Toronto Veterinarians | Best Toronto Vets
October 15, 2014
Toronto Veterinarians | Best Toronto Vets
When choosing a veterinarian in Toronto there are a lot of things worth considering, and the clinic closest to you isn’t automatically the best fit just because it’s convenient. Proximity does matter – especially in an emergency, when the nearest open clinic is the right choice – but for your pet’s ongoing care it’s worth taking a little time to find a veterinarian you trust and communicate well with. The good news is that Toronto has no shortage of caring, skilled vets to choose from.
5 Best Toronto Veterinarians
When this article was first written, Yelp’s reviews of the “Best Veterinarians in Toronto” put the following five on top. Ratings and reviews change all the time, so please treat this as a starting point from that snapshot in time – not a current ranking – and check recent reviews before you book:
- Sherbourne Animal Hospital with 5 stars and 17 reviews at the time
- Leslieville Animal Hospital with 4.5 stars and 25 reviews at the time
- Bloor Animal Hospital with 4.5 stars and 11 reviews at the time
- Queen West Animal Hospital with 4 stars and 26 reviews at the time
- Bathurst Dupont Animal Hospital with 4 stars and 23 reviews at the time
I frequent the Cedarvale dog park and I hear time and time again about Bathurst Dupont Animal Hospital and how wonderful they are in terms of care, cost and service – I’ll certainly be checking them out next time my precious pooch has a problem!
A quick word about cost: veterinarians in Ontario are licensed, regulated professionals, but their fees aren’t set by any central body – clinics are private practices, so prices for the same service can genuinely differ from one clinic to the next. That’s not a sign anything shady is going on; it simply means it pays to be an informed client. Here are a few sensible things to keep in mind when choosing a veterinarian in Toronto – or anywhere, for that matter:
- Ask for estimates on planned care: For routine or planned services – annual check-ups, dental cleanings, spaying and neutering – it’s perfectly reasonable to call a few local clinics and ask for an estimate, since pricing can vary. One important exception: if your pet is injured or seriously unwell, don’t delay care to shop around – get to a veterinarian promptly and sort out the details afterward.
- Don’t just be concerned about cost – learn about the vet: You don’t want price to be your only consideration. Do some research on the clinic you’re considering: ask around at the local dog park or ask your neighbours. You can also check online reviews, but read them with a grain of salt – people can say unfair things when they’re upset – and look for consistent patterns rather than one-off complaints.
- Ask questions about recommendations: If your vet recommends a vaccine, test or treatment and you’re not sure why, just ask. Vaccination schedules, for example, are tailored to your pet’s age, health and lifestyle, and a good veterinarian will be happy to walk you through exactly what they’re recommending and why. Understanding the reasoning helps you make informed decisions together as a team.
- Get a second opinion when the stakes are high: If your pet needs a very expensive surgery or a major course of treatment, seeking a second professional opinion is a normal and reasonable step – reputable veterinarians won’t be offended, and it can give you confidence that you’re choosing the best option for your pet.
I’ve personally tried a couple of clinics in the St. Clair and Bathurst area that just weren’t the right fit for us – which is exactly why I think this research is worth doing. The overwhelming majority of veterinarians got into this demanding profession because they love animals, and once you find one you click with, everything about caring for your pet gets easier. Trust your peers and your own research and make sure you find the right Toronto veterinarian for your family – your little friend will thank you!
Author: Aileen Schultz
Photo credit: Chuckumentary via photopin cc