Most people do not really understand how important it is to choose a good quality veterinarian.  However, this is a very important part of how happy and healthy your pet will be during the course of their life.

If you have a veterinarian who is very knowledgeable and is willing to work side by side with you then you are moving in the right direction of a good veterinarian.  You must remember, your vet to your pet, is like your doctor for you. 

If you pet is not feeling will or injured then the vet is who will be responsible for giving your pet medical treatment.  They are who will need to be seen to administer the shots your pet needs, as well as who you will take your pet to for routine check-ups.  If you are planning to breed your pet, then the veterinarian becomes even more important since your pet will need check-ups more often and be familiar with deliveries involving your breed. 

There are some breeds of dogs that seem to require a caesarian section with each delivery, while other breeds require almost no assistance at all.  You should ensure that if your breed does require a lot of assistance during delivery that your vet is well aware of what to do and has plenty of experience.

Some of the best places of referrals are your local breed clubs for the breed of dog you pick out.  This way you are dealing with a vet who has experience with the breed you have for sure.  Other places are from neighbors and friends.  Pay close attention to what is said, sometimes when someone will not give a referral and you know they have a pet, it is important to know why they are unhappy with their current vet.  This is almost as much helpful information as a good reference. 

You should also ensure when looking for a veterinarian that you know exactly what their policy is for emergencies.  Do they handle emergencies themselves, or do they refer you to another veterinarian or clinic that handles the issues.  If you are unable to make prior arrangements with whom you should see that is associated with your primary veterinarian you need to locate where the nearest emergency clinic is located.  You should also ensure you know their exact hours, the best route to their office as well as what information needs to be brought with you at the time of an emergency so you can be well prepared. 

Always remember that while you should deal with your primary veterinarian first, you may need to work with the emergency vet as well, so make sure you know how to get there in case of an emergency.  With some preparation, it is possible to have a great veterinarian whom you trust and whom your pet feels comfortable around.