Is Your Pet's Medical Care Facility Up to Par?

You have been taking your pet to the local veterinary clinic for years. The staff seems nice enough and the fees they charge are reasonable. But what really goes on in the back when they take your pet away from you? Is your pet receiving the best medical attention possible? By law, a veterinary clinic does not need to adhere to the same standards that a human hospital is held to, but that does this mean that this important member of the family should receive less than optimal care? No.

Many veterinary hospitals offer a yearly "open house." You can tour the facilities and see behind the scenes. If your clinic does not, there are still ways for you to insure a proper level of care.

- Ask for a copy of your medical records. You can review the information for accuracy and completeness.

- Inquire as to the ability of the clinic to take and process x-rays, perform surgery in a separate surgery suite, and complete routine, in house laboratory tests.

- Can they prescribe and dispense medications

- What types of anesthetics do they administer? Inhalant as well as inject able forms should be available.

- What type of training has the veterinary nursing staff undergone? Does the hospital employ registered veterinary technicians?

- When you walk in the front door, does it smell clean? Is there debris, and clutter everywhere? Are the staff and doctors wearing clean uniforms?

- Determine if your clinic offers or has access to 'after hours' emergency services.

- Are dental cleaning and care procedures offered?

- Look for plaques or framed certificates demonstrating that your veterinarian and staff participate in continuing education.

Taking a little time now to give a clean bill of health to the place and persons who care for your pet is important, because it is "Your Pet…Health Matters."