Q: My mother is moving to be near me, and we need to find a veterinarian for her cat. What should we look for?
A: Making sure a cat gets regular checkups with a veterinarian who's familiar with it is the best way to catch and treat developing health issues before they become serious.
The foundation for a great relationship with a veterinarian is confidence and trust in the entire veterinary team. A well-run practice requires the skills of the front desk people, vet techs and veterinarians. Here's what to look for:
Will your mother feel comfortable calling or coming in with any question or concern? She should be taken seriously when she brings her cat in for something nonspecific, like slowing down, a change in bathroom habits or becoming snippy with the kids.
Does the veterinarian respect your mother's observations about her cat? She's the one who knows her pet's normal habits and attitudes.
Do you both like the way pets are treated at the practice? Ask for a tour of the clinic before becoming a client. (They may ask you to come during off hours and to wear a mask.) You should see the same level of care, compassion and cleanliness in the back room as in the lobby and exam rooms.
How is the veterinarian's "petside" manner? Your mother should be confident that even if she's waiting in the car, her cat is always treated as if she were standing there looking over the veterinarian's shoulder.
Do you have a pet question? Send it to askpetconnection@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/DrMartyBecker
