Just a thought here. In areas where you have choices…restaurants, car mechanics, grocery stores. Is location the only thing you look at when choosing your regular place? Maybe price is the main thing you consider in your choice? Maybe friendliness of staff, or how well they leave you alone is most important?
Unless you have a health plan at a particular practice, you have choices in where to go for veterinary care. While I understand the pull to consider prices, availability, or location I think its most important to look at the working relationship you can establish and maintain with the team.
Your pet’s care is only as good as the two way communication you have with the health-care team. I am definitely not talking about using the disclosure of the veterinarian’s personal phone number as a measure of good communication. I mean the honest and clear communications you are able to have in appointments. Do you feel judged for what you do or don’t do for your pet? Do you ask for clarification on diagnosis, prognosis or recommendations and still not get it?
I am a strong believer in finding a vet you can work well with and maintaining that relationship as long as you can, even life-long for the good of your pet. Sticking with the same team allows you to build relationships with the care team. Such relationships help in getting the most tailor-made recommendations for your pet.
i do recognize that there are all types of pet owners and all types of vets as well. One person’s “perfect vet” is another person’s least favorite. I truly do believe everyone is happiest when communication is a two-way street. I honestly do not want a client to ask no questions and tell me they understand and agree then go home and curse the fact they cannot do what the treatment plan requires. I also do not feel respected if a different client ignores my advice and trashes me for “not helping” instead of reasonably discussing any time or energy limitations I should consider.
you will notice I talk a lot about relationships in my writings. There is nothing more important to good health care. BTW, I do get that it’s an unfortunate, very unfortunate, part of our society that all health care is a privilege instead of a right. We will address that soon as well.