As humans, we know the importance of choosing a good and trustworthy doctor, one that we can go to for regular check-ups, winter flu, and unforeseen illnesses. As a pet owner, your vet becomes an important partner in caring for your pets. Regular visits to the vet for checkups allow both you and your vet to spot any problems before they become serious. Sometimes, small changes that you have not noticed but are serious, can be very obvious to the vet. By spotting these small changes early, they can be eradicated before the problems become too serious to solve.

Therefore, it’s important to select a vet that you and your pet are absolutely comfortable with. It is even likely that one day your vet will guide you through one of the most difficult decisions you will ever have to make… letting go of a beloved pet that is sick and suffering. In times like this, you will want a vet you respect and trust.

If you are a first time pet owner, or have just moved into a new area, here are a few tips that will help you to locate the right vet for you and your furry friend:

· Recommendation from fellow pet owners Asking a pet owning friend or neighbor for recommendations is a good way to start looking for a reliable vet.

· Proximity of your vet Distance from your place to your vet is important. Some pets are not used to riding in the car and get distressed when the journey is too long. In case of an emergency, a longer distance is a serious drawback.

· Operation hours Select a vet that opens his clinic at least one evening per week or on Saturdays if you work during the day.

· Specialist clinic You may want to consider checking out specialist clinics. We are in the heart of horse country and there are many vets who specialize in equine practice, and even particular ailments of horses, such as lameness. Also, sometimes family vets may see dogs, cats, and livestock but not pocket pets such as hamsters, guinea pigs and such.

· Talk to the staff Arrange a visit and meet up with the staff there to find out whether they are helpful and friendly. As for the vet, make sure you and your pet are comfortable with him or her.

· View the facilities Arrange a meeting to view the facilities. Larger practices are more likely to provide specialist services such as behavior therapy, cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, internal medicine, and neurology than smaller ones.

On your first visit, if possible, bring along your pets’ past medical records or other relevant documentation. It will be helpful for your vet to know what your pet has been treated for in the past. Also, do not ask anyone to bring your pet to the vet in your place. As the pet owner, you are the only one that knows the most about your pet’s symptoms. And unless it’s an emergency, do not call your vet at night or over the weekend.

When we moved to Willow Park in 1999, our next door neighbor recommended that we try the Aledo Vet Clinic which is right down the road. On our first visit we saw Dr. Darryl McEndree, fresh out of vet school, and we have been going to him ever since. He treats us and our pets like family. He’s seen us through many illnesses, a number of emergency visits, and sadly, two good-byes to well-loved dogs. Your vet is an expert who should love animals and want to help. And building a three-way relationship is the key to providing the very best care.

Dog Life Lesson: If it’s not wet and sloppy, it’s not a real kiss!