respect for her, and highly recommend her to anyone I know that has pets or needs a new vet.
So, word of mouth means a lot, but just remember one thing...it's true what they say, you only get what you pay for!
Good luck and I hope you find a vet as wonderful and caring as the one our little dog now has.

You can try calling or searching online your local BBB. You could also ask the Vet for references, I'm sure a reputable Vet would be willing to give you some.

I make a list of questions that are important to me. I make a list of vets. I call and ask the first question, if they get that question right, I proceed to the rest of my questions. Then I drive to the facility to see if it is clean, and to watch how they treat their customers, and more importantly how they treat the dogs and cats that come through the door. I explain what I expect from a vet, and if they can live with that, then they are hired. I have fired 7 vets in the last 2 years, so good luck.

look in your phone book and call all of them and compare prices and see if any of friends go to them and which ever one is the cheapest but yet has a good review there you go!

vets at spca.