Choosing a Veterinarian Since our Eskies are a valued part of our family, it is very important to select the right veterinarian care. Choosing a Vet for your Eskie is very similar to choosing a doctor for yourself or your children. Do not just go to the closest Vet or clinic to your house. You want to find someone who is willing to listen to your questions and give you answers and explanations without being condescending or confusing. It is best to start by doing a little research and get recommendations from family members, friends and neighbors, before your Eskie gets sick. Once you've pared down your list to a few candidates, you need to check them out. Visit the Vet and ask questions. If you do not like his or her personality, and have a bad first feeling, move on to the next one. Remember that a trip to the Vet can be a very stressful situation for your Eskie. It is important to make sure your vet will meet your expectations and that you and your Eskie feel comfortable around him. You should also feel at ease when talking with him about treatments options. Even if the Vet is extremely qualified, if you don't connect on certain issues regarding your pet's health care, or if he has a bad opinion of Eskies, you may need to continue your search. If the Vet seems to be on your level by explaining things in a calm, non-rushed manner, begin looking at the other aspects of a good clinic. Ask if you can tour the facility and meet the staff. Be sure to get a brochure that explains their policies and procedures before leaving. You should ask yourself the following questions and feel comfortable about the answers: Does the clinic look and smell clean and neat? Is the office, waiting area, patient rooms, and holding pens, clean, free of dirt, and debris? Does the clinic have laboratory equipment to perform routine tests while you wait? Does the clinic have convenient payment options and hours? Does the clinic have 24-hour emergency care or access to emergency care at another facility? Can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian? Is the staff friendly and compassionnate? Are the doctors members of any professional Veterinary Associations? How are routine telephone calls handled? What is the policy on house calls? Is the kennel or holding area clean and big enough for your pet to stand and stretch? Do you think your pet would be comfortable around the vet and staff? One way to increase the likelihood that all of the above is practiced, is to choose a hospital or clinic that is accredited by The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This association regulates standards with the hospitals in North America and is the only organization to manage voluntary accreditation programs for hospitals and clinics. Each hospital or clinic is supposed to undergo an evaluation of its services and equipment by a trained consultant who inspects everything. In order to receive accreditation, the clinic must meet more than 200 standards in emergency service, surgery and anesthesia, nursing care, radiology, dentistry and medical records. Take your time picking a Vet, because your best friend deserves the highest quality loving care possible. [ Index Page ] [ Family & History ] [ Litter Information ] [ Photo Album ] [ Eskies@eskie.com ] [ Main FAQ's ]