When you go to the vet, do you always get the same doc?

[e-man]

How do most vet clinics work? When you go, do you always get the same vet, or do they have multiple vets on staff and you get whomever is working that day?

How does it normally work?

[kittypink]

The vet I go to have multiple vets. When you make an appointment, you get whatever vet happens to be working for that day/time slot.
I have a preference over which vet I want, so I tell the receptionist that I only want that vet and she always gives me appointments with him.

[ji2o0k]

depends on the clinic I guess....the one I go to only has 1 vet so it is good.

But yeah, others would have whoever is available that day, unless you request a specific one (as the above poster mentioned)

[TruHP]

Our current Vet makes house calls only.. so I always get her. Our last Vet was also the only Vet in the clinic. Other vets we've had in the past you were that Vets client and only saw another Vet in the clinic if they were all booked up and you had to see someone right away or your Vet was on vacation. I've worked a a few Vet's office and we always had the same Vets see the same clients.. gave them a chance to see changes or what not in your pet and they know their clientele. I would suggest finding a Vet you like and keep going back to that one Vet. Like I said.. they can see subtle changes and know your pet then.

[celtic-redhead]

I've been to smaller vet clinics who only had limited staff and you always see the same people.

Right now I go to a large practice downtown -- same as Kittypink said: If I want to see a certain doc ("my" vet) I tell them who I want to see and they book me for his shift. Otherwise, I just see whoever is on duty for the day I booked the appointment for. With 5 pets currently (as well as 3 recently passed in the last 4 years, and a former roommates 2 as well) we've seen every vet at that practice at one time or another -- either for standard check-ups or terrifying emergency visits. One year I was also well acquainted with the staff at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic as well. :(

I find having the same vet ensures continuity in care, but haven't ever had an issue seeing different docs at the same practice. They know my attitudes and beliefs when it comes to the care, feeding and treatment of my pets, don't push unnecessary cash-grabs on us, and treat our animals with the best care possible. That's all that matters to me. It's when we move or have to switch clinics that it's a hassle - I've gone once to a vet and never gone back because I met with staff that didn't impress me.