FINDING AN AVIAN VET
A vet plays an integral part in the life of you and your bird. S/he can offer advice, options, information, and of course, medicinal care! Before you even buy a bird, make sure you have a vet.
Q. Where can I find an avian vet?
A. Try looking in the yellow pages, asking a breeder or another friend for a recommendation. On-line you can check out the list of vets at Beakers. And, finally, you can get the names of veterinarians in your area that are members of the Association of Avian Veterinarians (AAV) by contacting:
- the AAV Central Office at AAVCTRLOFC@aol.com
- The AAV maintains a listing of all current AAV members. The Central office is available to help veterinarians and non-veterinarians find an AAV member in their area. The Central Office will provide names of AAV members only. Please leave city and zip code for closest AAV member.
- or
- Adina R. Freedman (CAE)
- Boca Raton, FL
(407) 393-8901
(407) 393-8902 FAX
Q. What do I look for when I go to check out the vet?
A. A number of things:
- Is the office clean and does it have proper equipment?
- Look for or ask to see bird-related equipment like an incubator, special bird syringes (to administer small doses), ophthalmic equipment (for surgery and for sexing), or perhaps a laser if the office is advanced enough.
- Ask for a tour when it's convenient for the doctor and the staff! Most vets will gladly do this--they're usually very proud of what they can offer to their avian patients.
- Do you like the doctor's manner and personality?
- Are you encouraged to and do you feel comfortable asking questions?
- Does the doctor take the time to explain things?
- Will the doctor refer you to a specialist if this is what the bird needs?
- Can, and will, the doctor admit when s/he doesn't know?
- Are the fees and rates explained to you?
- Do the costs seem reasonable?
- Are various tests available and used?
- Are the purposes of these tests made clear to you?
- Are these tests needed or are they extraneous?
- Does your vet own any birds?
Q. The vet I have for my dog doesn't seem to know a lot about birds. Will he be offended if I go to another vet?
A. If the vet's worth their salt, no. They should always have the animals' best interest at hearts. If you feel very badly, continue to bring the dog to your regular vet, and the bird to a vet with an interest with birds.
Comments or Suggestions should go to the current maintainers of the FAQ files:
This FAQ is by no means meant to replace the many wonderful and informative books, breeders,
magazines, and veterinarians that are out there.
| Last Revised: Friday, 18-Jul-2008 19:57:07 MDT ( Damian ) |
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