The veterinarian one chooses will provide his or her dog with basic preventive care throughout its life, as well as diagnose any problems the dog may develop. For this reason, the owner should choose wisely when picking the veterinarian.

 If the owner purchased the new dog from a breeder who lives nearby, ask the breeder for a reference to a veterinarian. The breeder will know many veterinarians in the area, and will probably give the best referral. Another way to find a good veterinarian is to talk to other dog owners. Ask dog owners to meet in the park who provides their dog's health care, and if they are happy with the doctor they are using. Ask them whether or not they can recommend this veterinarian for the dog.

If an owner finds a veterinary clinic through the phone book, make sure he or she thoroughly inspects the clinic to determine the quality of care it provides. Once pet owner locates a veterinarian he or she is interested in, pay a visit to the clinic to view the facilities.

Ask to see the examining rooms and the infirmary where dogs are housed after surgery or in the event of serious illness. If the veterinarian who runs the clinic is available, ask to meet him/her.