6 tips for a good relationship with your pet's vet

A trip to the vet is something many pets are not too keen on, but it’s a necessary part of caring for our furry and feathered children. That’s why developing a good relationship with your pet’s vet is an important part of providing care to your beloved family member. 

Why a relationship with your vet is important

Renowned vet, Dr Harry Cooper, says having a relationship with your vet can make things easier when it comes to understanding your pet's needs.

“It can be hard for pet owners to know the difference between different conditions that have similar symptoms.

“Your vet, however, can pick the difference. That’s why, if you’re going on a regular basis and you’ve got that important relationship, your vet can help you out. And sometimes prevent problems and that’s even more important.” 

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Below are some tips to help you have a good relationship with your pet’s vet and ensure you are on the same page when it comes to the health of your best mate.

1. Schedule regular vet check-ups

Forming a good relationship with your pet’s vet takes time. Consequently, if your pet is only visiting a veterinary in an emergency, or when something seems unusual, there is little opportunity to get to know your pet in a comfortable setting.

You and your pet will have more of a chance to build a relationship with the vet when your best mate isn’t having an unpleasant experience. Scheduling health check-ups and vaccinations when your pet appears healthy not only helps them to stay well, but it can work to build a good relationship with your vet. 

2. Show up on time

It goes without saying, but punctuality is a common courtesy that is generally appreciated, no matter who you are meeting. Certainly, showing up late to your appointments and rushing your vet is not the best way to get in their good books. Even better – arriving five to 10 minutes early allows time to calm down your pet if they are feeling stressed on the ride over.

Being on time also acknowledges to your vet that you value and respect their expertise. They will appreciate not having the stress of rushing the next client after you if you have caused them to run late.

Of course, life happens and sometimes you can’t help being behind schedule. If that happens, a call to the vet’s office to let them how you’re tracking will give the vet a chance to plan ahead.

3. Ask questions and listen

Your vet is here to provide information about your pet’s condition. Listen carefully and if there is something that you don’t fully understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. Your vet should be happy to elaborate if you ask for clarification.

You may find it beneficial to note down something your vet has said, so it’s ok to ask them to repeat themselves. 

It’s important to avoid leaving confused and unclear about your pet’s treatment or condition, so ask clear and concise questions if you are unsure of anything. 

4. …but don’t overwhelm them

While you’re still getting to know the vet, don’t bombard them with loads of questions or overwhelm them with multiple pets. Ease them in gently. 

If you have more than one pet, just bring them in one at a time. Not only will the vet feel less overwhelmed, but the one-on-one time will give them both a better chance to get to know one another.

5. Be nice to your vet

It may sound obvious, but a little bit of manners goes a long way. As with any social setting, if you are projecting a polite and respectful attitude, it will generally be reciprocated. 

An unfortunate part of a vet’s job is having to deal with the emotional stress and trauma that comes with treating animals all day, who are either sick or nearing their end of life. Pet owners aren’t the only people who can be emotionally strained when their animal is unwell, so keep this in mind when you visit the vet.  

It can also pay off to be nice to your vet and the veterinary staff if your pet ever has an emergency and you both could do with a little extra care. If you are known around the vet hospital for being friendly, you might find the staff will reciprocate when you need it the most. 

6. Give your vet a recommendation 

A good relationship with your vet is a two-way street. If you are lucky to find a vet that you trust to take excellent care of your pet, recommending them to other pet owners is the best way you can show your support. You can also leave them a positive Google review. 

A referral or positive online review acknowledges that you think your vet is doing a good job in caring for your beloved family member. They will usually value the referral and appreciate you as a client.

Searching for the right vet care

At Goodbye Good Boy, we encourage pet owners to do their research and find what vet care is best for their pets and their circumstance. There are many options out there, including vet clinics, emergency hospitals and in-home vets.

If trips to the vet are stressful experiences for your pet, you might consider an at-home vet that can come to visit you. 

When it comes to a pet’s end of life, we offer home euthanasia services to support owners in providing a peaceful passing for their beloved pets, in their most comfortable environment. We built Goodbye Good Boy to support owners in providing an end-of-life experience that reflects the love and care that has been present throughout their life. 

Your specialist end-of-life veterinarian will ensure the euthanasia is completed with love and dignity. You can say final goodbyes with a home burial or we can arrange a cremation and return of ashes to you. We will even provide resources and support in preparation for the day.

We’re here for you

At Goodbye Good Boy, we provide home euthanasia services to support loving owners in providing a peaceful passing for their beloved pets.

The team at Goodbye Good Boy offers individualised support to help you and your family navigate this difficult time by providing quality-of-life checks, in-home euthanasia, cremation and aftercare services, and personalised memorialisation options. 

To learn more about our pet end-of-life services, give our team of passionate pet lovers a call on 1800 953 619.

About us

Goodbye Good Boy is Australia’s premier pet end-of-life service. From grief counselling to euthanasia and cremation services, to fitting memorial options, we’re here to help you navigate your pet's end-of-life journey.

Dedicated owners treat their pets as equals in life. Goodbye Good Boy promises the same in death - offering a similar type of send-off you would expect for any other family member.