When you have a horse or any other pet, you are responsible for ensuring they are safe. One way to ensure your horse's safety is by getting an excellent equine vet. Horses require specialized care and routine examinations to maintain their best shape. A good vet not only runs regular medical checkups but also advises on the diet that works best for your horse.

When looking for a vet for your horses, you not only want a vet with the technical knowledge of how to care for horses but also emergency care capability. You will want to do your research and find a list of vets around. After you have your list ready, you can go deeper into the details.

So, how do you choose the best equine vet?

Referrals

Referrals are among the most evident markers of the competence of not just equine vets but all medical professionals. When equine vets are good at what they do, they are likely to get referrals from other horse owners. Most horse owners tend to know one or two different owners. Your best starting point when looking for that perfect vet is getting referrals.

Education and Experience

Another critical factor is the education of a vet. Equine vets require licenses to provide services for horse owners. They must have gone through the proper educational channels to get a license. The best choice will be one who has had the best education.

Another factor to consider is experience. Education alone may be a marker of a vet with the knowledge, but experience may trump that. An experienced equine vet has knowledge and wisdom. Wisdom may be ambiguous, but it is an excellent description of skill over time.

Personality and Character

A vet with personality and character has blended their knowledge with necessary personal skills. The blend makes them easy to work with, and they will be likelier to tell you what is happening. They do not necessarily have to be chatty, but it would be great if they were relatable. The personality and character of the vet also determine your confidence in their ability. Feeling safe when your horses are left with the vet would be best.

Price and Service

You must also consider the price when looking for an equine vet. You want one who meets all the above qualities and is still within your price range. You do not want to spend an obscene amount of money on a vet, and you can get the same service for a bit cheaper.

The services they offer are another critical factor to think about. Some equine vets may provide services that you may not require. These extra services may be the reason they are expensive. You can look for a vet who offers the services you need and charges a reasonable amount.

Bonding With Your Horse

Another vital factor and one of the last things on the list are how the vet bonds with your horses. When you have narrowed the list down, invite the vets over one at a time and let them interact with your horses. Observe how your horses behave towards each. It is essential that your horses feel safe with the vet taking care of them for a long time.

For more on how to choose the best equine vet, call South Willamette Veterinary Clinic at (541) 313-3352 to reach our office in Creswell, Oregon.