As a pet parent, one of the most important decisions you can make is which animal hospital in Vancouver to choose for your pet. Some people mistakenly believe that all animal hospitals are the same; they are not. There are big differences that you should use to make your assessment of which Vancouver animal hospital to use. Location is one factor you can use when selecting a Vancouver animal hospital. Ideally, you can find the perfect hospital near your home. This is great in emergency situations. However, just because a hospital is close does not mean it is the best choice for you and your pet. You may find that the hospital of your dreams if just a few more miles out. In fact, you may pay less at the hospital that is further out. Use location to narrow your choices, but do not let it be your determining factor. The staff of your Vancouver animal hospital is important. The veterinarian is important, but your pet will spend a majority of the time with her staff. The staff will be with your pet from the minute you and your pet walks in the door until you leave. Find out as much as you can about the staff. Does the hospital require certifications and has the staff obtained those? Is the staff trained on the job or is certification required beforehand? This particular question is especially important. A staff that learns while working may not be able to provide your pet with the care he needs. There are very few requirements governing anesthesia and pets. It could be scary to watch a new employee attempt to administer anesthesia to your pet. Some animal hospitals are moving towards catering to only certain pets. For instance, some are only looking to service cats or dogs. If this is the case, factor this into your decision. If you have just one pet, this type of hospital may offer your pet more specialized care. Another factor you need to consider is how many veterinarians are on staff at the hospital. Most hospitals have just one veterinarian on staff. This can limit the hours of the business. If the veterinarian goes away on vacation or is ill, this could leave patients scrambling to find alternative care. On the other hand, there are some benefits to one veterinarian. Your pet will always see the same veterinarian and he can establish a solid relationship with your pet. If you opt for a hospital with one vet, find out what happens in emergency situations. An emergency can occur at any time which means you need to learn as much as possible about the hospital's after-hours policy, too. An animal hospital that has more than one veterinarian on staff can have its ups and downs, too. A hospital with multiple vets usually has at least one that specializes in certain aspects of veterinary medicine. Specialties can include acupuncture, dermatology, orthopedics, and behavior. If this is so, you do not have to worry about searching for a specialist if your pet requires more specialized care. This could be a money and time saver for you. The services that are offered by an animal hospital should also be considered. Does the animal hospital offer grooming, dental cleaning, or nail clipping? You also need to determine if diagnostic tests such as x-rays and blood work done at the Vancouver animal hospital. If the tests are outsourced to another hospital or clinic, you need to know which one. Additional research needs to be conducted on the other hospital to determine how reliable it is.
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