How To Do Vet Checks
When you call the vet to perform a vet check, expect it to be a conversation as you try to find out information about the applicant/pet. Below are things to ask about, but the conversation may go off in different directions depending on what the vet says. Ask a lot of follow-up questions. If the employee at the vet doesn’t seem to have time to talk, suggest that you call back another time and leave the name of the applicant/pet with the person.
PREPARATION:
1. Have applicant name, address, phone and pet info ready, and call each vet listed.
2. Print out the checklist below so you can check off the questions you ask (so you don’t miss any), and write down the
information you receive.
THE CALL:
Start by introducing yourself:
I am a volunteer with the Partnership for Animal Welfare, a local animal rescue group, and our policy is to do a vet check prior to placement. One of your clients has applied to adopt an animal from us. Would you help me with a vet check?
Questions to Ask:
- What past & current animals has the applicant had? (Sometimes applicants don’t list pets they don’t want us to know about). When were their pet(s) first seen?
Last seen? - Has the pet been kept up to date on vaccinations, all years?
- DOGS: Has heartworm preventative been regularly purchased? Have you approved an online purchase of it or have you written prescriptions for it? What about flea and tick meds? Purchased from your office, by chance?
- CATS: Is the cat indoor-only or indoor-outdoor? Has the cat been declawed? Was this at the request of the owner or does it seem that the cat was declawed upon adoption?
- Has the pet been brought in for annual exams and blood work?
- For what reasons has the pet been brought in [other than health checks, routine bloodwork, vaccinations]? This will give you an idea of how attentive the owners are. The office will mention medical reasons as well as aesthetic ones — nail clippings, grooming, and so on. If health issues are mentioned, ask the office what treatments were recommended and whether or not the applicants agreed to them.
- Is the pet/was the pet/has the pet been on any medications or special foods?
- DECEASED pets: We see that the pet died in [year]. What does your record show as the cause of death?
If the employee seems comfortable enough, ask if he/she views this applicant as a good/vigilant, etc. pet owner. If there’s a reluctance, you’ll feel it, OR the person will say ABSOLUTELY! THE BEST! Sometimes the office employee wants you to know that the pet owner is a great potential adopter, but you can tell when they’re warning you of someone also.