When choosing your family's veterinarian, think about what is important to you. Location? Convenient hours? Range of medical services? Friendliness and commitment of doctors and staff? Payment options? Your goal should be to find the veterinarian who you believe can best meet your pet's medical needs and with whom you feel comfortable in establishing a long-term relationship.
It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before acquiring a new pet. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting the right pet that complements your personality, work schedule, and home life.
Not everyone's needs are the same (or your pets' either). Therefore, each person may look for something different in a veterinarian. You may even want to look for a different vet for your different pets. Here are a few guidelines to help you choose a suitable veterinarian for your needs.
Qualifications
- Be sure that the veterinarian is qualified and registered with the Malaysian Veterinary Council (MVC). Look for the current "Annual Practicing Certificate" (APC) which should be displayed at all venues where the vet practices. For more information, you can contact the MVC* through:
Department Of Veterinary Services,
Wisma Tani, Podium Block
Lot 4G1, Precinct 4
62630 Putrajaya
Tel: (603) 8870 2000 or (603) 8870 2236 (hotline to check the list of registered veterinarians)
*Note: Update - MVC new website: http://mvc.gov.my/
- Is the location of the practice convenient for you?
- What are their opening hours like?
- If they are not open, what are their policies for emergencies? It is critical that you know who to contact in case of emergencies.
- What is the range of medical services the practice offers? Do they have facilities or links to X-ray, ultrasound, blood profiles, etc?
- What species of animals do they treat? (not all vets will treat exotic animals such as iguana or birds)
- Ask for what other services they offer. Some offer boarding and grooming services as well. Some will make house-calls.
- Visit the vet. Pay attention to the attentiveness of the staff. Do they greet you cheerfully? Do you feel welcomed?
- Is the place clean and orderly?
- How is the vet with animals? Do they treat the animal with respect and compassion, or are they rough and seemingly uncaring toward the animal?
- Do you feel comfortable talking to the vet? Does he/she take time to explain your animal's condition and treatment options, or does he/she rush with the check-up? Does he/she answer your questions willingly?
- Do not be afraid to discuss the fees and charges with your vet. You may ask about the fees for routine services such as check-up or vaccinations. But, do not choose a vet based on fees alone. Fees are based on the quality of services you get and also, do not forget, vets need to cover their overhead costs as well ( i.e. rental, medical equipment, staffs' salary, utilities, etc).
- What methods of payment are accepted? Do they accept credit cards?
- Does the vet provide discounts for multi-pet households or stray animals?
Here are more websites to help you decide:
