Questions to ask a new veterinarian
Choosing a vet is easier before your pet is sick. These questions take ten minutes on the phone or at a first visit, and the answers tell you a lot.
Money
- What's the exam fee, and what does it include? Nationally, a routine exam is typically $60 to $85. Vaccines, tests and medications are extra.
- Do you give written estimates before treatment? You should be able to say yes or no to each item.
- Do you offer payment plans or wellness plans? Clinics with payment plans (use the “Payment plans” filter on your city page). Clinics with wellness plans (use the “Wellness plans” filter on your city page).
- Do you work with pet insurance? Some clinics bill insurers directly; most have you pay first and claim back.
Care
- What happens after hours? Some clinics see their own emergencies; most refer you to an emergency hospital. Know where that is before you need it. Emergency vets near you.
- Can I get a same-day appointment when my pet is sick? Clinics offering same-day appointments (use the “Same-day appointments” filter on your city page).
- Do you have X-ray, ultrasound and a lab on site? It saves a second trip and a second bill when something's wrong.
- How much experience do you have with my pet's breed or species? Flat-faced breeds, giant breeds, and birds, rabbits and reptiles all have special needs. Vets for exotic pets.
- Are you accredited or certified? AAHA accreditation and Fear Free certification are voluntary programs with real standards. Every clinic must hold a state license; where the state publishes those records, we show a License Verified badge.
Practical
- Are you accepting new patients? Clinics accepting new patients (use the “Accepting new patients” filter on your city page).
- Can I book online, and do you offer telehealth?
- Will you share my pet's records with another clinic or specialist? The answer should always be yes.
Then use the comparison table on your city page to line up exam fees and services side by side.