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5 Ways To Find The Best Vet In Columbus, Ohio

  • Pet Care Essentials, Pet Health
Dogs at the vet in Columbus, Ohio

As a pet parent, you can imagine how important it is to provide the best care for your pup. One of the key factors in keeping them healthy and happy is finding a trusted and reputable vet in Columbus, Ohio.

At Hands N Paws, we are dedicated to helping you find the best vet for your pet’s needs. Here are some ways to help you get started!

1. Ask for Recommendations

The first step in finding the right vet for your furry family member is to ask for recommendations. There are several ways to do this:

  1. Talk to your friends and family who have pets of their own. They may have a trusted vet that they can recommend.
  2. Ask your local pet store employees for recommendations. They often work closely with local vets and can provide you with a list of reputable ones.
  3. Reach out to local pet organizations, such as the Columbus Dog Connection or the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center and ask for their recommendations.
  4. Check online reviews and forums, such as Yelp or Facebook groups, for recommendations from other pet parents in your community.
  5. Our dog walkers and pet sitters often work with local veterinarians and can provide you with a list of highly recommended vets in the area.

By seeking recommendations from a variety of sources, you can be confident in finding a vet that is highly regarded by other pet owners in your area. Don’t be afraid to “ruff” around and ask for some “paws-itive” feedback!

2. Check Credentials and Accreditation

When it comes to choosing a vet for your beloved pet, it is crucial to ensure that they have the proper credentials and accreditation. Here are some things to look for:

  • Veterinary License: The first thing you should check is if the vet you are considering has a valid license to practice in Ohio. You can easily verify their license by checking with the Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board.
  • Board Certification: Board certification is an additional level of education and training that some veterinarians undergo in order to specialize in a particular field, such as surgery or dermatology. A board-certified veterinarian has demonstrated a high level of expertise and knowledge in their area of specialization.
  • Accreditation: Look for a vet clinic that is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). AAHA accreditation is a voluntary process that ensures that a clinic meets high standards in areas such as medical equipment, facility cleanliness, and medical protocols.
  • Continuing Education: A good veterinarian will continue to update their knowledge and skills by attending conferences and continuing education courses. Ask your prospective vet about their continuing education efforts to ensure that they are up-to-date with the latest developments in veterinary medicine.

By checking for these credentials and accreditations, you can ensure that the vet has the necessary qualifications and expertise to provide the best possible care for your pet.

3. Evaluate Services Offered

It’s also important to evaluate the services offered by the potential vets. Some key services to look for include:

  • Vaccinations: Regular vaccinations are an important part of keeping your pet healthy and protected from diseases. Make sure the vet you choose offers a comprehensive vaccination program.
  • Spaying and Neutering: If you’re a pet parent of a cat or dog, spaying or neutering may be an important consideration. Look for a vet that offers these services and has experience in performing these procedures.
  • Emergency Care: Emergencies can happen at any time, so it’s important to find a vet that offers 24/7 emergency services. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your pet will receive the care they need, when they need it.
  • Dental Care: Dental care is an important aspect of pet health, and many vets offer routine dental check-ups and cleanings. Look for a vet that has the necessary equipment and experience to provide comprehensive dental care for your pet.
  • Surgery: If your pet requires surgery, look for a vet that has the necessary experience and equipment to perform the procedure. Make sure the vet you choose has a good track record and a high success rate.

By exploring the service catalog of your ideal vet, you can ensure that the care they’ll provide is “tail-ored” to meet your pup’s specific needs. Our dog walkers in Columbus, Ohio believe that every pup is best cared for on an individual basis, regarding the fact that each one has unique personality traits, quirks, needs, etc. Your ideal vet will also believe the same is true for your pup.

4. Consider Location and Hours

When it comes to finding the best vet in Columbus, Ohio, considering their hours and location is an important factor to take into account. You’ll want to choose a vet that’s located conveniently for you and your pet, making it easy to get there for routine checkups or in case of emergencies.

It’s also important to consider their hours of operation. A vet with flexible hours can be helpful if you have a busy schedule or if you need to schedule appointments outside of regular business hours. You may also want to choose a vet with emergency hours in case of unexpected health issues with your pet.

Another consideration is the availability of parking and accessibility for individuals with disabilities. Make sure that the vet’s office has ample parking for you to park your car or take public transportation, and that their office is accessible to people with mobility issues.

5. Meet the Vet in Person

Meeting with the vet in person is crucial when looking for the best vet in Columbus, Ohio. This allows you to gauge their personality, communication style, and expertise. You want to choose a vet who makes you feel comfortable and can communicate effectively about your pet’s health. It’s also a good idea to tour the facility and meet with the staff to get a sense of the overall atmosphere and quality of care provided.

Additionally, you might ask about emergency procedures, payment options, and after-hours care. By taking the time to meet with the vet and staff, you can ensure that your pet receives the best possible care and that you feel confident and comfortable with the vet’s approach to veterinary medicine.

Find Your Ideal Vet in Columbus, Ohio Today!

In conclusion, finding the best vet in Columbus, Ohio can be an overwhelming task. By following the steps mentioned above, however, you can make an informed decision that will provide the best possible care for your furry family member. Always remember to ask for recommendations from trusted sources. Also, be sure to check the vet’s credentials and accreditation. Inquire about their services and other things when you meet the vet in person. Choose a vet that’s close to where you live for convenience of travel, especially in emergencies.

Again, our team of pet sitters in Columbus, Ohio work closely with local veterinarians and can provide you with several recommended vets in the area. By taking the time to find the right vet, you can rest easy knowing that your pet’s health and happiness are in good hands.

Benny DiFranco

Benny DiFranco

Hi! Thanks for reading this blog. I am the owner and founder of Columbus, Ohio's very own Hands N Paws. I started this business in 2018 with the purpose of giving more pet parents peace of mind. Looking forward to seeing you on the blog next time!

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(614) 636-6644

The terms of this agreement are as follows: “Client” refers to you, “Company” refers to us (Hands N Paws), “Team Member” refers to the person from our team providing services for your pets, and “Team Members” refers to the Hands N Paws team as a whole.

 

Emergency Veterinary Treatment & Client Responsibility Policy

It is important to inform Hands N Paws of any specific emergency instructions or medical conditions related to Client’s pets. This will help ensure the safety and well-being of pets during emergencies.

In case any of Client’s pets need emergency veterinary treatment, Team Member will contact the designated vet on file and/or a local emergency vet. Team Member will also communicate with Client and/or emergency contacts regarding the situation.

Client gives permission to Team Member to transport the pet(s) to a veterinary clinic and/or make treatment decisions (except for euthanasia), especially if it’s a life-threatening emergency and/or Client cannot be immediately reached. Client is responsible for any veterinary fees incurred. 

Client releases Hands N Paws from any liability for any damage or harm to pets or property that occurs beyond the reasonable control of Team Member during the provision of emergency veterinary care. 

Pet Vaccination, Licensing & Identification Policy

To comply with local laws and ordinances, it is required that all pets have the appropriate vaccinations and licenses before Company begins services. For further information on these requirements, please visit the Ohio State Bar Association’s website at https://www.ohiobar.org/public-resources. Client should also check with his/her veterinarian to determine which vaccinations/shots the pet requires. 

For safety reasons, we encourage all dogs and cats to wear an ID tag or collar that includes name and contact number while Team Member is working with them.

 

Secure Access & Lockbox Policy

To ensure access to Client’s home during scheduled services, Hands N Paws requires that Client purchases a lockbox and places a spare house key(s) inside of it for Team Member to use. Client can purchase the lockbox on Hands N Paws’ website by clicking Buy Your Lockbox. Once it arrives, the lockbox should be programmed with a unique four-digit code. The lockbox should then be placed on the main door handle or in another secure location, and the lockbox code and location information must be entered in the Client’s account on Precise Petcare.

Alternatively, Client may elect to provide a code for entry via a garage door or electronic keypad and if so, must enter all necessary codes in Precise Petcare. Client is strongly encouraged to purchase a lockbox, however, to ensure that Team Member can access pets at all times during scheduled services, especially in situations where the power goes out or batteries die and Team Member need alternative access to the home.

 

Client Communication & Privacy Policy

All Team Members have access to Clients phone number, but are instructed to only use them when necessary or for urgent purposes during services with pets. Hands N Paws prioritizes the privacy and confidentiality of phone numbers as personal information.

All correspondence between Client and Team Member should be centered around Client’s pets and the services provided. If Client has inquiries regarding scheduling, cancellations, app-related matters, or any company-related concerns, these are to be directed to the Company via the office number: (614) 636-6644. The Company’s client support team is available during office hours, Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm. We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal Holidays. The Company will make contact with Client outside of office hours should there be any urgent need for communication.

 

Pet Information Accuracy & Accessibility Policy

In order to provide the best possible service to pets, it is crucial that Client provides Team Member with detailed and up-to-date information regarding their pets. This information should be accurate, complete, and accessible through the Client’s account in Precise Petcare. Team Members can only work on the basis of the information that is available to them through the Client’s account in Precise Petcare. Likewise, Client acknowledges that the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the information they provide directly impacts the quality of the services delivered. Client, therefore, takes full responsibility for any consequences that arise from inaccurate, incomplete, or outdated account information.

 

Flexible Service Arrival Time Policy

Arrival times for services occur within a two-hour period. Team Members are unable to guarantee exact arrival times due to various factors that may affect scheduling and travel times. To accommodate these considerations, we use time blocks rather than specific times. Client will see this in the dropdown menu when Client selects Arrival Time in the request service form within their Client account.

While Team Members understands that Client may have preferences regarding arrival times, it is essential to acknowledge that Team Members cannot guarantee meeting those specific requests. Flexibility is needed in order for Team Members to accommodate for needs of other Clients on schedule.

 

Services & Pricing

For the most up-to-date and detailed descriptions on service offerings, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

 

Service Surcharge Policy

The following service surcharges may apply under certain conditions:

Last Minute Service: A fee of $15 per service will be charged for bookings made with less than 24 hours’ notice.

Holiday Service: A fee of $20 per service will be applied for services provided on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve.

Additional Pets: Base pricing for services includes up to 2 pets. For each additional pet beyond the initial two, an additional fee of $7 per pet will be added.

Out-of-Service Area: If Client location falls outside our designated service area, a fee of $10 per service will be charged. To check if a particular area is within our service range, please visit the respective service page on our website and scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Please note that these surcharges are separate from the base pricing for our services. To learn more about service rates, please visit our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

Service Request Approval & Availability Policy

Hands N Paws strives to accommodate as many service requests as possible. However, the approval of service requests is subject to the availability of Team Members. Upon submitting a service request, Client will receive a confirmation or declination email/notification indicating whether Hands N Paws can fulfill the requested work. Sometimes, this may take up to 48 hours.

If a service request is declined, we encourage Client to explore alternative options or contact our dedicated client support team for further assistance. Company is here to help and find the best solution for all pet care needs.

 

Meet N Greet Policy

To ensure a personalized experience for new Clients, Hands N Paws requires virtual Meet N Greets before getting started with pet services. These meetings allow us to connect with Clients and discuss their pet care needs.

All Meet N Greets come at a $25 cost and are about 20-30 minutes in length. For new clients who have their Meet N Greet and then book services with us right afterwards, that $25 will be credited towards their first invoice. For existing clients who have already had their initial Meet N Greet, the event is a flat rate of $25.

Meet N Greets can be scheduled on our website at www.myhandsnpaws.com.

 

Payment & Billing Policy

Payment Method: All services with Hands N Paws are to be paid for using a credit or debit card. All major cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and Discover are acceptable. Client can securely add and store card information within their Client account. Adding and keeping a valid credit card on file is a requirement for requesting any services with Hands N Paws.

Ongoing Services: For services scheduled as ongoing, Client will be automatically charged every Friday for the previous 7 days’ worth of completed, canceled, and in-progress services.

Non-Ongoing Services: For services not scheduled as ongoing, a 50% down-payment will be charged on the day the services are accepted and confirmed. An invoice will be sent immediately. Client has until the date of the last confirmed service to manually pay the remaining balance on the invoice. If manual payment is not made, the remaining total will be automatically charged to the card on file on the date of the last service day on that invoice.

Declined Payments: In the event of a declined auto-charge, Client will be promptly notified. After the first declined charge, Client has a 24-hour grace period to rectify the issue. In the case of a second declined attempt, a late fee of 10% of the invoice total (minimum $10) will be added. Client must be attentive to emails regarding overdue notices.

Payment Terms: Hands N Paws will be paid the agreed-upon amount as discussed, with no exceptions, unless our Cancellation Policy (outlined below) applies and the Client receives a refund in the form of an Account Credit(s). In emergency circumstances, a refund may be issued as transferable credit(s) back to the Client’s card.

Additional Fees: Client may be charged additional fees if Team Members are instructed to, or determine the need to, purchase items for the pet(s) while under the care of Hands N Paws. These items may include pet food or treats, litter or cleaning supplies, transportation to the vet, or emergency expenses for the general care of the pet(s). Hands N Paws and/or Team Member will consult with Client before making any purchases, and will retain and share any receipts as proof of purchase.

 

Service Cancellation/Refund Policy

When Client schedules services with Hands N Paws, the Company has likely turned down other work so as to devote our time to the work requested from said Client.

Client understands and accepts the Company cancellation/refund policy as outlined below:

– 100% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– 50% refund is issued as Account Credit if cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled service(s).

– NO refund is issued for same-day cancellations/less than 24 hour notice.

PLEASE NOTE: Refunds are NOT transferable. Should Client be eligible to receive an Account Credit (based on terms above), that will be auto-added to his/her account and applied to the very next invoice with us.

 

Service Terms

Hands N Paws agrees to provide the services stated in this contract in a reliable, caring, and trustworthy manner. In consideration of these services and as an express condition thereof, Client expressly waives and relinquishes any and all claims against Hands N Paws arising out of or relating to the provision of services hereunder, except those arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct on part of Hands N Paws.

Client understands and acknowledges that the environment in which they are requesting Hands N Paws to complete services is reasonably sanitary and safe. If it is determined that home conditions are unsanitary and/or unsafe at any point in the working relationship, Company will make it known to Client. Action will be taken accordingly thereafter.

Additionally, Hands N Paws will not terminate during a period of scheduled service unless Hands N Paws determines, at their sole discretion, that a serious danger exists to the health or safety of Team Members or pets. If such concerns preclude Hands N Paws from providing further care for the pets, Client agrees to pay for their pet to be boarded at a boarding facility or taken under the care of another party until Client returns. All attempts will be made to notify Client and/or emergency contacts regarding such situations.

Client understands and acknowledges that he/she is responsible for letting Hands N Paws know of anyone who has access to their home during the duration of services booked. Client releases and holds Hands N Paws harmless of all loss, expense, and damage caused by any third-parties entering Client’s home at that time.

 

Contract Terms

This contract will take effect upon digital signature by Client (clicking “Agree & Submit” below) and will remain in effect until terminated by either party. Client may make online reservations for additional services at any time during the terms of this contract, as subject to Hands N Paws availability. All scheduled services will be governed by all the terms of this contract.

Client acknowledges that by signing below, he/she is providing written approval for the provision of services by Hands N Paws during any service period scheduled by Client and confirmed by Hands N Paws. Upon service confirmation, Hands N Paws will be authorized to enter Client premises and perform services without additional signed contracts and/or written authorizations.