Veterinary Medicine

Veterinary Medicine in Massachusetts

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Large Animal Medicine

Small Animal Medicine

Veterinary Public Health Medicine

Veterinary Shelter Medicine

Veterinary Specialists

Veterinary Education

You and Your Veterinarian: Partners in Health

Selecting a veterinarian is a personal choice, much like selecting your family physician or dentist. In choosing a veterinarian, your goals should be to find the doctor that best meets your needs and to establish a long-term relationship.

If you've just moved, you will want to locate a veterinarian soon. Don't wait until your pet becomes ill; you want to establish a relationship right away. Don't have a veterinarian? Don't worry, use our "Find-a-Vet" search to locate an MVMA Member. 

Veterinary Laws and Licensure Verification

The Board of Registration in Veterinary Medicine here in Massachusetts

Considerations when selecting a veterinarian.

Office Hours
What are the doctor's regular office hours? Are they compatible with your schedule? Who covers the practice when the doctor is unavailable?

Professional Staff
How are routine telephone calls handled? If there is more than one veterinarian in the practice, can you request an appointment with a specific veterinarian? Do you feel comfortable talking with the doctor?

Fees and Payment
What methods of payment are accepted? Is immediate payment expected on the day of visit? Are credit cards accepted? Is pet insurance accepted?

Services
What is the range of services that the veterinary hospital provides?

Emergency Care
How are emergency calls handled during regular office hours and after regular office hours?

Facility
Is the practice clean and orderly? Are there any unpleasant odors?

Professional Affiliations
Is the veterinarian a member of a professional veterinary association?

Policies
Do you understand the hospital's policies and procedures?

(From the American Veterinary Medical Association)

Generosity of Veterinarians

Veterinarian Oath

"Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence"

When veterinarians receive their license, they are taking an oath to care for and provide adequate health care to animals.

With that being said, many times veterinarians are a humble crowd and do many things that you, the pet owner, are sometimes not aware of: 

  • Give up their time: Many times veterinarians don’t want to leave the hospital or their clinic. 
  • Use their free time to accommodate walk-ins or complete diagnosis, medical records, return phone calls, check on patients, and take emergencies surgeries if needed.
  • Stay late in order to make sure every animal is seen. 
  • They value personalized connection with clients and their animals.

Good vets take the time to educate the client and make sure the client is aware of a drug’s side effect and how it should be administered.