Top 7 Veterinarian Red Flags

Choosing a veterinarian is the equivalent of selecting a family doctor for your four-legged friend. It’s a decision that can significantly impact your pet’s health and well-being. A good veterinarian is more than just a provider of medical care; they are a trusted partner in your pet’s care. Last week we shared a blog about how to choose a vet and prevent medical errors. Today, we’re sharing top 7 veterinarian red flags to watch for. Let’s discuss what constitutes a vet red flag!

1. Lack of Communication

Effective communication is a cornerstone of a healthy pet-owner relationship. A good veterinarian should take the time to explain your pet’s condition, treatment options, and potential side effects in a way that you can understand. If you feel like your vet is rushing visits or not providing enough information, it might be time to seek another.

2. Lack of Consistency

Many of the veterinary practices in Chicago employ multiple veterinarians. If your veterinary practice is constantly changing veterinarians on you, does not accommodate your requests to follow up with a previously seen vet, etc. consider switching to a practice that prioritizes consistency of care. Consistency of care can minimize medical error and put the pets at ease since they too develop relationships with their care provider.

We recognize that consistency may not always be possible. In that case, make sure the vet you see reads all of the previous vet’s notes and is up-to-date on your pet’s history and treatments – past and present.

3. Unwillingness to Answer Questions

Your veterinarian should be open and receptive to your questions. If they seem dismissive or unwilling to engage in a conversation, it’s a red flag. A good vet will understand that you care deeply about your pet’s health and will be willing to address your concerns.

4. Overemphasis on Unnecessary Procedures

Some veterinarians may recommend unnecessary tests or procedures to increase their revenue. This is common in corporate-owned veterinary practices where vets work off of checklists instead of applying their knowledge to the individual and family’s budget.

While it’s important to follow your vet’s recommendations, it’s also essential to be aware of the potential for overtreatment and other unethical practices. If you feel like your vet is pushing treatments that don’t seem necessary, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion.

5. Lack of Empathy

A good veterinarian should be compassionate and caring towards you and your pet. If you feel like your vet is indifferent or unsympathetic to your pet’s suffering, your concerns, etc., it’s a red flag. Your pet’s well-being and comfort should be their top priority. Engaging with you professionally and with kindness should be part of their practice ethos.

If your pet has a very hard time at the vet, due to prior trauma or generalized anxiety, consider a Fear Free Veterinary Practice. These practices prioritize the comfort and safety of their pets and will take their time during appointments to ensure pets have a positive experience.

6. Unclean or Disorganized Clinic

A clean and organized clinic is a good indicator of a responsible and professional practice. If the clinic is dirty, cluttered, or poorly maintained, it could be a sign of neglect or poor hygiene. A clean environment can help prevent the spread of disease and create a more comfortable experience for your pet.

Clinic management standards are not limited to cleanliness. If you notice a great deal of staff turnover, poorly trained team members, or inconsistent service levels, consider finding a vet that prioritizes their practice’s culture and quality of service.

7. Corporate Influence & Ownership

In addition, as a locally-based business, we encourage you to choose a locally owned and operated veterinary practice. Usually, by working with a local vet practice, you’ll get more personalized service, have to worry less about one-size-fits-all methods, and can better develop a relationship with the practice employees. Privately owned vet clinics also tend to have lower prices, which is becoming increasingly important with raising veterinary costs.

While corporate vet practices still offer veterinary services, their stakeholders are often involved, may put pressure on veterinarians to prioritize profits, and are slowly but surely taking over the veterinary industry. Learn more about corporate buy-outs in vet med and their potential consequences here.

Remember, choosing a veterinarian is a personal decision. If you encounter any of these red flags, don’t be afraid to seek out a different provider. A good veterinarian will make you feel confident in their care and will be a valuable partner in your pet’s health journey.

At Floofins & Co., the health and well-being of your pets is our top priority. It’s why our team is highly trained, receives ongoing education, and undergoes Pet First Aid & CPR training.

If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walking, pet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. You may also give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Learn more about our in-home pet care new client onboarding process here.

If you are en existing client, please schedule services here. We look forward to caring for your pets!