Keri and Randy Hampton knew that their newly adopted stray pup was going to be a handful. But when 1-year-old Jake swallowed 30 prescription anti-inflammatory pills, the couple turned to family members for help. They recommended Dr. Michael Shelton.

"He was the only vet on duty that day at the clinic," Keri Hampton said. "And although he spent the entire day completely swamped, he still called me after they closed to let me know Jake's status and answered all of my questions."

When considering the care of man's best friend or favorite feline, finding a trusty veterinarian is crucial. Many pet owners will attest to the close bond they form with their animals, and good animal health care is a top priority.

The Best Friends Animal Society shares an anecdote on its Web site of a young couple that adopted a stray cat. The cat's medley of medical ailments stopped as soon as they switched veterinarians. The group uses that story to urge pet owners to use caution when selecting a veterinarian.

A list of common suggestions could help you find the right professional for your pussycat or pooch.

Like Your Vet

Find a doctor whose personality you like. This may include his willingness to listen and answer questions, or how easily she communicates. Second Chance Sanctuary veterinarian Dr. Ron Hines suggested choosing a veterinarian like you would a church -- begin with a visit. He also notes that vets generally choose a staff that is similarly natured. If you don't like the receptionist, you probably won't like the veterinarian, either.

Hampton said personality is primarily what drew her to Shelton and helped make both parent and pet feel at ease.

"He's knowledgeable, considerate, professional and very compassionate," Hampton said. "He makes you feel like he really cares, and he's also a good listener. He's not the type of doctor that cuts you off mid-sentence to interject his own opinion."

Got Skills

You must also assess professional skills. It is important to consider if your vet stays current on developments in the field. Does the office do on-site lab work? If he or she has to send tests to be processed, you may be opening yourself up to the possibility of added charges.

Payment Plans

Discussing costs should be part of an initial meeting. Because there are few third-party payers -- that is, pet insurance companies -- in the U.S., the cost of veterinary care can be high.

Discuss a fee schedule or payment plan with the veterinarian or the support staff. Bear in mind hidden costs such as follow-up visits, extra supplies or treatments that may be required. Some veterinarians may offer package deals, but proceed with caution when offering your pet up for added procedures.

Look Around A Bit

You should examine the facility. Is the clinic clean? Does it smell bad?

These factors contribute to the experience you and your pet will have when coming for care. If the magazines in the waiting area aren't current, it could mean the veterinarian isn't staying up to date on the latest advancements.

Check Back Often

Seeing the vet yearly, or even more frequently, can help you get to know the vet on a better level. You can stay on top of your animal's checkups and vaccinations and engage the vet in conversation to get to know his methods. The better your vet knows and understands your pet, the better he can provide care.

A spokeswoman for VCA Animal Hospitals said that one key to finding the right veterinarian is making sure the vet can properly treat your type of animal.

"Some vets only see cats and dogs," she said. "Some see cats, dogs, birds and bunnies. It really depends on what services you need."

Be A Good Patient

The Humane Society of the United States also suggests ways to be a good veterinary client.

"Learn what is normal for your pet so you recognize the first signs of illness, and see your vet regularly for preventive visits, not only when your pet becomes ill. If a pet is not well, don't wait until she is really sick before calling your vet. It is frustrating for a vet, and heartbreaking to owners, to see an animal die of an illness that could have been treated successfully if professional care had begun sooner," the group said.

Hampton said that while she and her husband took many different variables into consideration when finding a vet for Jake, seeing Shelton's love for animals first hand sealed the deal.

"When referring to the dog, he'd say 'We' -- like, 'We're feeling better now,'" Hampton said. "We got a kick out of that. He's planning to move his practice further from our house, but we're going to keep using him anyway, because he is just great."