How to Choose a Vet for My Dog?

You did countless hours of research to find your own doctor (or you at least got a few five-star recs from some trusted friends). Choosing the right vet for your dog is just as important. You’ll need to assess clinic facilities, emergency services, (and pricing) to make sure your pup has the kind of care they deserve. A positive connection between the vet and your dog is crucial for a stress-free veterinary experience.

When should I take my dog to the vet?

“It’s always a good idea to get an appointment for a follow-up exam with your veterinarian soon after you adopt,” recommends Stephanie Filer, executive director of Shelter Animals Count (SAC). Ideally, your dog should have their first vet visit within the first few days of being home. But, if your dog is a little stressed out and needs more time to settle in, don’t rush it.

Filer assures that if you’ve recently adopted a new dog, the shelter or rescue keeps pets healthy, often diagnosing and treating any existing conditions before the pet is ready for adoption. Adopted pets also typically receive vaccinations and a health exam before going home.

Read this related article on Banfield

Schedule Your First Vet Appointment Now—It’s Completely Free

Banfield Pet Hospital® is offering new clients a coupon for a free first veterinarian visit! (Terms apply.) Book yours now at one of their 1,000+ locations.

After the first visit, plan on taking your dog to the vet for a wellness visit at least once per year. Depending on your dog’s age and any existing health conditions, they may require additional visits. For instance, a puppy who is still in the midst of their puppy vaccine series will need to see the vet every three to four weeks while seniors and dogs with health conditions may need to see their vet more often.

Be alert to any changes in your dog’s appearance or behavior between visits, such as: 

• New lumps or injuries

• Not in the mood to play, hiding away, or just low on energy

• Not eating much, throwing up, constipation, or diarrhea

• Fur issues, pale gums, losing or gaining weight

• Scratching a lot more than usual

If you notice anything that’s abnormal for them, it’s time for a vet visit. 

How can I find local vets near me?

As you start your search for a veterinary clinic in your area, you’ll want to keep a few key things in mind, such as how far from home or work you’re willing to travel and if you’d like the clinic to have special experience with your dog’s breed and/or health conditions. 

• Ask for recommendations: Ask friends and family about their experiences and preferences regarding local vet clinics, gathering insights on what they appreciate or would improve.

• Consult online resources: Explore community forums such as Nextdoor or breed-specific forums and review sites, such as Google Maps or Yelp, for reviews and recommendations from fellow pet parents in your area.

• Look for a Banfield Pet Hospital® near you: Banfield offers a variety of petcare options, and your first vet appointment is free! (Terms apply.)

Pro tip: Choose your veterinarian before you bring your new pup home. This way, you’ll be ready if any unexpected health issues or accidents pop up right after you adopt. Plus, it helps you avoid any delays when setting up that crucial first wellness visit.

So, what makes a good dog vet?

Vet visits aren’t always a walk in the park but taking the time to choose the best clinic and vet for you and your pet significantly reduces the stress associated with visits. Finding the best clinic can seem daunting, so we’ve broken down a few key factors to consider when choosing a vet.

1. Vet hours

Choose a vet with convenient location and hours. Can you easily get to the clinic when needed? Once an established patient, what is the expected wait time to see the vet if your dog gets sick? Are appointments scheduled online, via application, or by calling the clinic?

2. Vet location

Your vet should be easy to reach — ideally within a 15-minute drive. A nearby clinic means quicker access to care when your dog needs it and less stress for both of you. And don’t forget to check the clinic’s parking situation. Nobody wants to spend half an hour searching for street parking with a howling dog in tow.

3. Vet facilities

Does the clinic provide the services your dog might need? For instance, some clinics may not have a canine dentist on staff, so you’ll need to go elsewhere for routine dental cleanings. What about diagnostic tests such as X-rays, blood work, and ultrasounds? Are they done in-house or sent offsite? And surgeries? Having these services on-site means faster, more precise care and saves you the hassle of running around town for referrals.

4. Vet staff

Review the backgrounds of the veterinarians at the clinic. Look for any specialized experience they may have with certain breeds or medical conditions. Take note of their approach to patient care and communication with pet parents.

5. Vet emergency services

Dogs can face sudden health issues or accidents that need quick action — and they always seem to happen on the weekend. It might be an injury, a bad illness, or unexpected problems from treatment. In these moments, every second counts, so getting your pup to the vet right away is crucial. Does the vet offer after-hours care or urgent appointment slots? And if not, where is the closest emergency veterinarian? 

6. Vet payment options

Do they offer payment plans at an affordable rate? Compare the costs of services offered across different clinics in your area. To keep things clear when it comes to money, don’t hesitate to ask about payment plans, low-income assistance options, whether they take insurance, and how much different services might cost.

What to expect from my first vet visit? 

During the first vet visit, your vet will review your dog’s health history and conduct a physical examination, checking their vital signs and body condition score. This score helps determine if your dog is underweight, overweight, or at an ideal weight.

This first check-up is a great time to ask any questions you may have as a new pet parent, like what and how much your dog should eat or their exercise needs. But, your vet should always be open to answering any questions you may have throughout your pet’s care.

“Each stage of a pet’s life presents different medical or training needs,” says Filer, adding that establishing a long-term relationship with a trusted vet can help you tackle anything that comes your way.

After your first visit, ask yourself these questions:

• Does my dog feel comfortable here? Was your dog calm and comfortable during the visit? Some clinics go as far as separating cat and dog waiting and exam rooms to reduce excitement. 

• Did I feel comfortable here? Were you able to address all your concerns with the vet without feeling rushed or judged? 

• Was the staff friendly and helpful? Do they answer your questions clearly and treat your dog kindly?

• Was the office clean? Is the clinic well-maintained? Did they sanitize the exam room before calling your dog back?

If you’re wondering how much a dog costs and how you’ll pay for unexpected medical bills, pet insurance can help. Most importantly, don’t forget to visit your vet for regular checkups, even when your pet isn’t sick. They can help catch problems early for a long and healthy life. 

Commonly asked questions

How much is a vet visit for a dog? 

You can expect to pay between $65 to $100 for your dog’s routine wellness exam. Your vet may also recommend vaccinations (ranging from $20 to $430 or more), bloodwork (approximately $95), or other specialized care. Pet insurance can help reduce pet care medical costs. 

How often do you take a dog to the vet? 

Puppies may need to visit the vet every three to four weeks. A healthy adult dog typically requires one wellness visit per year. But, seniors and dogs with health conditions may need more frequent vet visits. If you have concerns about your pet’s health, don’t hesitate to call your vet clinic for an appointment between routine wellness visits.

Ready to welcome a new dog into your home? Use our handy search tool to find a cat today.

References

“8 Things You Should Consider When Choosing a Veterinarian.” American Veterinary Medical Association, 2025, www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/yourvet/8-things-you-should-consider-when-choosing-veterinarian. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

“Preparing for Your Dog’s First Veterinary Visit.” VCA, vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/preparing-for-your-dogs-first-veterinary-visit.

‌Becker, Lexington. “Veterinary Visits: As Simple as 1, 2, 3... Fear Free!” Fear Free Pets, 17 May 2016, fearfreepets.com/veterinary-visits-as-simple-as-1-2-3-fear-free/.