How can I find a good veterinarian in the area I will be moving to?

Moving to a new area often means you'll need to find a new veterinarian. Taking care of this prior to the move insures that pets will have a reliable caregiver available when they get to their new home. You can start the search for a veterinarian by asking others for recommendations, or by looking in the phone book. If you prefer to look on the Internet, take a peek at the American Animal Hospital Association, which has a great search tool.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) suggests that pet owners use the same selection process that they would use for choosing a physician when they begin looking for a veterinarian in a new area. Some questions that the AVMA recommends asking include:

• What are your hours?
• What types of payment do you accept?
• What services do you provide and what are the costs?
• How are emergencies handled?
• Is there a 24 hour facility in the area if needed?
• Do your doctors have a degree? Memberships in professional associations?

Proximity to the apartment building you live in may also be an important consideration. Make sure to stop by and check out the facility in person before the move. Look for helpful staff, cleanliness and happy pet customers in the waiting room. Don't be afraid to ask some questions and request a reference or two. Base your final decision on the ability the place has to meet the needs of your pet, and your own comfort level with the people who run the facility. Ultimately, you'll want to feel that your cat or dog is going to be well taken care of there.

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