Additional Services

What Every Pet Parent Should Know

10 Steps to Empower You in Finding Quality Veterinary Medicine

Shopping By Phone: Ask yourself these questions every time:

• Do they have friendly, caring, knowledgeable staff members?
• Do they address your concerns in a timely manner?
• Are their office hours and location convenient (sometimes it's worth the extra drive to receive quality care)
• Are there financing options?
• Will your pets basic health history be computerized for easy access of information?
• What is the practice's policy on client/patient confidentiality?
• Is Pet Insurance a possibility?

Beware...Any practice that quotes prices over the phone, for anything other than elective procedures, is not considering your pet's unique and individual needs.

Do not feel comforted by any practice that would assume to diagnose over the phone. This could prove hazardous and even fatal to your pet.

10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Veterinarian

1. Is the Doctor a member of the State, Local and National Association? Are they in good standing?
2. Do they require that all animals in their care be free of pain? (pain management should be required and never be an option)
3. Do they monitor all anesthetic procedures with a pulse oximeter?
4. Do they place an IV catheter, providing an emergency port to the body and to administer medications and fluids as done in a human hospital?
5. Are the clinical staff members working with the Doctor licensed with the State of Washington to practice Veterinary Medicine as a Technician?
6. Do they have an ultrasonic dental scaler, polisher and dental x-ray unit just as your human dentist?
7. Does the Doctor have the equipment and the skill to perform in-depth diagnostics such as an endoscopy, electrocardiogram, etc.
8. Is there an in-house lab that can give the Doctor rapid results?
9. Does the Doctor have additional training on specialization such as endodontics, orthapedics, etc.
10. Does the Doctor have specific plans to keep my pet healthy?

TIPS

§ Keep your Veterinarian's number with your other emergency numbers. § Contact your Veterinarian prior to leaving your pet with a sitter. Have clear instructions of your desires should any medical emergencies arise. § Ask your Vet for a list of hazardous house plants. Never expose your pets to unnecessary dangers. § Visit your local fire station. They have window stickers which will alert the fireman to the number of pets you have in your home in case of emergency. § Never take your pet to a groomer, trainer, or boarding facility that does not have strict vaccination policies. You do not want to expose your pet to unhealthy animals. § Brush your pet's teeth regularly.
• Provide quality food, shelter, exercise and lots of love.

Feel Free to Come on In. You and your pet should visit the facility, checking for cleanliness, and a relaxed professional atmosphere. Ask to visit the kennel and animal care wards. The practice should be clean, odor-free, warm, dry, and comfortable at all times. Observe how the staff interacts with you and your pet. You shold bring your pet in for "getting acquainted visits". You both should feel comfortable.

At Pet Vet Hospital we will provide the very best care for your animals. Dr. Clark and his assistants scrub in and scrub out, and you will find comfort in knowing that your pet is getting the best care possible.