Malaysia Veterinary Forum (Archive)

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR VETERINARIAN

When choosing your family's veterinarian, use the same care and criteria that you would in selecting a physician or dentist. Think about what is important to you. Location? Convenient hours? Range of medical services? Friendliness and commitment of doctors and staff? Payment options? Your goal should be to find the veterinarian who you believe can best meet your pet's medical needs and with whom you feel comfortable in establishing a long-term relationship.

It is a good idea to start thinking about selecting a veterinarian before acquiring a new pet. In fact, a veterinarian can assist you in selecting a pet that complements your personality, work schedule, and home life.

Not everyone’s needs are the same (or your pets’ either). Therefore, each person may look for something different in a veterinarian. You may even want to look for a different vet for your different pets.

Here are a few guidelines to help you choose a suitable veterinarian for your needs.

Qualifications
• Be sure that the veterinarian is qualified and registered with the Malaysian Veterinary Council. Look for the current “Annual Practicing Certificate” (APC) which should be displayed at all venues where the vet practices. For more information, you can contact the
Department Of Veterinary Services,
Wisma Tani, Podium Block
Lot 4G1, Precinct 4
62630 Putrajaya
Tel: (603) 8870 2000

Location and Opening Hours
• Is the location of the practice convenient for you?
• What are their opening hours like?
• If they are not open, what are their policies for emergencies? It is critical that you know who to contact in case of emergencies.

Services
• What is the range of medical services the practice offers? Do they have facilities or links to X-ray, ultrasound, blood profiles, etc?
• What species of animals do they treat? Not all vets will treat your sick iguana.
• How does your vet treat difficult cases or cases that are out of his/her ability? Do they have a network of contacts for referrals?
• Currently, there are no accreditations for “specialists” in Malaysia. Be wary of those who call themselves specialists in certain areas. Don’t be afraid to ask for their credentials.
• Ask for what other services they offer. Some offer boarding and grooming services as well. Some will make house-calls.

Premise and Professionalism
• Visit the vet. Pay attention to the attentiveness of the staff. Do they greet you cheerfully? Do you feel welcomed?
• Is the place clean and orderly? Ask if you could take a tour of the non-public areas (e.g. wards, boarding, treatment room).
• How is the vet with animals? Do they treat the animal with respect and compassion, or are they rough and seemingly uncaring towards the animal?
• Do you feel comfortable talking to the vet? Does he/she take time to explain your animal’s condition and treatment options, or does he/she rush with the check-up? Does he/she answer your questions willingly?

Fees and Charges
• Do not be afraid to discuss the fees and charges with your vet. You may ask about the fees for routine services such as check-ups of vaccinations. But, do NOT choose a vet based on fees alone. Fees are based on the quality of services you get and also, do not forget, vets need to cover their overhead costs as well (i.e. rental, medical equipment, staffs’ salary, utilities, etc).
• What methods of payment are accepted? Do they accept credit cards?
• Does the vet provide discounts for multi-pet households or stray animals?

There are many more questions to ask before choosing the right veterinarian. Most importantly, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR IN A VET?

Dr Chong · Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 666 Location: KL

Don't worry, I've renewed my APC 8) .

Dr. TanDY · Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2006 11:55 pm Post subject:

Great post Dr Nat :-)

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

My scanner is not working. Perhaps someone may wanna scan their APC or MVC Registration certificate to show here??

Dr. TanDY · Posted: Wed Jan 04, 2006 4:52 pm Post subject:

My scanner isn't working either :(

horatio · Joined: 12 Jan 2006 Posts: 149 Location: KL but PJ soon

yes, I do agree what Dr. Nat said n btw, opppss.. Thank you so much, Dr. Nat for that useful piece of information...

I, personally had been to a few vet clinics all with their pros n cons but we shud elevate both sides since nobody is perfect right. Some vet do charge extremely high n some do not charge a sen for consultation only. All these reflected back to the vet him/herself... care for the animal or money in their mind.

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

I believe that the charges for consultations reflect the quality of services you are getting. So, do not shy away from vets who charge for consultations. Sometimes, when consultations are not charged, they then make up for it through the sale of medicine and other procedures.

Be wary.. you have the right to know why each sen is being charged.

information · Joined: 16 Jan 2008 Posts: 8

how about vet who come from outside Malaysia ?

Dr Nat · Joined: 07 Dec 2005 Posts: 1834 Location: Klang Valley

Vets who graduate from outside Malaysia have to register with the Malaysian Veterinary Council (MVC) first before being able to practice in Malaysia. Only selected universities are recognised by the MVC. In other words, you are not a vet (with "Dr" status) until you're registered here.

So, the same choices apply for overseas graduated vets. If they are not registered, then you have the responsibility to report it to the authorities.