Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro: Hi! I am Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro with the American Animal Hospital Association and today, we're going to discuss how to find a veterinarian.

First, we're going to determine the specific veterinarian needs for you and your pet. Second, we're going to determine when to select a veterinarian. Then we'll discus how to select a veterinary hospital. Finally, we'll discuss questions to ask when selecting your veterinarian.

It's a good idea to find a veterinarian and establish a relationship prior to bringing your new pet home so that your veterinarian could help establish general wellness and nutritional care, and help you and your pet leave happy healthy lives together.

Let me tell you a little bit about myself. I'm the Director of Emergency Services at Wheat Ridge Animal Hospital, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. Our hospital is proud that we've been accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association or AAHA. AAHA is the only organization in the United States and Canada that accredits veterinary hospitals according to over 900 standards of excellence. Now let's get started on how to select a veterinarian.