Vets like Doctors vary enormously, and finding one that you trust with the health of your pet is very important. I know of Vets who seem to be thinking more of the business, or who look for the most unusual cause, before looking for the 'obvious' first. Some you simply cannot 'gel' with. A trusting rapport is so necessary, a Vet you have confidence in.

A really good Vet acquires experience and knowledge, that he can call on in certain situations. Is simply concerned with the animal's welfare. Can 'reach out' to the Owner as well, this is someone that you need to trust, because you are putting the life of your animal in their hands.

So how about RECOMMENDING YOUR VET (providing you consider him/her OUTSTANDING)! Share your REASONS for your recommendation, and the name of the practice and area.

This way if someone is looking for a new Vet, or feels not completely satisfied with their Vet (as I once was), knowing where to go or who to ask to see is not easy - where do you begin? - But you might see a Practice recommended here in your area, with the name of a particular Vet to ask to see. What a good stepping stone this could be.

Denise.

No, I think this is a dangerous thing to do.

I think too much naming on a public list is probably not a good idea, after all the fact that I don't get on with one vet doesn't mean he isn't a good vet, or alternatively others may not get on with the ones I like. I do know there is one vet in the area that I would not allow to set one finger on any of my dogs and I know others who think the same thing. I also know other people who think he is absolutely marvellous. I also think the vets might not be too keen on being named on this list, they could be accused of advertising and breaking various rules even if they have had nothing to do with it.

I agree with you that recommendation is the best way of finding a good vet and am privately ready to recommend one in my area, but would do it by private mail and not by way of the board.

Joan
Take the rough with the smooth

I agree Joan. I know that my vet is a really good vet but my dad wouldn't get on with him. I would trust my vet with Hollys life but my dad wouldn't even consider letting him see Ebony. The reason behind this is that he's a very forward thinking vet who likes to involve you in the treatment of your animal. He asks for your opinion on things and offers you a choice of treatment and where possible lets you have the final say.

My dad is very old fashioned and would take this approach to mean that the vet doesn't really know what he's talking about and is trying to pass the buck. If something goes wrong he can say that it was the owners decision in the end. The other thing that would annoy my dad is that my vet doesn't see the need for Holly to be spayed. We've talked through the risks of having the operation and not having the operation and he is insistent that we wait until Holly has had two seasons before we make a final decision. By then we'll know if we can cope with the mess and are able to keep her 'safe'. When my dad got Ebony he booked her in to be spayed when she had her new owner health check.

Rather than naming/shaming or praising a vet in a public forum it would be better to reply privately to any questions about local vets. Until facts and figures are available, as they are for NHS hospitals, personal opinions in their nature are unreliable and extremely subjective, not to mention potentially libelous.(sp?)

Fiona

Unfortunately, this could turn into a legal nightmare. Thank you for the suggestion but I am locking this thread for the time being :-)