You love your pet. So, you want to make sure the vet you choose has the right qualifications to provide the veterinary care that your animal requires. Our vets in San Jose list the qualifications you should look for.
Choosing the Right Vet
We understand that choosing the right veterinarian for your pet can be stressful. After all, there are so many things to think about. Will you like the person? Do the hospital's hours line up with your availability? That said, beyond the day-to-day practicalities of choosing a vet, there are certifications an individual vet may hold. So, what do these certifications mean? Here are the most common.
Mandatory U.S. Veterinary Qualifications
When you start to look for a vet, check to ensure the veterinarian you are considering is licensed in the U.S. and in your state. Also, you may want to take time to look into whether other people in the hospital are licensed, such as registered veterinary technicians. Drop by the vet's office and check whether certifications are hanging in the reception area. If you do not see them, simply ask to see their licenses or contact your state board of veterinary medicine for more information.
Here are the two certifications you are looking for:
DVM (VMD) - Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - The first thing that you need to check is that your vet is qualified to practice in the U.S. When a person graduates from an American veterinary school they receive a DVM—Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (sometimes called a VMD degree). All vets practicing in the U.S. must have a DVM degree. A DVM degree means that the person you are considering is, in fact, a qualified veterinarian and is fully qualified to perform the duties of the profession.
State Veterinary Licensing - In order to practice veterinary medicine, some states also require a veterinarian to pass a state-specific examination. These exams typically test the vet's knowledge of the state's laws and regulations governing veterinary medicine. In order to maintain a state veterinary license, vets must obtain continuing education and may need to renew their license on a regular basis (often every 3 years).