Paw’s Corner: Finding the right vet

Dear Paw’s Corner: I read your column about veterinary malpractice, and I was touched. There are many very bad veterinarians, and not many people care, or they don’t want to send their complaints in to the licensing board because they will get the runaround followed by no action against the vet.

I lost a pet through a doctor’s misdiagnosis in November 2005. I complained to the licensing board, but they told me that the doctor didn’t do anything wrong. That’s why people don’t complain. They get another pet, or they give up on caring for another animal.

It is much easier to go after a human doctor than an animal doctor. People should start an organization to help people like me and the lady that wrote in to your column. Thank you — Phyllis C., Rhode Island

Dear Phyllis: Thank you for writing, and my condolences on the loss of your pet. Concerned owners and veterinarians are working to build better ethics and accountability practices, forming organizations such as Protect the Pets ( www.protectthepets.com). Read on:

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Dear Paw’s Corner: Regarding vet malpractice, the best thing is to avoid the problem when possible by researching which vets are highly regarded in one’s area. One way to do this is by searching pet sites online that recommend vets in each state.

Another good indicator is vet certification by the American Animal Hospital Association (I know they also deal with malpractice). Only 14 percent of U.S. vet hospitals have this certification. Other pet owners in the community may be able to make recommendations for vets as well. — David L. (and Daisy the rabbit), via e-mail

Dear David: Many thanks! More information about the American Animal Hospital Association is available at www.aahanet.org.