What qualifications should I look for in a vet?

You love your pet, and your vet needs the right qualifications to provide the standard of veterinary care your furry best friend needs. Our Greeley vets list which qualifications to look for. 

Choosing the Right Vet

We understand that there's much to consider when it's time to choose a new veterinarian for your pet. You hope to like the person and get along, and that their office will be open when you need it. Along with the day-to-day practicalities of choosing a vet, you might also want to consider looking for a few important certifications. In this post, we'll tell you what these common certifications are, and what they mean. 

Mandatory U.S. Veterinary Qualifications

So, you've found a vet you think may be the one. What next? You'll want to confirm that the veterinarian you're considering is licensed in the U.S. and in your state. Also find out whether other staff members in the hospital are licensed, such as registered veterinary technicians. Stop by the vet's office and look around. If the certifications aren't visible in the reception area, just ask to see their licenses or find more information by contacting your state board of veterinary medicine. 

Here are the two certifications to look for: 

DVM (VMD) - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - You first need to check that your vet is qualified to practice in the U.S. and in your state. After someone graduates from an American veterinary school, they receive a DVM—Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (also sometimes referred to as a VMD degree). All vets practicing in the U.S. must have one of these, because it means that the person you're thinking about bringing your pet to is, actually a qualified veterinarian and is ready to perform the duties of the profession. 

State Veterinary Licensing - In some states, veterinarians must pass a state-specific examination to practice veterinary medicine. These exams will generally test the vet's knowledge of the state's laws and regulations that govern veterinary medicine. To maintain a state veterinary license, vets must take continuing education courses and may need to renew their license regularly (often every 3 years). 

Vets That May Require A Referral

Veterinary Specialists - Some veterinarians will complete more training in a specific area of veterinary medicine and pass an examination that evaluates their skills and knowledge in a certain specialty. These are called board-certified veterinary specialists, and if your pet is unwell you may receive a referral to one from your regular vet at our hospital. Veterinary medicine has 41 distinct specialties, from internal medicine to surgery, ophthalmology and dentistry. If diagnosing or treating your pet's health issues requires specialized expertise and/or equipment that your primary care vet does not have, you may be referred to a veterinary specialist. These professionals take pride in working in co-operation with your primary care veterinarian to provide your pet with the best care possible.