According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 37% of American households have dogs as pets, and 30% have cats. Most pet owners love their animals and consider them to be a member of the family. These animals can brighten owner’s day just by greeting them when they come home, and they can truly improve quality of life by providing a faithful and loyal friend.

There are lots of things owners must do to care for their animals and keep them healthy. Pets need to eat a special diet targeted for their lifestyle. They need to get enough exercise to stay healthy. Pets need to know they are loved and spending time with their owners is the best way to let them know they are important. Finding a vet is another key step in taking care of a pet, because dogs and cats need care from a specially trained doctor who understands pet health. The AVMA reports that the annual vet bill is $378 for a dog, and that figure drops to $227 for cats. Here are some tips on how to choose a vet for pet owners everywhere.

• Accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
  The best vets will have official documentation showing that they comply with the rules set forth by the AAHA. This includes specific guidelines about educational requirements to become a vet and other rules about staying up-to-date on the most recent animal care techniques and procedures. It’s important that all vets keep up with the latest advancements in pet care, because experts are constantly developing new ways to treat animal illnesses and to understand the cart pets need.
• Convenience
  A 24 hr animal hospital offers convenience of being open all the time and ready to treat incoming pet emergencies. You should check in your area to see if there’s a local 24 hr animal hospital. If there is, you might want to start here to find a vet. If you can find someone who works at the hospital, there is an added level of convenience because they have extended hours and there will be a staff working around the clock to provide animal care to pets in your area.
• Friendly veterinarian assistants
  The best vet offices will have friendly assistants who communicate well with you and your pet. Pets often get nervous about going to the vet and they can feel uncomfortable in a foreign environment, so it’s good to have someone who is experienced with pets and can put them at ease during their visit. The assistant or vet tech should also explain everything to the owner clearly, because it can be frightening for pet owners to see their animal in a scary situation. You should be able to have an open and honest conversation with the assistants, who should be knowledgeable about vet care.
• High quality medical equipment
  Vets require special machines for x-rays and diagnostic tests, so you should ask about their equipment. Is it in line with AAHA regulations for medical supplies for pets? There are also special tools needed for pet dental care, blood pressure monitoring, and IV treatments, so make sure to ask your vet if they have the proper equipment.

Do you have any tips on how to find a vet? Do you think it’s important to choose someone who works at a 24 hr animal hospital? We would love to hear your feedback, so please join the discussion by leaving a comment below. Helpful info also found here.