What to Ask a New Vet at Your First Appointment

The first appointment with a new vet isn’t just about vaccines and weight checks. It’s your chance to work out whether this person and this clinic are actually right for your dog.

Most owners don’t ask too many questions early on; they only realize there’s a mismatch when something serious happens, and honestly, that’s the worst time to find out your vet isn’t right.

These questions can help you learn more about your vet from the first appointment, so you can assess if they are right for you and your dog or not.

Ask How They Handle Emergencies

This is the most important question and needs a clear and honest answer.

Ask them

• Do they handle urgent cases in-house?
• Do they have same-day emergency slots?
• Do they refer out after hours?
• Who covers weekends?

You need specifics, not vague reassurance. If your dog collapses at 7 pm, where exactly are you going? If your dog has a reaction after a procedure, who answers the phone? Clinics that take this seriously will explain their process clearly. Some will refer you to dedicated emergency hospitals or mobile services offering emergency vet care, which can be helpful if transport is an issue.

Ask About Appointment Availability

Ask how far in advance you need to schedule routine appointments. It might not sound important, but if you have an urgent or non-critical issue, can they slot you in on the day or the day after? Or if you forget to book ahead for routine issues, can you still get in closer to the required date, i.e., for medication checks or prescription refills?

A clinic can be medically excellent, but if it’s easier to get an appointment with the tooth fairy than with them, it’s not a realistic choice for you.

Ask How They Communicate

Some clinics are happy to explain test results in detail; others are rushed and vague. Some call you with test results; others prefer to wait if you have a face-to-face appointment, or might have an app you can use to access results or even ask non-urgent questions and get advice and support.

Pay attention to tone, too. Do they answer questions clearly, or are they defensive? Do they explain options, or do they push certain choices on you as the only one, with no discussion? You’re not just hiring medical experts; you’re entering an ongoing relationship in which you’re both focused on your pets’ health and wellbeing.

Ask About Breed Experience

This matters so much. Puppies, senior dogs, anxious dogs, brachycephalic breeds, and large reactive breeds that are naturally wary of strangers, as they are primarily bred for protection. These all benefit from different handling.

Ask them if they’re comfortable handling your dog with their needs. What do they do if a dog doesn’t tolerate exams well, or do they support fear-free handling, or do they allow certain changes or time for specific issues, i.e., meeting reactive dogs outside in their vehicles over the exam room?

Ask About Costs and Transparency

You don’t need exact prices for absolutely everything, but you do need to see clear outlines for standard appointments, emergency appointments, treatments, procedures, etc. Ask if they provide written estimates before procedures and how they handle situations where costs escalate. Enquire with them if they accept payment plans or have finance options with third-party providers. A good vet won’t shame you for asking about money; in fact, it’ll help them understand your financial limitations so they can adapt their treatment plan accordingly when needed.