When we moved several years ago, I needed to find a new vet. There were a few near our new home so I visited each one; unannounced. If the vet wasn’t available for me to meet, I told the receptionist I was new to the area, etc. and asked a few questions like: How many vets were on staff? Did they have specialties? How do they handle emergencies? Do they do surgery right there or do they affiliate with a hospital? Do they have an overriding approach to animal health care? Are they open to traditional and natural remedies and treatments? etc. etc. Most receptionists’ are knowledgeable about the practice and can answer virtually all questions.

When I made my choice, I scheduled a check-up so I could meet the vet and establish a health base line for my dogs. It’s always important to get your files from your last vet sent to the new one. I also and always schedule a health checkup just prior to the hunting season. You don’t want to find out a week into the season that your dog has an issue that should have been dealt with before opening day.

I actually use two vets depending on (my) convenience and the health issue. No, that is not a problem as long as they share paperwork, results, etc. in a timely manner and at least in my case, they have no problem doing that. Each of them, however, only has normal daytime hours so I also have a relationship (developed by a middle of the night necessity) with an emergency 24-hour veterinary hospital. If you find using more than one vet gives you specific advantages and the vets you choose have an issue with you using another vet to supplement your care as needed, maybe they are not the vets for you.

I want a partner in my dog’s health care, not a dictator of it.

A very important question is how the vet feels about hunting dogs. Most vets are cool with it because they understand working dogs and the hunting heritage. But they also need to understand that hunting seasons are short; and if my dog(s) come up with a ‘minor’ injury or affliction and whether or not they should run/swim is a coin toss, I want their opinion, but I make the final call.

Pick a vet that has the experience and approach you require, but also one that you can relate to.

And remember, it’s a very good idea to know where the closest vet is to areas where you hunt and work your dog. Bookmark them on your smartphone because in the heat of the emergency, it’s sometimes hard to remember their location and contact information.