How to Find a Vet Surgeon

Your pet is a member of the family. When your pet needs health care, especially if he needs surgery, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy veterinarian with the expertise and training your pet needs. There are a few key things you need to pay attention to when finding a vet surgeon. Try to be patient throughout the process. The last thing you want to do is to be forced to rush into a decision before you're ready.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk with your regular vet about her credentials as a vet surgeon. Veterinary surgery is a specialty area, and the veterinary surgeon you choose should be board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons or a similar organization.

• 2

  Ask your regular veterinarian if she can refer you to a vet surgeon if she doesn't have the proper credentials. Get the name and contact information for the vet surgeon she recommends.

• 3

  Contact the vet surgeon recommended by your regular vet, and ask about his credentials. Again, the veterinary surgeon you choose should be board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

• 4

  Go to the American College of Veterinary Surgeons website and click "Find A Surgeon" if your regular vet is unable to recommend a satisfactory vet surgeon. Look up the vet surgeons in your area, and contact each one for more information about their practices. If you found them on the American College of Veterinary Surgeons website, you know they're board certified. You can also contact the American Veterinary Medical Association to find a qualified vet surgeon that's fully certified.

• 5

  Try asking friends and family members for recommendations to find a vet surgeon. Ask people who have needed a vet surgeon in the past. Get the contact information for the vet surgeon they trusted with their pets. Don't forget to ask how satisfied they were with the vet surgeon they used.

• 6

  Schedule an appointment with the vet surgeons you're considering. The first appointment should be to meet the staff and tour the facilities. Have a list of questions ready, and pay special attention to the cleanliness of the office, lab and test areas, and exam rooms. Make sure dogs and cats are kept in separate areas, and that the staff members are professional and courteous.

• 7

  Meet with the vet surgeon personally during your first appointment. Make it clear when scheduling the appointment that you'd like a few minutes to talk with the vet. Ask him any questions you still have about his experience or policies. Trust your instincts. Make sure you're completely comfortable with the vet surgeon before trusting him with your pet's surgery.