Best way to find a vet?

clipclop · 02-21-2008, 09:43 AM

ok so I'm new to the tx area and am trying to find a vet that I like before I get my dobie. My breeder will be from a totally different city (Houston) whereas I'm in Flower Mound (Dallas) TX

Should I go to multiple vets in the area asking questions? Is that the best way? Should I stick to a vet that is close to me that has priviledges at the nearest Animal Hospital should an emergency arise?

I went to see a vet yesterday who was very nice and answered a lot of questions, but I just dont know if that is the best way to go.

GunnersMum · 02-21-2008, 09:46 AM

You could also go to a dog park and speak with owners there on who they see/recommend and why. People who have lived there for a while could also let you know who to stay away from...

clipclop · 02-21-2008, 09:55 AM

Dog park is a good idea! Funny thing is, people in my neighborhood... the two that I know of that have dogs, don't think of their dogs in the same way I do- so I dont think that we would have the same opinion on standard of care as I would. Their dogs live outside all the time

Murreydobe · 02-21-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clipclop

ok so I'm new to the tx area and am trying to find a vet that I like before I get my dobie. My breeder will be from a totally different city (Houston) whereas I'm in Flower Mound (Dallas) TX

Should I go to multiple vets in the area asking questions? Is that the best way? Should I stick to a vet that is close to me that has priviledges at the nearest Animal Hospital should an emergency arise?

I went to see a vet yesterday who was very nice and answered a lot of questions, but I just dont know if that is the best way to go.

There's a DPCA chapter club in Dallas. I'd contact them and ask for some vet referrals. It's always good to use a vet who has some experience with the specific medical problems common to this breed. You can get contact info for club members on the DPCA website, Doberman Pinscher Club of America

Linda H · 02-21-2008, 04:10 PM

You also might check the DPCA Breeders listed in the Dallas/Ft Worth area, call and ask them who they use. My breeder is from Aledo close to Ft Worth.

**dobermansrule** · 02-21-2008, 04:53 PM

I agree with the others... find out who the local top dobie people use. A vet with dobie experience is invaluable.

reddobes · 02-21-2008, 10:06 PM

I agree with others. The majority of our new clients come to us on referral from other clients.
You can ask to come in and have a tour of the facilities. Or set up a routine well pet exam and see how it goes. Different people expect/want different things from a vet - so ask why they recommend them. Some shop on price alone w/o regard to quality of care or available diagnostic or monitoring equipment... which may not be the best veterinary care. Some decide simply on location. Others want quality care and understand they may pay slightly more, but consider it well worth it.
Good luck in your search.

clipclop · 02-22-2008, 09:44 AM

Awesome! I just found out when the next DPCA meeting is in March! I marked my calendar so i'll be there

**lyngr** · 02-22-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reddobes

I agree with others. The majority of our new clients come to us on referral from other clients.
You can ask to come in and have a tour of the facilities. Or set up a routine well pet exam and see how it goes. Different people expect/want different things from a vet - so ask why they recommend them. Some shop on price alone w/o regard to quality of care or available diagnostic or monitoring equipment... which may not be the best veterinary care. Some decide simply on location. Others want quality care and understand they may pay slightly more, but consider it well worth it.
Good luck in your search.

This is true. I'm becoming reluctant to get recommendations from locals for some of these reasons. I've had some bad experiences recently.

I want it all.. Location, quality care, personality, experience, honesty, clean up to date facility...

I've been to 3 vets locally and none seem to have the total package. I'm not sure I want my vet more than 20 minutes away though, especially in the case of an emergency.

As a layperson, it's kind of hard to decifer who's really good and who isn't so I just contacted a local chapter club also. They referred me to Sophia Coster but she's almost an hour from me so I'm waiting for a few more referals from them.