Pet services: how to find and evaluate veterinarians and pet care providers

Finding and evaluating a veterinarian

Veterinarians are licensed by state veterinary medical boards, and license verification is available through your state board. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) accredits veterinary practices that meet specific standards of care and equipment; an AAHA-accredited practice has been independently evaluated, though many excellent practices are not accredited. For specialists (cardiologists, oncologists, surgeons), board certification through the relevant veterinary specialty college is the relevant credential.

Beyond credentials, the practical experience of visiting a potential veterinary practice tells you a great deal. Is the waiting area calm and organized? Do staff members handle animals confidently and gently? Does the veterinarian communicate in plain language, explain their diagnostic thinking, and invite your questions? A vet who rushes through an appointment or avoids explaining the reasoning behind a recommendation is not serving you or your pet well. You are entitled to ask questions and to take time to decide on non-emergency treatment.

Boarding facilities and pet sitters

Boarding facilities vary enormously in quality, from small home-based operations to large commercial kennels to luxury pet hotels. The most useful evaluation is a tour of the facility before you commit your pet to staying there. Does it smell clean? Are the animals visible and appearing calm rather than distressed? Is the dog-to-staff ratio such that animals can be monitored? What is the emergency protocol if a pet becomes ill or injured overnight?

Pet sitters and dog walkers who work in your home have access to your house and your pet. At minimum, look for professional members of Pet Sitters International or the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, who carry insurance and have completed training, and verify insurance before booking. References from other clients in your neighborhood, covering the specific sitter who will work in your home, are the most meaningful vetting step.

Dog trainers and grooming

Dog training is unregulated in most states; anyone can call themselves a dog trainer. Credentials from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) indicate the trainer has demonstrated knowledge and agreed to a code of ethics. More important than credentials is the training philosophy: seek trainers who use positive reinforcement methods (reward-based) and avoid those who rely primarily on punishment or pain-based methods, which the veterinary behavior community largely considers counterproductive and harmful.

Grooming is similarly unregulated in most states. For grooming, especially for pets with thick coats, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, or medical sensitivities, the groomer's experience with your specific breed and any special needs matters. Groomers certified by the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) have demonstrated competency through testing. Ask specifically about how they handle anxious or reactive animals and whether a veterinarian or vet tech consults on medical-adjacent situations.