Phoning your vet for advice.. Opinions please!

[MarkCarroll]

I have been put off by a vet who wouldn't offer any advice without a visit. I understood it at first but i've realised it's not in the best interest of the animal if a vets visit is stressful for them.

Owners are always going to be protective of their pets and so even little things it's good just to get a bit of reassurance from a professional that it is nothing to worry about.

I can see why your employer wants to cover themselves. In the long term it serves them well but I don't think puts the animals first. Inevitably it leads to some people making a decision themselves on what is minor an what requires a visit. This opens up a possibility of things being missed and animals suffering unnecessarily.

I started looking for a new vet recently and this was one of the things I asked. Some places had in conjunction with other vets in the area a 24 hour advice line. That was a huge plus for me and a big part of the reason for leaving the old vet. I feel they are more concerned about the animal than getting the £40 consultation fee.

[bexVN]

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to reply.

It kinda knocked me to feel that something I had always prided myself on to, what I thought was, helping with client bonding could apparently be the opposite.

[bexVN]

Thevet said:

Well, from a boss's point of view, I want all my staff to get info out of phonecalls to see what course of action is needed, it can save a lot of hassle and grief, however, we have had at least one case recently where poor communication between reception staff and vets resulted in arguably the wrong advice being given, although I am confident the sad outcome was inevitable!
However, if your practice won't value your VN experience and client care, then I believe you are in the wrong practice, not knowing your vet, I cannot say why they won't allow qualified professionals to do their job, it does sound like someone aiming to hit financial targets. It's harder for me to get our staff to do telephone triage than I expected.
In my area there is a dire shortage of VNs so hopefully you will be able to find someone who will give you the job you undoubtedly deserve.

Thank you for your reply. One thing I have had happen frequently in this practice is receptionists coming to me to help talk to clients on the phone due to their limited experience and lack of knowledge. It is a big responsibility so if in doubt I will advise an appointment. I don't think it has served me wrong yet (not that I can recall) I also record my conversations on client records.

I now know that this is not something I will need to do!

[Boosted LS1]

Bex, I've always welcomed the advice. Sometimes I've followed up with a visit and on other occasions I've decided the dog doesn't need to go and I've been right. I've also searched google and that's been a help. If a vet just kept on saying bring the pet down I'd just see them as being money grabbing.

I want to hear a sympathetic human on the other end of the phone. probably just like you :-)