What is a Veterinarian?

What is a Veterinarian?   Top

Doctors of Veterinary Medicine are medical professionals whose primary responsibility is protecting the health and welfare of animals and people.

Veterinarians diagnose and control animal diseases, treat sick and injured animals, prevent the transmission of animal diseases ("zoonoses") to people, and advise owners on proper care of pets and livestock. They ensure a safe food supply by maintaining the health of food animals. Veterinarians are also involved in wildlife preservation and conservation and public health of the human population.

Today's veterinarians are members of an important health profession. In taking the veterinarian's oath, a doctor solemnly swears to use his or her scientific knowledge and skills "for the benefit of society, through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge."

Today more than 67,000 veterinarians are professionally active in the United States. They provide a wide variety of services in private clinical practice, teaching, research, government service, public health, military service, private industry, and other areas.

VETERINARIAN'S OATH (Adopted by the AVMA in November, 1999)   Top

Where to look for a veterinarian   Top

Selecting a veterinarian for your pet is a personal choice, as is selecting your family physician or dentist. And, the criteria you use in choosing a physician or dentist is similar. What is important to you? Location? Convenient hours of service? Friendliness and service commitment of doctors and staff? Fees?

In selecting a veterinarian, your goals should be to find the doctor that best meets your needs and to establish a long-term relationship. The veterinarian will maintain a history of your pet, including health records that detail immunizations, reactions to medications, behavior traits, etc. So, it's important to see your veterinarian for all your pet's health care needs. Your veterinarian will know the best preventive and critical care to provide with your pet's individual health care needs in mind.

Ask a Friend
Animal-owning friends are a good source of information. Ask them what they like about their veterinarian. But remember, their ideal choice may not be yours.

Breed Clubs
If you have a specific breed of dog, cat or bird, breed clubs can be a good source of information.

Local Directories
The business pages of a phone book or yellow pages normally provide information on local veterinarians.

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It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before a new pet becomes a member of your family. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule and home life.

If you've just moved, you will want to locate a veterinarian soon. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill; you want to establish a relationship right away. Your veterinarian can give you with information on special climate concerns for your pet. In addition, since traveling can be a stressful experience for a pet, an early check-up may be in order.

Schedule a visit to meet the veterinarians who have been recommended and to discuss your pet and your expectations. You may wish to visit several practices before you make a decision.

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• What are regular office hours?
• Are they compatible with your schedule?
• Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable?

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

• How are routine telephone calls handled?
• Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian?
• Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor?

FEES AND PAYMENT

• What methods of payment are accepted?
• Is immediate payment expected on the day of visit or are credit cards accepted?

SERVICES

• What is the range of services that the veterinary hospital provides?

EMERGENCY CARE

• How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours and after regular office hours?

FACILITY

• Is the practice clean and orderly?
• Are there any unpleasant odors?

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Are the doctors members of any professional veterinary associations?

POLICIES

• Understand the hospital's policies and procedures.

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...you must communicate your pet's health care needs to the veterinarian. Many signs of illness are subtle. Your veterinarian will rely on your awareness of small changes in your pet's behavior or habits.

All veterinarians are special. All pets are special. Take the time to choose the right veterinarian for your special pet.