If dogs are considered to be “man's best friend,” then shouldn't we take as much consideration into their health as we do our own?  Finding the right veterinarian to care for your dog should be as important to you as finding a good family doctor.  Recently, our dog Noel needed to see a canine ophthalmologist to rule out the presence of cataracts, and finding the best specialist in the area was job number one for my family.    

Taking the time to ask around for references is ideal, but might not be the most time-efficient method for finding a veterinarian.  Friends and family are usually reliable sources, but finding the right veterinarian for your dog, and one you are comfortable with is a more personal decision.  You can save time by checking consumer reviews on Angie’s List.

Angie’s List is a website that collects verified consumer reviews of service companies as a way to "capture word-of-mouth wisdom".  Angie’s List has about 1.5 million subscribers throughout the United States and Canada who post an average of about 40,000 reviews each month, making it a wealth of public opinion and a great place to locate a quality veterinarian.

There are a few things to take into consideration when conducting your search:

• Is the practice AAHA-accredited?
• How are overnight patients monitored?
• What sort of equipment does the practice use?
• Does the vet refer patients to specialists?
• How are patients evaluated before anesthesia and surgery?
• Does the practice have licensed veterinary technicians on staff?
• What is the protocol for pain management?

From dental and gum cleaning to emergency care, there are a number of needs your dog may have, and you want to make sure the veterinarian you choose is right for the job.  Find your Austin veterinarian by reading customer reviews on Angie’s List.

Disclosure:  I received monetary compensation for authoring this post.  This review is based on my own personal experiences with this service and is completely honest and objective.