Years ago a pet owner's choice for veterinary medicine was limited to ones primary care Vet if one could find a vet in the immediate area. Twenty or thirty years ago pets were not thought of as part of the family as they are today. In the past, they were just animals. If a pet owner wanted special medical care for their pet, they would need to travel to a veterinary college or teaching hospital.

All that has changed and in the past two decades the number of vet clinics has increased throughout the United States. Within the past decade veterinary medicine has also advanced and there are more Vets practicing specialty services.

Fraser getting prepped for an experimental surgery
Liposuction for a lipoma
copyright 2008 Diane Rich

In surgery
copyright 2008 Diane Rich

New Breed of Vet
If you live in larger cities, you may find specialty vet clinics that include orthopedic Vets, neurologists, dermatologists, oncologists, internal medicine Vets, and cardiologists. Specialty hospitals may offer on site diagnostics such as ultra sound, CT scans, chemotherapy treatments and MRI.

These days, most pet owners can readily find alternative Vet care and therapies for their pets. Alternative care may include chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal remedies and aureveda. Some alternative Vet clinics offer on site hydrotherapy therapy and specialized pet massage therapy.

I, like many pet owners treat my pets like family members and will go the distance for my animal's health and well being. I am lucky to have great Vets in my corner and utilize the expertise of both a conventional and alternative vet depending upon what I need. There are many great vets from which to choose in Washington state.

People Skills
All Veterinarians, have their own style of relating to their pet patient and the pet parent. Some Vets are warm and fuzzy with both pets and people, some Vets are warm and fuzzy just with the pet and not the person while other Vets are a little less warm all the way around.

I prefer my Vets to be upfront with diagnosis and not sugar coat reality. If the news is not great, I can fall apart either on site or wait until I get in my car. But, I do want all the facts.

I suggest you find a knowledgeable Vet that is kind, respects your pet and your emotional investment in that pet. It also helps to feel comfortable with the staff at your clinic as they are very much a part of your pet's care.

Look for a Vet that suits you and stays current with advancements in Vet medicine.

Diane Rich
Diane Rich Dog Training, LLC
www.spokesdog.com