Your vet will see your pet through vaccinations, illnesses, emergencies and old age. Choosing well matters, and the best time to choose is before you need one urgently. This guide walks you through a simple process and links to detailed guides on each step.
Step 1: Decide what your pet needs
- Species: dogs and cats can see most general practice vets. Rabbits, reptiles, birds and small mammals need an exotic pet vet.
- Temperament: anxious cats benefit from a cat-friendly clinic; fearful dogs from low-stress handling.
- Health: pets with chronic conditions may need access to veterinary specialists.
- Your schedule: weekend or evening hours, online booking, and how far you can travel.
Step 2: Build a shortlist
- Ask friends, neighbours, breeders, rescues and pet groups.
- Search maps and directories, and check clinic websites for services and hours.
- Read reviews carefully. Our guide to reading veterinarian reviews shows how to look for patterns.
Step 3: Ask questions
Call or visit your top two or three clinics. Ask about experience with your species, same-day appointments, emergencies, estimates and anaesthesia monitoring. Use our 25 questions to ask a new vet.
Step 4: Book a wellness visit
A routine checkup is a low-risk way to judge a clinic. Notice whether the vet examines your pet thoroughly, explains findings, and handles your pet gently. Our pet health checkup guide explains what a good exam includes.
Step 5: Compare against a checklist
| Area | What good looks like |
|---|---|
| Communication | Clear explanations, options, follow-up calls |
| Transparency | Written estimates and itemised bills |
| Prevention | Vaccines, parasite control, dental care and nutrition discussed |
| Handling | Gentle, low-stress, patient |
| Access | Same-day slots for sick pets; clear after-hours plan |
| Records and reminders | Easy access to records; reminders for vaccines and checkups |
| Facilities | Clean, organised, with diagnostic equipment on site |
See the full list of signs of a good veterinarian and red flags.
Step 6: Plan for emergencies and after-hours care
Find out where your vet sends patients after hours and save that number. Learn the difference between emergency vets and urgent care, and when a walk-in clinic is appropriate.
Step 7: Consider cost, but not cost alone
Prices vary between clinics, but the cheapest option is not always the best value if it means missed diagnoses or repeat visits. Ask about payment plans and wellness packages. Our vet costs guide explains what drives fees.
When to switch vets
- You repeatedly feel dismissed or rushed.
- Costs are regularly higher than estimated without explanation.
- The clinic refuses records or referrals.
- Your pet’s needs have changed, for example a new chronic condition or an exotic pet.
Request a full copy of your pet’s records, including vaccination history, before you move.
All guides in this series
- 12 signs of a good veterinarian (and 7 red flags)
- 25 questions to ask a new vet
- How to read veterinarian reviews
- Walk-in vet clinic vs booked appointment
- How to find a cat-friendly vet
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose the closest vet?
Proximity matters in emergencies, but experience, communication and access matter more for long-term care. Ideally choose a good clinic within a reasonable distance, and know your nearest emergency hospital separately.
Is a large hospital better than a small clinic?
Not necessarily. Large hospitals often have more equipment and longer hours; small clinics often offer more continuity with one vet. Choose based on your pet’s needs.
Run a veterinary clinic?
Chenil is a free vet CRM for single-doctor clinics. It sends vaccination and checkup reminders automatically, keeps patient records in one place and handles appointments. See the features or book a demo.