Training and Qualifications - Birds are very different from other animals, such as dogs and cats. DO NOT not take your bird to a veterinarian who doesn't usually treat birds. It could mean your bird's life!

Try to find a Board-Certified Avian Veterinarian. These veterinarians have been certified as Avian Practice Specialists by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. "Certification includes documentation of six years of significant avian practice experience or a formal residency plus scientific papers, plus a rigorous series of examinations". Avian veterinary medicine is relatively new and the certification requirements very time consuming. Unfortunately, as of June 1997 there are only 59 certified avian veterinarians in the world. Most are located in the US near major cities. If you are fortunate enough to be located near one, then give him or her strong consideration.

Many veterinarians who have expertise in and practice avian medicine are members of the Association of Avian Veterinarians. The AAV's mission is "Advancing and Promoting Avian Medicine and Stewardship". It provides education to members via conventions, seminars, programs, a journal, a newsletter and presentation of papers, etc. Membership in the AAV is no guarantee of avian knowledge, but it is a positive sign.

A veterinarian may have broad knowledge of avian medicine without being a member of the AAV. It may have been acquired through years of experience in treating birds, in reading journals and technical papers and/or by attending conventions and seminars. Ask the veterinarian how many years s/he has treated birds, how many birds are seen in a week and what percentage of the practice is avian.

We know of a local veterinarian who claimed knowledge of birds, but had never heard of an umbrella cockatoo. So if you have any doubts, use some avian terms to see if they are understood.

You should also ask the veterinarian what methods are used to keep abreast of new developments in avian medicine. This field is changing quickly, with new information replacing old myths and outdated procedures.

In the event that you cannot find an avian veterinarian within a convenient distance, select a more distant avian veterinarian whom you can visit less frequently. Supplement this with a local veterinarian for more minor procedures and for dire emergencies. Some non-avian veterinarians will agree to consult with your regular avian vet by phone in an emergency and will also be happy to work with you and learn some basic avian medicine. You may have to get creative to ensure your pet's well being.

Emergencies - Find out the veterinarian's or clinic's normal hours. In an emergency how quickly will your bird be seen? If the vet is not available, what arrangements have been made for an alternate? If an emergency occurs after hours or on weekends, will the veterinarian be reachable? If not, has provision for another reliable emergency service been set up? If so, you may want to visit there as well.

Tour the Hospital or Clinic's Facilities - Are things clean? Is there a place where the veterinarian can wash and disinfect between seeing patients? Is there equipment such as scales, incubators, brooders, heat lamps, cages, hand feeding equipment and supplies? Is there equipment to handle surgery, such as a table, anasthesia, and other operating equipment and recovery facilities? Is there space and cages for housing patients? Does the vet do some of the cultures on the premesis? This can give quicker results in an emergency and also keep costs down. You want to be confident that the veterinarian is equipped to handle emergencies and that s/he is knowledgable about treating birds. Be aware that some veterinarians won't allow outsiders into their hopital area to protect against transmission of disease.