Your goals are finding a veterinarian within easy access of your home, and with whom you and the dog are comfortable. Ask for recommendations from other dog owners, or the owner of the pet-supply store you patronize. If two or three people give the same veterinarian’s name, that’s a good sign. You also can seek a referral from the American Veterinary Medical Association or the American Animal Hospital Association.

If you are happy with the vet’s bedside manner and ability to clearly answer all your questions, you probably have found the right one. I look for a vet who avoids driving up a bill by administering a lot of tests before determining a dog’s problem. I look for one who listens to my explanation of my dog’s symptoms, examines the dog closely, and zeroes in on the problem.
A good vet has good hands. This vet can prod and feel, and observe the dog’s reaction — and diagnose the problem. A subsequent test will typically confirm the vet’s diagnosis.