Would you get a new vet?

[Jessika]

Well, it depends. For routine stuff like vaccinations I may look for a new vet, but for major stuff like surgeries I wouldn't consider a few hours' trip unfair in that aspect. I mean... I don't know actually, it's a tough call.

[Aspen and Misty]

I have to agree, it would depend. I drive an hour or so to go to my vet. I love them and it took me 2 1/2 years to find a vet I even felt comfortable enough to allow them to do routine shots. I don't think I would ever go anywhere else in this area. If I moved 2 hours away, I think I would go to all the vets in the area for a routine "check up" untill I found one I was comfortable with. Vets here tend to shove you out the door with very little info. I've left before with no idea what was wrong with my dogs. I finally found one that has "all the time in the world" to talk with you and make sure you understand whats going on.

So for me, an hour to an hour and a half. No big deal.

Ashley

[NicoleLJ]

Thanks for the replies. Since I am looking at neutering two kittens and not just simple shots I defiantely feel more comfortable going to my regular vet with these two.

But I like the idea of checking out the closer vets for routine shots. This way if there is an immediate emergency I have someone to take them to that we at least know. That will have to wait till the next shots are due for either the kittens or the dogs. Which ever come first.

[Aspen and Misty]

I wouldn't wait till they need their shots. What if, knock on wood that something does happen to your dogs or to one of your cats before then. The only vet you have is hours away and you have an emergency on hand. Even though my vet is only an hour away I have a vet about 10 mins from my house that I use for true emergencies, they see my dogs once a year for a "check up" and that’s it. I always fax updated vaccs and info to them as soon as they get there shots though so that they have the most up to date information. I would definitely spend the 50 or so dollars it cost to take them in just to have the vet take a look at even just one of them, this way you can meet the vet. If you don't like that vet save up and take them to another vet. It's worth the time and money to have a vet that you at least know you can rely on in emergencies.

Ashley

[Catty1]

I would definitely look at getting a new vet, BUT would go by word of mouth! I would ask at pet stores, and if there are several vets near you, take Sheena along and phone to ask about dropping in and just saying hello. You can get a good "feel" just by being there.

OR - I bet your vet back where you moved from would be able to recommend a vet or two. Maybe there is someone there he/she went to vet school with, and who is awesome. Plus your vet knows you, and would be able to hazard a good guess for a new vet.

[carole]

Personally i would get a new vet, because i hate stressing my cats out driving in the car, not to mention it stresses me out as well, and i don't travel good, however it really depends on how your pets travel and how you feel about it all,only you can make that choice. good luck

[Ginger's Mom]

Well, it depends. For routine stuff like vaccinations I may look for a new vet, but for major stuff like surgeries I wouldn't consider a few hours' trip unfair in that aspect. I mean... I don't know actually, it's a tough call.

I have some friends who moved from south Jersey to New York City, and this is exactly what they did. For routine things they would take them locally, but for major things they brought their cats back down here. If it was a true emergency they took their cat to the closest emergency clinic and did all of the immediate care necessary. But the next day they would drive down here for follow up.

[Freedom]

Neutering male kittens is a fairly simple procedure, I'm not sure I would travel for that. Talk to pet owners where you live now, get some ideas. I have found the ones who work with feral cat rescue groups are quite good, which has surprised me. Only one who did that work that I didn't like.

My cats do NOT like car rides, and taking 2 there and back home after while they feel woozy may not be such a good idea.

Start now finding someone locally. You never know with pets, that next emergency could be right around the corner; and you KNOW it will be a weekend and /or holiday, that is a given.

[shepgirl]

I would probably get a new vet from referrals. A neuter is so simple that it would be a good way to gauge a new vet. If a vet can screw a neuter or spay then they wouldn't be much of a vet and I would search for another.

[NicoleLJ]

I don't want to give them a chance to screw up the kittens neutering. These boys are pure bred flame point siamese kittens. First time I ever adopted a pure bred kitten from a breeder. But even if they weren't I would still rather get a surgery done by someone I know will do a good job. I have had vets screw up neutering and spaying before. So I know there are vets like that out there.

I would rather wait till the yearly check up or time for Ajax's next shots which is coming up soon. Shots are simple and I will get a referal from my current vet as others suggested.

[emily_the_spoiled]

I don't know about the vets where you live, but my local vet encourages people to come into the facility and look at it before they bring their pets in (if they are interested). When you do get a couple of potential referrals see if you can go in and look at the facilities and how they interact with people/animals.

[pomtzu]

That's a tough call. I too have an awsome vet - very down to earth - takes all the time you need - fair rates and not out only for the almighty dollar - makes house calls one day a week - and genuinely loves her patients.

I'd hate to lose her, but in the event I did move (or she did), I would eventually have to find someone closer. You need to take a lot in to consideration - what about an emergency - what about your present vet's office hours - could weather conditions keep you from traveling, etc..

Word of mouth is usually the best reference - just take the time to check out numerous new vets in your area, and perhaps your present vet can steer you in the right direction too. Good luck!