Choosing the appropriate veterinarian is critical, especially if you are looking for one for your equine friend. Whether you are into horseback riding as a hobby or you are competing professionally, caring for your horse is a priority. Horses demand specific care and knowledge that should be looked after by a veterinarian who is specialized and experienced.
When you start looking for the best equine clinic, look for one that has veterinarians who specialize in treating large animals. Narrowing down your list for the most appropriate veterinarian clinic for your riding buddy will now be easier.
Word of mouth recommendations
Asking for referrals would be a safe option when looking for an equine veterinarian because it is based on the recommendations of the people you know. Not all veterinarians are created equal, and when one clinic is getting all the positive reviews and recommendations, it might be because they are that good.
When a horse vet clinic is getting a lot of referrals, you would know they are qualified to care for your horse. When you attend horse events, ask around for recommendations and referrals and when you visit your feed store, inquire about the best local veterinarians from the workers and other customers.
Do your research
Of course, you should not just rely on word-of-mouth recommendations. Once you have a list of referrals, do your own research. Veterinarians build reputations, and looking into the vet’s past might give you an idea of how they really are. Begin by asking the veterinarian where he or she went to school, then look up the school’s reputation.
If you ever manage to find a record of complaints or reviews of other customers and any disciplinary actions that have been taken in the past, it will give you a clear view of how the veterinarian handled grievances and if this affected the way they work. This might seem a lot and it will require time and effort to ensure that the veterinarian you’re contemplating hiring is qualified for the job, just keep in mind that your horse’s health is at stake.
Check the clinic
Taking a tour of the clinic would give you an idea of how organized and well-prepared the clinic is for emergencies. You never know when you’ll need to bring your horse in for x-rays or other diagnostic procedures. You don’t want to bring your horse to another facility just because the clinic does not have the latest technology to treat your horse.
Knowing that they are fully equipped for any sickness would give you the reassurance that they are more than qualified to care for your horse. You could also start inquiring about the cost of veterinary care. While you should never choose a veterinarian only on the basis of price, it is a factor to consider.
Another step you could do to make sure you are choosing the best equine clinic is by letting your horse decide. Your horse is the one who has to be treated and if they are not terrified or uneasy, it is because they already feel comfortable with the veterinarian.
