That is so true ... my life would have been so much easier if I were a vet. Particularly with Jasmine, being at the vet's all the time, the question is, do we need to bring her in AGAIN? There were times hubby just lost it when I said I felt we should. (we're there typically AT LEAST once a month, but sometimes once a week). And the scary part? Not once we were told by the vet we could have saved the trip. And there are things we do deal with on our own or just by talking to the vet on the phone (usually the familiar ones).

What I'd need is a "live-in" vet. If I won a lottery, I'd buy the guy. I'm not kidding. Would treat him good. Build him a hospital and everything. But he'd have to be always available for Jasmine. Otherwise he could do, or not do, whatever he'd want.

I commented on the survey but what drives me nuts is when to schedule an office visit vs. when to wait it out for the dreaded kitty herpes. Which I love saying to non pet owners for the lols :) What I really mean is in cats with chronic viral infections how to decide when it's just the virus again vs. when a secondary bacterial infection as set in. Drives me batty.

After 10+ years of having the same vet, I think he knows how I'll make decide on most any topic. He knows what's necessary and what to do. However, he still presents the options and talks me though decisions.

Any time I sign a surgery authorization, I add a notation that he has the authority to do anything he deems necessary because I know he won't abuse it. In the event of an emergency, he wouldn't have to stop everything and call - he could just forge ahead and take care of things. Luckily, that hasn't happened.

He's really good about returning calls and emails. When my Owen occasionally gets weird lesions, I take a good picture of it with my phone with a penny next to it for relative size. Owen doesn't have to get in the "bad box" and go to the doctor, but the picture allows the doctor to determine if it's likely the same lesion as before.

I have no frustrations with the doctor of any of the staff. They're all wonderful.

What I would like from my vet(s) is to be treated like I have a working brain between my ears. I'd appreciate when the "why" behind things is explained. I also appreciate vets who are honest. A local clinic has signs up all over for signing your dog or cat up for an annual dental cleaning to the tune of $400.

Is an annual cleaning REALLY needed for every critter that walks through that door? Well, no. And the younger vets at the clinic will say so. The clinic owner, on the other hand, also a vet, wants you to believe they're necessary. Same with vaccinations. Do you need lepto? Well some vets will say "yes, of course!" even for the 15 year old arthritic Yorkie that spends its days curled on a couch.

Vaccinate every year? For everything? Why YES, say some. Heart worm treatment year around for every animal now? RIGHT! Oh and don't forget a separate flea and tick med and have you treated for tape worm too?

What I appreciate is a partnership with my vet. You know where my dog goes, what it gets into, what it's eating and how much activity it gets. From there, chart out a health plan. I'm way more willing to fork over big bucks for regular blood work, a dental, getting vaccines through you versus a shot clinic and so on, if I feel like you're a straight shooter and are working with me on what's best for my pet, not just the bottom line.

I don't nickel and dime my vet. I'm happy to pay (and to be able to pay) a premium, just knock it off with the up-sell and give me more information to go on when you can.

Why do so many vets assume clients are idiots, and/or get their feathers ruffled when questioned about a treatment or advice? Why are so many vets so reluctant to use updated info, e.g. that vaccines are not needed every single year for every pet? Why are so many vets ignorant about nutrition? I'm told they don't get much education in vet school--fine, so why don't they educate themselves? and NOT just by listening to commercial food vendors, like Science Diet, etc.

I have had animals all my life, and they are family members. I spend a fortune on vet bills. It's not the money I resent so much as the attitudes that I often encounter. With love and respect to all the wonderful vets I have known over the years, I do get frustrated!!

When I call, no matter what the question, the answer is ALWAYS 'bring him in'. Can't I sign something, and have it my pet's file that says I understand that the vet can't fully diagnosis a condition, and might miss something important during a phone consultation? If money is the issue, I'll leave my credit card on file and pay to ask a question.

I've used on-line vet services in the past, and more than half the time end up taking my pet in anyway.