Find A Vet on Pet Advocate

I’ve talked – extensively – about how important it is to find a good veterinarian. I’ve done that, however, without offering much advice about how to do so. Finding a good vet (or doctor, or dentist, or anything) is always tricky if you’re new to an area, or if you’re the only person you know who has pets. I went through it myself. When I first moved here I only knew one other person who had a pet, and she doesn’t take her cat to the vet very often. She’s the one who recommended the low-cost clinic to which I … Continue reading

Why My Veterinarian Is the Best

(but my cat doesn’t think so) Last Thursday I took Cole to the vet for his annual visit. Although I didn’t get many more answers there than I did when Chrestomanci had his trip, I left much more satisfied. I’m just continually reminded why I love my vet. I brought up my questions about Cole’s behavioral antics and, unfortunately (though I suspected as much) the vet didn’t really have any advice for me. She said many cats enjoy being in high places, and that there’s not a lot to do to deter them. I asked whether he would be happier … Continue reading

The Long-Awaited Vet Visit

Yesterday I took Chrestomanci to the vet. I’d been looking forward to this for a couple reasons: one, for advice about all the feeding/misbehaving issues, and two, to compare vets. The visit was disappointing in many ways, but at least it cleared up one issue for me. First I’ll explain what issue it cleared up. I take Chihiro and Cole to a vet that’s five minutes from our old apartment, but closer to twenty-five minutes from our house. I’ve had really good experiences there. But I also have heard a lot about another veterinarian in the county, both through personal … Continue reading

Why Veterinary Prices Might Go Up

One thing I really struggle with is vet prices. I don’t actually have problems paying our veterinary bills, but I want to be a smart consumer and thus want to know if my visit was reasonably priced. When I first adopted Chihiro and Cole I took them to a low-cost clinic. After a checkup and any necessary shots I paid somewhere in the $50-$65 range. I became disillusioned with the clinic for reasons I’ve expounded on before and started going to a veterinary hospital. Checkup and shot visits there cost around $90. I don’t mind paying $40 extra if that’s … Continue reading

Things Veterinarians Hate

Going to the veterinarian can be a harrowing experience, even if it’s just for a routine checkup. But few cats like the vet, and even the dogs that do usually have a hard time behaving when there are just so many interesting smells around. Knowing precisely what vets need from us as pet owners can help make the experience that much smoother. Veterinarian Patty Khuly posted a list on website VetStreet of the seven things pet owners do that drive vets crazy. Knowing to avoid these bad habits could help make your next vet visit easier. The list is as … Continue reading

Loving My New Vet

Chihiro guards herself from the elements, to avoid another vet visit anytime soon Last week I talked about switching vets, and how much more pleased I am with my new one than my old. Today I thought I’d share just what my new vet does for me, why I don’t mind spending the extra money to take my pets here than to the old low-cost clinic. A typical visit to the low-cost clinic involved calling at least a month ahead of time for an appointment, waiting at least 20 minutes in the front room, and then seeing the vet in … Continue reading

Meet Pets Blogger Extraordinaire Aimee Amodio: The Interview

Aimee’s dogs Moose and Lally You know her as Aimee Amodio (or maybe by her Families.com handle NewroticGirl). I know her as my fellow Pets blogger. But just how well do we really know the woman behind the myth? Or just how true an animal loving soul she possesses? We’re about to find out. Aimee had the fun idea of interviewing every author we know, including ourselves, about our pets and how they factor into our writing lives. I thought it was a brilliant idea and hopped right on board to interview this prolific fellow animal-loving blogger who I so … Continue reading

My Life With Dogs, Part One: Mike and Mackie

I was born into a family of dog lovers. We rarely had more than one at a time, but we always had at least one. It surprised none of them that Families.com hired me on to be one of the Pets Bloggers. So I decided my inaugural entry would honor and remember the pets that made me who I am today. [h]Mike[/h] When I was born my family had Mike. He was a mean old dog who didn’t like anyone except my dad. I have vague memories of him. He was predominately black with a white chest, and I want … Continue reading

Mall Pet Stores: The Beginning of The End

I’ve been following the story of the move some cities in California made to ban all pet stores that actually sold animals. This was made in an attempt to curb the sale of dogs and cats sourced from puppy mills and kitten factories. I talked about how, as a teenager, one of the only stores I ever liked stopping at in the mall was the pet store. I wondered where that pet store got its animals. The era of pet stores in malls might be coming to an end. California-based company Macerich, which owns shopping malls all across the country, … Continue reading

Pet Homeopathy

While in the waiting room at my last vet visit, I noticed an interesting sign. My vet offers many special services, like boarding and obedience classes. Also, they perform animal acupuncture. I certainly wasn’t expecting that. I’d never heard of acupuncture for pets before. So I decided to do some research on animal acupuncture, and discovered a wealth of information about holistic veterinary medicine. Today’s post is all for those who might be interested in pursuing homeopathic and holistic medical services for their pets. Acupuncture.com has a whole subsection devoted to veterinary homeopathy. Let’s first check out the details on … Continue reading