Choosing the right vet is important for your rottie's health. Not all vets will be right for you and your rottie — this is one area where one size doesn't fit all. There are general practitioners, specialists, and veterinarians that specialize in certain animals or breeds. You can contact the American Veterinary Medical Association for a list of veterinarians in your area. Their Web site is www.avma.org (for phone number and address, see Appendix A).

Where's the Vet?

You'll need some time to do your homework before you bring your dog home. Talk first with your dog-owning friends. Most will recommend a local veterinarian they like. If the breeder lives in your area, ask him whom he would recommend. If your breeder is out of state, he still may be able to ask other breeders in your area whom they use. Other resources for finding a vet can include dog trainers or groomers. You can also look for veterinarians in the Yellow Pages, your state's veterinary association, or the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Ask the Vet

Call the potential veterinarians. Many clinics offer services besides veterinary services, such as grooming and boarding for their clients. This may be important if you need to board your rottweiler or you don't have time to groom him. Ask the following questions to determine if the veterinarian is right for you:

• Does the clinic handle emergencies, or is there an afterhours number where you can reach the veterinarian or an on-call veterinarian?

• Does the clinic offer boarding?

• Does the veterinarian have his own lab equipment, or does he need to send out for tests?

• Does the veterinarian make house calls or have a mobile clinic?

• Does the veterinarian offer a discount on certain services for multiple pets?

• Has the veterinarian worked with rottweilers before? How many?

• How many veterinarians are in the practice?

• Is there a groomer available?

• Is a trainer associated with the clinic?

• Does the clinic offer any other special services? What kind?

• Is this a clinic or hospital?

• Is your veterinarian a specialist? What is his specialty?

• When is the clinic open? What are their normal operating hours?

• Does the clinic allow walk-ins and walk-in emergencies?

• What is the cost for routine visits? Vaccinations? Dewormings? Spays and neuters?

Visit the Vet

Once you narrow the list of potential veterinarians, ask to visit the veterinarian. Don't drop by unannounced — as in any business, some days in the vet clinic are busier than others. When you visit, look around. Is the staff pleasant and friendly? Is the clinic clean and orderly? If there has been an emergency or if this is a particularly busy day, the clinic might be messy, but the overall appearance should leave a good impression.

Vet Clinics

There are several types of clinics available. Some may be a general clinic, similar to a general practitioner's office, with anywhere from one to five veterinarians working there. Mobile clinics make house calls and may be associated with a general clinic or hospital. They're convenient, but may not have all the facilities necessary to make a diagnosis or to treat a dog. Hospitals are well staffed with veterinarians and usually have specialists and lab equipment. Emergency clinics are what the name implies — they handle twenty-four-hour emergencies but can be expensive. Lastly, there are low-cost clinics that perform routine care such as vaccinations, heartworm testing, dewormings, and other services, but that are only set up to handle routine care.