When a couple is expecting a new baby, they are urged to interview and assess potential Pediatricians. So why is it that the typical pet owner "settles" for whatever Veterinarian they happen upon?

• You're the one who will have to work with the Vet and the clinic staff - so ask yourself, do you like the atmosphere, the way you're treated, the waiting room, the exam rooms? Are you treated with courtesy and respect?

• Is the potential Vet open at hours that work for you? Can you drop in with a sick pet or is the next available appointment 6 days from now?

• How do the Vet and the staff interact with you and your pet? Do they strike you as animal lovers or just there for the paycheck?

• Bigger is not necessarily better! Are you able to see the same staff when you return or is there turn-over that means you have to introduce your pet to a whole new group each time?

• Animal Hospitals with emergency rooms are not always right for typical Vet visits. You wouldn't go to the hospital if you had a cold - you'd go to your general practitioner or internist. Then he/she would send you to the hospital if needed. The same holds true for Animal Hospitals - they have all the equipment on-hand to run tests and do work-ups (often to the tune of hundreds or thousands of dollars) and so that's what they do. A good Vet in a clinic typically starts with the simplest (and most common) explanation for your pet's symptoms - saving you and your pet the stress of a full battery of tests.

• Ask people who treat their animals well for recommendations. Ask some pointed questions about why they're recommending a particular Vet.

• If you can afford to, make an appointment to meet with a Vet you think might work for you - for a wellness check-up. Make a list of questions and take them in with you.

• Take the time to find the right Vet - knowing you can trust him/her is worth the effort!

Marina Veterinary Group 

Dr. Rachel Jones
4053 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA
310-448-8080

Century Veterinary Group

Dr. Jeff Werber
8750 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles
310-559-2500

Sepulveda Animal Hospital

Dr. Robert Goldman/Yves Gallea
4477 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City
310-397-0774

Shenandoah Animal Clinic

Dr. Forbrich
8679 West Pico Blvd. Los Angeles
310-271-6186

Petville Animal Hospital

Dr. Karron
12108 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles
310-313-9118

SoCalif. Veterinary Hosp

Dr. Mark Rigoni
5421 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills
818-999-1290

North Hollywood Animal Care Center
Dr. Estacio
11561 Oxnard Street, North Hollywood
818-508-8530