I worked at a vet clinic for over two years, and during that time I noticed certain important traits that some vets have, and some just don’t. I’ve compiled a list of the most important traits I think a good veterinarian should have.
1. Friendliness
I know this seems like a no-brainer, but having a friendly vet is extremely important. This makes you more comfortable interacting with him/her. If you’re not comfortable talking to him/her, you’re more likely to not talk about important health issues that your pet may be facing. Also, when a vet is friendly, they’re more likely to treat your pets with respect, even when you’re not there.
2. Experience
Veterinarians with a lot of experience are the best to have. I don’t necessarily mean that they’ve just been a vet for a long time; the new blood in the business needs practice too. Look for someone who has been working with animals for a long time. Don’t be afraid to even ask your vet where they went to school, what they did before school, how long they’ve been in practice, etc. I would avoid any vets that just recently graduated from their online school. This actually does exist. I’m not saying that they’re bad veterinarians; you just might want to let them get some experience before bringing them your pets.
3. Outgoing/Confidence
This may seem like an odd trait to want in a vet. The thing is, if your vet seems shy just when you’re talking; imagine what could happen in an emergency. You want your vet to be confident and ready to act when the worst happens. If your vet is shy and hesitant, they might not act as quickly as a confident vet would. These seconds or minutes that your pet is in danger could make the difference between their life and death.
4. Strength in Numbers
If more than one vet meets the above criteria at your clinic, this is a wonderful thing. If there is something seriously wrong with your pet, and your vet can’t figure it out, they’ll consult the other vet or vets at the clinic. This is a huge advantage for you, the owner, in that it’s more likely that they’ll figure out how to make your pet better.
Do your research. Find the best vet for you, and ensure that your pet has a long, healthy, happy life.