The Perfect Vet

[Briana]

Sammy is my holland lop bunny and he is my first bunny ever. My boyfriend and I got him from a wonderful breeder, but because he is my first bun I am so nervous about getting a vet! What should I look for when picking out a vet and what questions should I ask them to make sure they will take proper care of my little cotton ball? I am more nervous about my bun than my previous cats and dog because cats and dogs are common but not every vet knows the best way to deal with a rabbit.

[Deleted User]

Hey Briana and Sammy – Henry and I are in Australia, and as wonderful as I think my bunny vet is I’m guessing the commute will be out of the question? Lol…. I’ll just let you know what I did. I asked my local (dog) vet and he said they didn’t specialise in ‘cute’ bunny’s and referred me to an ‘exotic’ vet (luckily for me only 20 minutes away). Why did I decide he was awesome? As soon as we mentioned we were new to buns, he fell over himself to offer information (without us asking), and took the time to answer the questions we did ask without making us feel silly. He seemed compassionate with Henry’s neuter and pain relief (and after some forums I’ve read, I found that to be a concern, especially for girls and some vets dismissed this causing bunny parents great distress (sad face)). Also the receptionist when I called to book Henry in talked bunny talk with me.
I don’t expect most vets and their staff to be like that, and sadly it may be a case of trial and error – but I can’t help but think most vets are animal lovers too and would adore having your Sammy as there patient. In recent forums I think I’ve only heard of one BBer who wasn’t overly fond of there vet? So, depending on where you live, maybe look for a vet who specialises in ‘exotic’ pets? (I was also super excited with my vet as I live in a state where bunny’s (no matter how gorgeous they are), they are banned!). So how lucky was I!!!!!!! Wishing you all the best Briana with Sammy. I totally get your concern.

PS – Great bunny name! My 14yo (f) dog shares the same name – Sami!

[mijOok]

Hi Briana! Here’s a good read from the House Rabbit Society on finding a good rabbit vet with screening questions you can ask: http://rabbit.org/faq-how-to-find-a-good-rabbit-vet/

It is definitely important to make sure the vet you find is an exotics vet because they get additional training for small animals such as rabbits that a “regular” vet (dogs/cats) doesn’t go through. I’ve read some horrifying stories of regular vets that don’t handle a rabbit properly and the scary part is that it’s not even intentional to hurt our little cotton balls… they really just weren’t aware of the differences from handling the more common pets.

Also, if you’re fortunate enough to find a rabbits/exotics only vet, even better! Vets and animal hospitals that have all sorts of animal patients also tend to be noisier (i.e. barking) that can cause stress to an already stressed/ill rabbit.

Good Luck to you and Sammy! =D

[Briana]

Yea because he is my first bun i am so nervous! i adore him so much so i want to get a really good vet for him. I just want to make sure i’m putting him in the right hands when it comes to his health.

[Buckley's Mum]

Hi there, you don’t say where in the world you are (unless I missed it). When I became a bun owner/slave I used this forum for advice on finding an “exotic” vet, so I phoned around and asked the vet if they were “exotic” and dealt with rabbits – unfortunately I got laughed at! I’m in the UK and apparently bun-ownership is not considered exotic, just run of the mill just as common as dogs and cats. I went to my local vet and have never looked back. On my last visit i went in for a nail clipping (but I took both buns as they’d only just been bonded and i was told where one went the other one should go too). I got my bun’s nails trimmed, the vet then started prodding and poking body parts and looking in his mouth checking teeth, when she was happy with him, she pulled out my new adoptee and said she’d just check her nails, did hers too and then prodded and poked and squeezed and then looked in her mouth. At the end of the impromptu examination she said she was only charging me for one nail trimming, as that’s all I went in for, despite both of them getting trims and a check-ups. Now with service like that, why would I go anywhere else? I love my vet and have every faith in them. They also looked after Buckley when he was very poorly after his neuter, they kept him in longer than necessary (2 days) just to keep an eye on him – they thought he was cute (Nethie Dwarf) and they all wanted to pet him and hand feed him and they never charged me for his stay, just meds. So look around, get recommendations and make sure you feel comfortable with them looking after your best friend. Good luck, I’m not sure how hard it is finding “exotic” vets in other countries – but it’ll be worth the peace of mind finding one you’re comfortable with. x

[Briana]

I live in Georgia in the United States and around here i don’t think they are considered run of the mill vets, because around here they are exotic and to be honest i don’t know anyone else with a bun but i know people who had one at little ages. Usually I know more about rabbits than they do though! So I have a feeling I am going to have to call around which is A-OK with me because my bun is my little cotton ball and if anything happened to him because of my negligence in finding him a proper vet, i would absolutely die. I want the best for this little animal, i love him dearly. Thank you for your advice! and btw when i was looking for breeders most were in the UK, i think they’re more popular there. (I have visited the UK for about 3 weeks and I loved it, you’re lucky to live in a beautiful place!) 

[LittlePuffyTail]

Here is a list of Rabbit vets listed by the Georgia House Rabbit Society:

http://www.houserabbitga.com/?page_id=466

[mijOok]

ahh good point Buckley’s Mum! Forgot to give advice based on the location… in the US rabbits are definitely exotics (I’m in New York) I’m so jealous that the regular vets in the UK take rabbits and take such good care of them… I had to wait a month for my bun’s first nail trimming and checkup when I got him because that was my closest rabbit-savvy vet’s earliest weekend availability!

Which reminds me to add for Briana – while Binky Bunny is definitely my go-to forum, try doing a search for any local bunny group forums. That was pretty much how I found my vet because I was having the hardest time finding one not too far from me that I would trust trying.

[Roberta]

Vets in Georgia… Here’s a few

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Care More Animal Hospital
1 Reviews 4026 Blackstone Camp Rd
Augusta, GA 30907
Windward Animal Hospital
1 Reviews 11895 Jones Bridge Rd
Alpharetta, GA 30005
Animal Hospital of Town Lake
1 Reviews 3105 Parkbrooke Circle
Woodstock, GA 30189
Brantley & Jordan Animal Hospital
2 Reviews 5698 Thomaston Rd
Macon, GA 31220
For Pet’s Sake
2 Reviews 3761 N Druid Hills Rd
Decatur, GA 30033
Buena Vista Road Animal Hospital
1 Reviews 4338 Buena Vista Rd
Columbus, GA 31907
All Creatures Animal Hospital
2 Reviews 2482-C Mt Vernon Rd
Dunwoody, GA 30338
CVMC Columbus Veterinary Medical Center
1 Reviews 6374 Schomburg Rd
Columbus , GA 31909
Medlock Bridge Animal Hospital
1 Reviews 5155 S Old Peachtree Rd
Norcross, GA 30092
Town & Country Veterinary Clinic
1 Reviews 1343 Gresham Rd #A
Marietta, GA 30062
Cat Care of Fayetteville
1 Reviews 105 Marquis Dr
Fayetteville, GA 30214
Northside Animal Hospital
1 Reviews 5360 Veterans Parkway
Columbus, GA 31904
All Animals Veterinary Hospital
1 Reviews 639 Auraria Rd
Dawsonville, GA 30534
VCA Catoosa Animal Hospital
1 Reviews 3150 Boynton Dr
Ringgold, GA 30736

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