You love your pet, and you want to make sure that the vet you choose has the right qualifications to provide the veterinary care they need. So, what qualifications should you look for?
Choosing the Right Vet
Choosing a new vet for your pet can be stressful; there are so many things to consider! What is their approach to care? Will you like them as a person? Are the hospital hours in line with your availability? Does their pricing make sense for your budget? But beyond the day-to-day practicalities of choosing a vet, there are a number of certifications an individual vet can hold. So, what do those certifications mean? Here are a few of the most common.
Mandatory U.S. Veterinary Qualifications
When you are looking for a vet, check that the veterinarians you are considering are licensed in the U.S. and in your state. You may also what to take the time to find out if other people working in the hospital are licensed, such as registered veterinary technicians. Pop in to the vet's office for a visit and take a look around. If you don't see the certifications hanging in the reception area, simply ask to see their licenses or contact your state board of veterinary medicine for more information.
Here are the two certifications you are looking for:
DVM (VMD) - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - When a person graduates from a U.S. veterinary school, they receive a DVM - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (sometimes called a VMD degree). All vets practicing in the U.S. must have a DVM degree. A DVM degree means that the person you are considering is, in fact a qualified veterinarian and is fully qualified perform the duties of the profession in the United States.
State Veterinary Licensing - In order to practice veterinary medicine, certain states also require a veterinarian to pass a state-specific examination. These exams typically test the candidates' knowledge of the state's laws and regulations governing veterinary medicine. In order to maintain a state veterinary license, vets must take part in continuing education and may need to renew their license on a regular basis (typically every 3 years).
Additional Veterinary Qualifications
If your pet has special health care requirements, you may want to consider a vet with qualifications that go beyond the standard DVM degree. Two such certifications are:
Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (DABVP) - Veterinarians who are ABVP Certified (ABVP Diplomates) begin with a DVM degree then go on to accrue knowledge and expertise beyond what is required to practice standard veterinary medicine. ABVP Diplomates undergo a challenging 3 year process of additional studies and examination to become board certified specialists recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Fear Free Certification - Fear Free training teaches veterinary professionals techniques and practices designed to make animals in their care feel more at ease and less afraid during their examinations and treatment. If your pet is high-strung or anxious, taking the extra time to locate a Fear-Free Certified vet in your area may be worth it. Fear-Free certification can apply to an individual vet, another veterinary professional within the hospital, or even the hospital itself.