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What qualifications should I look for in a vet?

What qualifications should I look for in a vet?

You want to make sure the vet you choose to care for your pet has the right qualifications to provide the veterinary care your animal needs. So, which qualifications should you look for? Our Palmyra vets offer some answers.

Choosing the Right Vet

You may feel stressed at the thought of choosing a new vet for your animal. After all, there are so many things to consider. Will you like this person? Do the hospital hours line up with your availability? In addition, beyond the day-to-day practicalities of choosing a vet, an individual vet may hold numerous certifications. So, what do these certifications mean? Here, we list a couple of the most common. 

Mandatory U.S. Veterinary Qualifications

When you are looking for a vet, check to make sure that the veterinarian you are considering is licensed in the U.S. and your state. You may also want to take the time to find out if other people working in the hospital are licensed, such as registered veterinary technicians. Pop into the vet's office and take a look around. If you don't see the certifications hanging in the reception area, simply ask to see their licenses or contact your state board of veterinary medicine for more information.

Here are the two certifications you are looking for:

DVM (VMD) - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - The first thing that you need to check is that your vet is qualified to practice in the U.S. When a person graduates from an American veterinary school they receive a DVM—Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (sometimes called a VMD degree). All vets practicing in the U.S. must have a DVM degree. A DVM degree means that the person you are considering is, in fact, a qualified veterinarian and is fully certified to perform the duties of the profession.

State Veterinary Licensing - To practice veterinary medicine, some states also require a veterinarian to pass a state-specific examination. These exams typically test the vet's knowledge of the state's laws and regulations governing veterinary medicine. To maintain a state veterinary license, vets must obtain continuing education and may need to renew their license regularly (often every 3 years).

At Palmyra Animal Clinic, our vets are dedicated to offering you and your pet the finest care in veterinary medicine. Contact us today to learn more about the qualifications of our vets and our range of services.

New Patients Welcome

Palmyra Animal Clinic is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.

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Contact (717) 838-5451