If you thumb through the yellow pages in search of a vet, you’ll find more than you’ll care to sift through. But if you want to keep up with necessary vaccinations, spaying, neutering, and care for illnesses and injuries, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and actively find a veterinarian. Dog’s aren’t the infallible creatures that we’d like to think they are, and certain breeds are more susceptible to injuries or illnesses than you might be aware of. So here’s how to find the vet that you’ll come to trust and depend on for years to come.

The best resources you can use to find a veterinarian are your own family members and friends. They’re called word-of-mouth referrals and they’re the resources that you trust the most. Ask these resources for references and opinions of those references. You’ll also want to know about prices and quality of care.

Once you have a handful of good leads, call to make an appointment – not for your dog – but for yourself. What you want is an opportunity to visit a health facility, meet the workers, and learn about available services. While this appointment may not be free, it’s an invaluable chance to answer some critical questions that address:

1. What kind of animals the vet specializes in.

2. If the vet treats your dog’s breed.

3. Office hours.

4. How emergencies are handled.

5. Payment plans.

Get the answers to all your questions from each vet that you visit and then settle down on the one that impressed you the most. Time can be of the essence especially if you’ve adopted a puppy. Puppies need to get their vaccinations as soon as possible, and the sooner you can find a quality vet, the better. If you’ve adopted a dog from a shelter, you’ll need to make a decision just as quickly. Shelter dogs often need minor medical attention as soon as they’re adopted out. Our article about what to look for when visiting a dog rescue shelter emphasizes the importance of treating shelter dogs immediately, so try to make an appointment for your new puppy or adopted shelter dog within a week.