10 questions to ask your veterinarian

We know going to your pet’s veterinary hospital can sometimes be stressful for you, especially about what questions to ask your veterinarian. We love being asked questions, and we want owners to feel seen and heard regarding their pet’s health.

Below are 10 questions we encourage owners to ask us.

1. What will happen if I don’t do the recommended tests?

This is a great question. While it’s not mandatory to schedule every test your veterinarian recommends, there’s a reason they suggest them: to stay on top of your pet’s health.

At Banfield, we believe in preventive care, which helps us track your pet’s health throughout their lifetime.

Common preventive tests

Recommended preventive tests may include:

• Fecal testing for parasites
• Urinalysis to evaluate kidney health
• Complete blood count (CBC) testing to identify concerns such as infection or anemia

In other words, recommended tests are often a good idea, especially when there are concerns about your pet’s health.

2. What will happen if I don’t give all the medication prescribed?

We strongly encourage all pet owners to follow medication instructions exactly as prescribed. This helps ensure your pet’s safety and gives medication the best chance of being effective.

3. What do you specifically look for during an exam and why?

We love this question.

During a comprehensive exam at Banfield, veterinarians evaluate several areas of your pet’s health. We call this a “nose-to-tail exam,” as we check every part of your pet’s body. These evaluations help us screen for disease and monitor your pet’s health over time.

What’s included in a comprehensive exam?

At comprehensive exams, we check:

• Coat and skin
• Eyes and ears
• Mouth and nose
• Cardiovascular system (heart and lungs)
• Abdomen through palpation
• Muscles, bones, and joints
• Urogenital and gastrointestinal system (rectal exam)

4. What do I need to do to prepare for my next visit?

We’ll usually provide instructions before your pet’s next appointment, especially if anesthesia is involved in surgery or dental cleaning. Be sure to follow any pre-visit instructions from your veterinary team to help ensure a safe and successful visit.

Resources for your pet’s vet visit

Learn more about what to expect at your pet’s visit here.

Want more info on your pet’s upcoming spay or neuter? Learn more about this common but important procedure here.

5. How will I know if my pet is not getting better?

If your pet has an ongoing health condition, recent illness, injury, or surgery, your veterinarian will explain what signs to watch for once your pet returns home.

Regular preventive care also plays an important role in helping both pet owners and veterinary teams monitor health changes as pets age.

6. Is this normal?

If you have concerns about your pet — whether it’s a strange bump, occasional vomiting, chronic lethargy, or something else entirely — we encourage you to ask. No question is too small or silly when it comes to your pet’s health. If something seems unusual, bring it up during your visit.

7. Why is that so expensive?

We believe in transparency when it comes to veterinary costs. Banfield offers a price estimator on its website to help pet owners understand expected care costs. Additionally, Optimum Wellness Plans^® can help pet owners save up to 30% on preventive pet care.

What’s included in an Optimum Wellness Plan?

Optimum Wellness Plan benefits include:

• Vaccinations
• Comprehensive exams
• 24/7 Pet Chat™ (not available in all states)
• Virtual Visits
• Other preventive care services

8. What should I expect next?

After your pet’s appointment, your veterinary team will explain the next steps, which may include:

• Medication instructions
• Recovery expectations
• Warning signs to watch for
• Follow-up appointment recommendations

9. Who should I call if I have questions about little things?

Feel free to contact your veterinary team during regular business hours whenever questions arise. They are always there to help with your questions.

Additional support options

If your pet has an Optimum Wellness Plan, you also have access to:

• Virtual Visits: Meet with your veterinary team from the comfort of your own home
• 24/7 Pet Chat™: Connect with a veterinary professional to get immediate petcare advice (not available in all states)

These services, available through MyBanfield or the Banfield app, are excellent resources for getting answers to everyday pet health questions.

10. Should I come back and ask to see you, or does it matter if I see a different veterinarian?

The good news is that your pet’s medical records are accessible to all veterinarians at your hospital.

You don't need to see the same veterinarian for each visit to receive consistent care. However, if you prefer working with a specific veterinarian, contact the front desk and ask whether appointments can be scheduled when that veterinarian is available.

The bottom line

Veterinarians want pet owners to ask questions. Open communication helps build trust, support better decision-making, and ensures pets receive the best possible care. If you're ever unsure about your pet’s health, don't hesitate to ask us — we’re here to help.