Vet recomendation

pcaro · #1 2nd April 2012, 02:57 PM

I don't know if this is the right place for this question, if not let me know what forum should be. I just move to Carmel, IN, my boy is not here yet (I miss him so much) he will be coming at the end of May but I want to get ahead with looking for a vet so if you have some recomendation, I dont mid driving a little bit if I know that my boy is well taken care of.

Thanks.

Gatorblu · #2 2nd April 2012, 09:42 PM

Do an online search for vet reviews. If you ask neighbors and co-workers, also ask about how often they take their pets to the vet. I made the mistake of taking the recommendation from a neighbor who took her indoor cat only after it got very sick. So her experience was limited. She never had the cat vaccinated or annual checkups. When I took my dogs in they were vaccinated for things I was not consulted on. (Lyme disease, leptosporsis, etc) I went online and read the reviews. I found a better vet, that cost less and discusses anything and everything before doing anything to my dogs. He also has a great network of specialists that he consults with, and will refer you to when needed. Good luck finding a vet and I hope the time flies until you get to see your pup!

larrygs · #3 3rd April 2012, 06:11 AM

I think some vets know and enjoy boxers better than others. I suggest contacting any boxer clubs, breeders, handlers, boxer rescue organizations who may be in the area.

micmay · #4 7th April 2012, 05:09 PM

Gatorblu is def right about vaccines, research diseases in area, for example a Lyme vaccine is very appropriate in Northeast, but not southeast. Lepto is not prevalent in many areas, but is in others. Another resource is AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) visit clinics unannounced to get a feel for the staff (not just DVM's) and the condition of the clinic. Are the receptionists friendly, or do they seem like you are an annoyance for appearing (although if busy or emergencies you may have to take a back seat). Find out how long members off lay staff been there, if high employee turnover then DVM prob. very difficult behind the scenes. I have worked the front desk at a vet clinic for almost 17 years, our other receptionist almost 11 years. I think the employee at our clinic with the shortest amount of time (3 years) would be our 19 year old kennel tech who also happens to call me mom, she's really been there since she was in diapers. Our clients indicate that it is nice to know they will see the same faces. We have several that have moved across town, tryed someone else, and came back because the staff was just not as friendly as us. Ask not only friends and co-workers, but ask random people you see out with their pets. Ask the staff at your current clinic, you never know, we are located in GA and one of our clients will be moving to Maryland in a few months to the same general area one of my cousins lives, I picked up the phone and called his wife for recommendations to pass along knowing they love their vet and receive great care. Good Luck--finding a new vet can be painstaking, starting early is great!

pcaro · #5 9th April 2012, 07:27 AM

Thanks, great advice. Since we come from Chile, I don't know if the system is the same, in Chile they put a yearly vaccine for rabies and one called eightfold which protects again 8 diseases Lepto included, but I don't think we have some for Lyme disease though.
I found a vet that has good reviews so I'll take a look like you say and see how it feels, I am little shy so it's difficult for me to talk to people I don't know.

Hopefully this month and a half will pass quickly and my boy will be here with me, altough I don't know if he will recognize me after so long.

Gatorblu · #6 9th April 2012, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pcaro

I found a vet that has good reviews so I'll take a look like you say and see how it feels, I am little shy so it's difficult for me to talk to people I don't know.

Hopefully this month and a half will pass quickly and my boy will be here with me, altough I don't know if he will recognize me after so long.

I'm glad you found a vet to check out. It will be easier to talk to them if you have a list of questions written down before you go in. Just go in and say, "Hi! I just moved here and I want to know what your rates are? What vaccines do you give annually?" and any other questions. That way you won't forget what you wanted to ask.

As for your pup not recognizing you...Not a chance! Go on Youtube and watch videos of soldiers coming home after being deployed for a year. You'll get a good idea of all the wiggles and kisses you are in for!