How to Choose the Right Veterinarian
Friends and Neighbors,
For modern day pet parents, finding the right vet isn’t as easy as picking the place around the corner. Our bond with our pets is one of the most meaningful parts of our lives. With the plethora of options available to us here in Chicago, how do you choose the right vet? We’ve put some steps together for you!
Quality of Care & Service Offerings
First and foremost, your pet’s vet should offer a range of services with the highest quality of care. Check for AAHA Accredited veterinarians. An AAHA accreditation signifies that a veterinary practice has met or exceeded stringent standards that encompass all aspects of veterinary medicine. AAHA accredited hospitals are the only animal hospitals to regularly pass onsite evaluations based on more than 900 standards of veterinary care, from pain management to medical record-keeping, and have committed to a path of continuous improvement. We are proud to share that each BLVD Vet practice is AAHA accredited!
Communication & Collaboration
Before you commit to establishing care with a new veterinarian, contact them to inquire about what the first visit will look like. Ideally, you would have a smooth communication experience beginning with front of house teams providing you with next steps. From your first visit, you should experience a collaborative approach with your care team. They should hear your concerns, understand you and your pet’s lifestyle and communicate recommended treatments using empathy. At BLVD, we treat every visit as a collaboration between our veterinarians, our pet parents and our patients.
Veterinarian Owned & Operated
Private equity in veterinary medicine is a quickly growing trend. Not only does this drive the cost of services, it puts your pet’s care in the hands of investment bankers, not veterinarians. Corporate-backed clinics are filled with dedicated, caring and able veterinary professionals, however, the powers that be have one main goal: paying back their investors. Veterinarian owned and operated clinics have one main goal: providing the best care for your pets. At BLVD Vet, our decision makers are veterinarians.
Fear Management
We understand that going to the vet can be an uncomfortable experience for your pet. Just like humans, you can have the nicest doctor in the world, but bloodwork is still bloodwork! We recommend a clinic that only uses positive reinforcement and Fear Free handling techniques. Fear Free offers science-based, behavior-led strategies to prevent and reduce fear, anxiety and stress for pets. Basically, only using positive techniques to get your pet through treatment as comfortably as possible. At BLVD Vet, you will see lots of cheese, toys, gentle handling and patient care teams! We do not force treatment on pets that are unwilling. We work with the patient and the pet parent to develop the safest possible treatment plan for your pet! Check out our cat-only clinic, BLVD Cat for Fear Free cat treatment.
Facility & Technology
Your pet’s vet clinic should be sparkly clean and filled with the most modern technology. Sure, there may be evidence that other pets were there, but dirt, filth and strong stenches are indicators that you may not be in the most sterile environment. Additionally, you may appreciate a veterinarian that offers digital record keeping and reminder communications. If you are someone who appreciates a quick text or ping on an app, you probably want a more modern clinic.
Payment Options
Veterinary care can be a large expense, especially when unexpected. If possible, before you commit to establishing care with a new clinic, ask them what type of payment options they offer. At BLVD Vet, we are proud to offer Bread Pay. Bread Pay gives you a convenient, flexible way to pay for your pet's care. Split your purchases of $500 or more into monthly payment plans starting at 0.00% APR. Checking your eligibility is quick, easy and won’t affect your credit score! We also accept Care Credit.
Your Pet’s Opinion
Last, but certainly not least, your pet’s opinion! There’s a usual level of discomfort when bringing your pet to the vet, but if you find that your pet is unmanageable or so anxious that treatment isn’t possible, you might want to reconsider the clinic. This doesn’t always mean that the clinic is a bad place. Sometimes, it’s just not a fit, and that’s okay! If you have a gut instinct that your pet could be more successful somewhere else, it’s worth giving it a try. At the end of the day, the clinic wants to see you and your pet set up for success!
We hope you find these tips useful and that they help keep your pets happy and healthy. Contact us if you have questions or would like to schedule a visit. We’re always here for you and your pets!
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team