By Sherry Woodard

Below are some guidelines for selecting a veterinarian for your pet. It's by no means an exhaustive list, but we hope it will help you to pinpoint the right person for you and for your animal. Our pets give us so much that the least we can do for them is to find the best doctor around.

Here are some qualities to look for in a veterinarian:

• Kindness and patience. If you are a new to having a pet, you are probably going to have a lot of questions. Your vet should be a kind person who will answer your questions patiently.
• Good communicator. Does the vet communicate clearly and in non-technical language? You'll want her to give you just the right amount of information to help you care for your pet.
• Excellent professional skills. Does the vet seem to keep up with the latest developments in the veterinary field? Does the vet and her staff act in a professional manner?
• Accessibility. Are the hours that the vet office is open compatible with your own? What happens if your pet has an emergency after hours?
• Generous nature. Veterinary care can be costly, but sometimes there's a range of care options. You want to feel as if the vet and his staff are taking into account your costs, suggesting less expensive alternatives if available.
• Love of animals. You'll definitely want a vet who loves animals as much as you do, and doesn't make you feel as though it's just a business. How does the vet interact with your pets? Is he warm, comfortable and caring around your pets when you bring them to the clinic?

A referral from a friend can be a good way to find a good vet, but just because the referral came from a friend does not mean that the friend has done his research. If something does not feel right, find a vet on your own.

For some additional tips, read the article "Finding a Veterinarian" on the website for the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Sherry Woodard is the animal behavior consultant at Best Friends. She develops resources and provides consulting services nationally to help achieve Best Friends' No More Homeless Pets mission.