What to Look for in a Local Dog Veterinarian in Chicagoland
When you own a dog in Chicago, finding the best local veterinarian can be a tough job. It seems like there’s one on nearly every corner, so how can you be sure you’ll get the best service and that your dog gets the best treatment? Finding the best local dog veterinarian in Chicagoland can be easier though, when you know what to look for. Here are our top picks of what to look for when choosing a vet for your dog. A Clean Office in Chicagoland This should go without saying—after all, these are medical facilities, right? Yet many local dog veterinarian offices in Chicagoland can appear unkempt or dingy. When you’re considering a certain practice, be sure to stop in before you actually need an appointment so that you can get a feel for what the facility is like. Convenient Hours and Availability Next, you’ll want to find out what the hours and availability are. Some local dog vet offices in Chicagoland close at 5 p.m. every day and aren’t open weekends, or don’t open until 10 a.m. during the week. Both of these options can put a damper on when you can bring your pet in. If you work regular full time hours, getting an appointment after hours can be difficult at some vets. Look for a veterinarian in Chicagoland that works with your schedule. Taking time off for the vet should be on an as-needed basis, not a mandatory feature. What Services They Can Provide A great local dog vet should be able to provide all the standard vet services, like treatment for the dog flu, vaccinations and x-rays, but a great bonus is when they have equipment for things like ultrasounds or surgery, as well as in-house lab testing. This can help you get results faster when your dog is sick. Their Demeanor Above many other factors, it’s important for you to feel comfortable with how a local dog veterinarian interacts with you and your pet. If they are cold or “all business,” the visits can feel somewhat insensitive when there’s a problem with your up. When you talk to the staff, do you feel welcomed? Are they comfortable to work with? Ask for a tour of the facility and see what you think about what it looks and feels like. You’ll be able to tell a lot about a local dog vet in Chicago based on what they’re willing to show you. Local Accessibility and Pricing Last but surely not least, local accessibility and pricing are important to consider. Nothing’s worse than having to come up with several hundred dollars for what should be an affordable treatment. Get pricing for say, a dog’s booster shot appointment from several vets you’re considering in Chicagoland, then choose the one you liked best in person that’s easiest to get to or closest to home. Finding a local dog veterinarian in Chicago and the surrounding area shouldn’t be a full-time job. With these parameters, you should be able to find the best care for your pup relatively quickly. If you need help finding places to check out, check out our list of top rated vets, or give Cruisin’ Canines a call to get our recommendations.
Our AUGUST Dog of the Month is
Tru! Breed: Rat Terrier Age: 11 Where I Live: Buena Park Joys in Life: Playing fetch at home and at the Montrose Dog beach, chewing rawhide bones (don’t tell his doctor!) and sleeping under the blanket at the foot of the bed. Cruisin’ Dog Walker: Jack Dog Walking Buddies: Lucy the lab and Sacha the Samoyed, but Tru is easy going and loves everyone!