The best time to find a vet is before you bring any pets into your life. However, life doesn’t always happen that way. Often pet owners wind up with pets long before they can find a good vet. Follow these tips on how to find a good vet in Cedar Rapids and you and your pet will be ready for emergencies.
Ask for Recommendations
There are many people you can ask to recommend a good vet or vet clinic in the Cedar Rapids area. Ask your friends, family, pharmacist, animal shelter or pet store employee. If you see someone walking their dog, ask that person for a recommendation. If you got your pet from a breeder around Cedar Rapids, ask the breeder for a recommendation. If you have an exotic pet like a sugar glider, check with hobby magazines and clubs for recommendations.
Ask About Experience
Not all vets will be comfortable treating every species of pet available. Many vets specialize in certain kinds of pets, like birds, reptiles or small mammals. It is not rude to ask the vet what species he or she is familiar with treating. Ask if they have every treated your species of pet before. If the vet does not have experience in treating your species of pets, the vet and the vet’s staff should be able to locate a vet for you to check out.
Offers Extra Services
Good vets do not have to offer special services but they can help save you time and money if you feel they are needed. Some vets offer a wide pet pharmacy so that you do not have to go to a separate store to find your pet’s medications. Some vets may offer special diagnostic services like an MRI. Some may be trained in using laser surgery.
BBB Accredited
Vets do not have to be accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in order to work in Iowa. However, BBB accredited vets offer a distinct advantage. In order to keep their accreditation, they must adhere to strict guidelines in service and professionalism. They also do not mind if their work comes under scrutiny.
