Accustom your pet to its carrier and to traveling in the car
If your veterinarian doesn’t already have your pet’s medical record on file, bring it with you or have your previous
veterinary team send or fax the records – or, at a minimum, bring your own notes on your pet’s health and medical
history
Arrive on time or a few minutes early for your appointment
Unless your children can sit quietly without distracting you or interfering with your veterinary team’s ability to examine
or treat your pet or talk to you about your pet, consider leaving your children with a babysitter while you take your pet to
the veterinarian
Turn your cell phone off while you are in the exam room
Know what medications your pet is receiving (including supplements), as well as how much, how often and how long it is
given, and/or bring them with you
Share your observations and concerns with your veterinarian – after all, you know your pet better than anyone else does
Ask questions. Ask until you understand
Ask for handouts, brochures, or even reputable online sources of information about your pet’s condition
Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations. They’re given for one very important reason – to keep your pet healthy
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