Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro: Hi! I am Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro with AAHA and today, we're talking about how to find a veterinarian.

Now, we're going to discuss when to find a veterinarian. If you are new pet owner, you want to find a veterinarian and establish your relationship prior to bringing your pet home, or if you're moving you will want your old veterinarian to help you find a new veterinarian or if you're traveling with your pets, emergencies can happen along the way, so you may want to go to healthypet.

com to have a veterinarian finder or locater for veterinarians all along your travel path.

Sometimes it maybe necessary for your pet to have specialty care in the areas of dermatology, oncology, cardiology, surgery, or internal medicine, just to name a few. Your current veterinarian often can be very helpful in helping you to find a veterinary specialist in your area. Sometimes it's necessary to seek a second opinion whether to verify the diagnosis that your veterinarian has made or just help you become more comfortable in determining your pets needs.

Whatever the cause of you seeking other veterinary care, whether you're traveling with your pet, being referred to a specialist, or seeking a second opinion, it's helpful to have your current veterinarian, have your medical records on hand. So give that veterinarian several days to sometimes a couple of weeks to make copies for you to bring with you to your new veterinarian.

If you're a new or first time pet owner, you may want to obtain your pets medical records from the shelter where you obtained your pet or from your pet's breeder. These medical records can help your new veterinarian know your pet's medical history. Next, we're going to discuss how to select a veterinary hospital.