Choosing the right specialist to trust your pet to, in the case of regular checkups, illness, or emergency situations may seem challenging, but things become easier if you know the right questions to ask.

Anytime you look for a specialist, you should consider making appointments and interviewing more than one person in order to be able to compare and choose what is best for you. Write down your questions, just to make sure that you do not forget anything and be prepared to take notes, if necessary.

So, here is the information that you should try to find out during the preliminary interviews with Baltimore veterinarians.

• In which consists your veterinary training and experience? Are you also specialized in a veterinary area or in a type of pets?

• Do you have your own small practice or do you work in a bigger veterinary clinic/ hospital?

Small practices may benefit from the expertise of a very good vet that you will work with all the time however they often lack investments in the latest technology. On the other hand, a large practice is typically equipped to offer all kind of medical services, but you might not see the same vet all the time. It is up to you to decide which alternative is the right one for your needs.

• What are your hours? Do you also offer emergency services?

Baltimore animal hospital facilities typically offer emergency services, but things can be different when it comes to vets who own a small practice. However, even if a vet is not equipped to provide emergency care, he/ she must still know how to respond in such situations and be willing to sending you to a referral partner. Also ask if you will be provided access to 24-hour care if your pet will need it, even if not at your veterinarian`s facility.

• What are your office’s capabilities?

Considering that most medical veterinary hospitals are well-equipped to provide all kind of services, this question is, again, mostly for vets owning small practices. Accidents happen all the time and it is essential to know whether your vet`s office is capable of handling different situation or you will be redirected somewhere else, on a regular basis. Ask about basic surgery, in-house laboratory, X-rays and anything else that seems important to you.

• Will my pet be comfortable in the waiting room?

The waiting room of a medical veterinary center should be large enough to allow animals to feel safe and as comfortable as possible. Some of them allow cats and dogs in separate places, which is definitely a pro.

• How much cost your services?

There may be cost difference between clinics, even for basic things like vaccines. More complex procedures involve even greater variation, so it would not be realistic not to consider them, at least as one of the factors involved in your choice.

• What payment options do I have?

Baltimore veterinarians typically accept both cash and credit cards, but remember to ask if they also provide personalized payment plans for extra large bills.

• Which types of pet insurance do you accept?