A good veterinarian will become your partner in helping your pet enjoy a healthy life, so choosing the right one is an important consideration.

When choosing your family's veterinarian, use the same care and criteria that you would in selecting your own physician or dentist.

Consider your priorities. Think about what is important to you when looking for a veterinarian. Some factors include quality care, location, cleanliness, office hours and cost/payment. What range of medical services do they provide? Do they provide after-hours care or emergency services? Do they offer wellness packages? Do they perform their own surgeries?

These are all important considerations in choosing a veterinarian. Your goal is to find the veterinarian who can best meet your pet’s medical needs and with whom you feel comfortable establishing a long-term relationship.

Where to find a veterinarian

1. Personal recommendations

Ask friends, family, neighbors, groomers or kennel managers for recommendations based on their personal experiences, as word of mouth often is the most reliable way to find a trustworthy veterinarian; you can also check if a practice is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association to ensure high standards of care.

2. Breeders and breed clubs

Breeders and area dog breed clubs can be a good source of information. They often have established a strong relationship with a practice that is familiar with the potential health-related problems for the breed.

3. Directories and the internet

Online forums can be sources for contact information on local veterinarians. A word of caution about review sites: Although online review sites can be valuable for picking out a restaurant, we don't recommend you rely on them when choosing your veterinarian because the reviews may not reflect the average client experience.

4. State resources

Your state or local veterinary medical association can provide a list of licensed veterinarians in your area.

5. Your current veterinarian

If you are relocating to another city or state, ask your current veterinarian if they can recommend a practice where you will be living. Many times, they have colleagues in other towns whose policies and services are like theirs. Your current veterinarian also should provide copies of your pet's medical records to the new practice to ensure your pet's medical history is available to the new staff.

When to look for a veterinarian

It's a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before acquiring a new pet.

A variety of factors have contributed to the increased demand of veterinary services in some locations. Finding a family veterinarian today may be a little more challenging than in the past. Getting into the veterinary practice of your choice as a new client could take weeks.

If you have recently moved to a new area, locate a veterinarian before your pet needs one. It's best to secure a doctor's name and number and become acquainted with the practice and staff before you need to find them during an emergency.

If relocating, consider scheduling an initial visit soon after arriving at your new home. Your new veterinarian can suggest ways to help your pet become accustomed to a new environment and can inform you of any health risks unique to the area.

On your initial appointment, assess the veterinarian’s communication style, comfort level with your pet and overall practice atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to ask questions regarding your pet’s diet, vaccinations or dates for potential spay/neutering.

Remember that veterinarians care as much about you as an owner as they do about your pets. They are there to give you the information and resources you need to take the best possible care of your pets. By taking the time to select the right veterinarian that you feel confident can provide for the medical needs of your pet, you will establish a satisfying and rewarding partnership.

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For more information on responsible dog ownership, visit the American Kennel Club at www.akc.org.