Suggestions for Choosing a Veterinarian

Ask friends and neighbours who their veterinarian is. 

Ask your breeder for his/her recommendation.  You may find many that they all rave about the same one!  

Call the veterinarian you select before your German Shepherd puppy arrives in order to book an appointment for the day following his arrival. 

Reputable breeders will encourage you to take your puppy to the veterinarian and will give you a record of any vaccines, wormings, and other health clearances that may have been performed.

When visiting your veterinarian:

• Keep your puppy away from other animals while in the waiting room to limit his exposure to potentially harmful diseases but expose him to the staff in a positive way
• Introduce your puppy to the staff and his new surroundings. Bring some treats along to help make it a positive experience
• Obtain emergency contact numbers and find out what the procedure is in case of an emergency
• Emergency veterinary care is very expensive.  f you suspect your puppy is injured or not well, don’t wait until the problem becomes an emergency situation.  Call your own veterinarian during regular hours and get your puppy examined
• Visit your veterinarian office often to weigh your puppy and let the staff pet and play with the puppy

Always make informed decisions. 

• Should your puppy be spayed or neutered?  If so, when is the best time for the puppy.  Earlier may not be better.
• What vaccines should your dog get?  What are the requirements of your state, particularly with regard to Rabies vaccines?
• Should all vaccines be given at once or over a period of time?
• How often should your dog be vaccinated?
• And the list goes on and on…

YOUR VETERINARIAN AND YOUR BREEDER SHOULD BE YOUR VERY BEST RESOURCES.  Speak with your veterinarian and your German Shepherd breeder before making your decisions.

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