Although we always hope that our pets will be completely happy and healthy for their entire lives, realistically that’s not usually the case. Regular vet visits and sometimes emergency pet hospital visits are a necessity of being a pet owner. Before an emergency happens, it’s important to have a good pet hospital chosen to ensure that you can get speedy treatment for your pet in their time of need. Below are a few tips to help you choose the right hospital for your pet from your available veterinary options.

Ask For Recommendations

One of the best first steps when looking for a pet hospital is to ask your friends and family what hospital they use. Hearing firsthand how great a veterinary practice is with someone’s pet is a great gauge for whether or not you can trust them with your pet. It can really help your peace of mind to know that a vet has helped the pet of someone you know and trust for a recommendation.

See What Treatments They Have Available

Some hospitals will have more resources and treatments available than others. If your pet is part of the 80% of dogs or 70% of cats that show dental disease by the time they’re three, you’ll want to make sure that your pet hospital has good dental options available for your pet.

Are They Available For Emergencies?

Some pet hospitals operate with regular business hours and aren’t available 24/7 for emergency cases. However, not all issues with your pet can be anticipated, so finding a vet with flexible hours can be a great help if you have an emergency with your pet. It can help to have an established relationship with a pet hospital before an emergency.

Ask About Specializations

Depending on the type of pet you have, you may need a specialty vet for any treatment. Many vets will be able to treat dogs, for example, but not as many may be readily available to treat an exotic snake. Make sure that if you have a special pet or a pet with special circumstances that you find a pet hospital that can accommodate your needs.

Finding a pet hospital is a process that may take some time, but it’s worth it when it comes down to keeping your pet happy and healthy. Take these tips into consideration and make sure that your pet can stay happy and healthy!

At Southern Arizona Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center we are happy to provide a wide range of veterinary specialty and emergency services. It is important to have a “primary care” veterinarian to keep your new family member healthy and happy with routine vaccinations and health checks. But if you find yourself in the midst of a veterinary emergency, our team of experienced veterinarians is here to help. When it comes to visiting animal hospitals, we understand that the experience can be full of stress and worry, so we aim to make things as simple as possible. For more information, get in touch with one of our experts today.