How To Find an Equine Veterinarian

Your equine veterinarian is your partner in keeping your horse healthy, and they’re the first person you call if your horse has an emergency. Since your veterinarian plays such a key role in your horse’s life, it’s important to find one who’s a great fit for your horse’s needs.

How To Choose an Equine Veterinarian

You may find yourself in need of an equine veterinarian for many reasons. Maybe you’re a first-time horse owner who needs to establish care for your new horse. Or perhaps you’ve moved to a new location or are seeking out specialized care, like reproductive services, for your horse. No matter the cause, it’s important to find a horse veterinarian who’s the right fit.

Madalyn Kirbach, DVM, an equine veterinarian at Pine Bush Equine Services in Pine Bush, New York, specializes in equine athletes. She recommends that horse owners turn to their community connections as they search for an equine veterinarian.

“Horse communities are close knit, so if asking your friends, neighbors, or barn managers leads you to a dead end, I would reach out to your local horse council to see if they have a list of equine veterinarians that service your area,” she says. Additionally, local riding clubs may be able to recommend local vets.

Laura Parisio-Wood, BVetMed MRCVS, CVMMP, equine veterinarian and owner of Nashaway Equine Veterinary Wellness in Lancaster, Massachusetts, notes that the internet can also be a valuable resource in finding equine veterinary services.

“Although you can probably Google search just about anything these days, equine veterinarians included, there are some more direct ways to get in touch with vets in your area,” she says. “One way is to search through the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) veterinary directory.” The directory helps you locate veterinarians that actively practice within your geographic area.

Online reviews may give you some insight into potential veterinarians, but Dr. Kirbach cautions horse owners not to read into online reviews too deeply.

“Online reviews are usually emotional reactions,” she says. “They can be good or bad and I typically read with caution, as I would rather make my own opinions.”

What To Look for in an Equine Veterinarian

As you look for a veterinarian, keep your horse’s specific medical conditions in mind, such as:

• Arthritis

• Colic history

• Cushing’s disease

• Gastric ulcers

• Kissing spine

• Lameness issues

• Laminitis

Look for a vet who can provide the particular care your horse needs. “Many equine veterinarians have specialties, whether it’s lameness, internal medicine, dentistry, chiropractic, acupuncture, or reproduction,” explains Dr. Kirbach. “Make sure the veterinarian you choose fits what you need for your equine partner.”

Dr. Parisio-Wood notes that a veterinary practice’s website can be a valuable resource for learning about:

• Services a practice offers

• Practice setup (solo or multi-vet practice)

• Emergency coverage range

• Service policies

“Setting up a meet and greet with a potential veterinarian is also a great way to find out about their practice culture, their expertise for the services offered, and more,” she says.

Questions To Ask an Equine Veterinarian

1. How many veterinarians work at the practice? A single-veterinarian practice can provide a more personalized feel. But with a multi-vet practice, vets can collaborate in caring for your horse and finding the best solutions for his needs.

2. What are the practice’s hours? Consider whether the practice’s hours work well with your personal and work schedule.

3. Does the equine veterinarian have their own facility? Some equine practices have a home base facility where you can bring your horse for special procedures, emergencies, or surgeries. Other practices strictly perform on-farm calls. If it’s the latter, make sure to ask which practices they recommend if your horse needs more intensive care.

4. What are the costs of some typical services and call fees? Getting estimates or a price sheet that outlines some common charges can help to make sure the practice is a good fit for your budget.

5. What constitutes a current client? “It is no surprise that equine veterinarians are in short supply and we typically reserve our after-hours emergency services for current or active-status clients,” says Dr. Kirbach.

6. Is the practice affiliated with dentists, farriers, or other specialists? “There are many benefits to having veterinarians with specialty training affiliated with the same practice, as they share information about your horse’s health care,” says Dr. Parisio-Wood.

When Should I Look for an Equine Veterinarian?

There are many reasons to look for a new horse veterinary practice, including:

• You’re a new horse owner and need to establish care for your horse.

• Your horse needs specialty care, like reproductive care, that your current veterinarian doesn’t offer.

• You’re moving to a new barn or location outside of your current vet’s service area.

• You’re looking for a second opinion on an issue your horse is experiencing.

• Your current vet is no longer a good fit for your needs.

Taking the time to find a veterinarian who is the right fit for your unique horse will mean you have a partner you can trust to help keep your horse healthy and feeling her best.

It’s important to establish a relationship with an equine veterinarian as soon as possible so that if you have an emergency, you have a veterinarian to call right away who knows your horse.