Choosing a veterinarian you can trust comes down to three habits: ask how a diagnosis was reached, get a second opinion before any irreversible decision, and get everything important in writing. A vet who welcomes questions, explains options plainly, and keeps clear records is giving you the partnership your dog deserves.
What is veterinary informed consent? Informed consent means your veterinarian explains the diagnosis, the recommended treatment, the alternatives, the risks, and the costs — and you agree before treatment goes ahead. For an irreversible decision such as euthanasia, it also means you understand what will happen, what happens afterwards, and that you can ask for time, a second opinion, or a written summary before you decide.
What happened in Georgia?
On October 28, 2026, Parade reported a story that has left dog owners asking hard questions. Rebecca Belote told WSB-TV that her family believed their 4-year-old pug, Cha Cha, had been euthanized in March after Senoia Animal Hospital in Georgia recommended euthanasia for organ failure and diabetic ketoacidosis. Months later, Belote says she spotted a photo of Cha Cha on Facebook, apparently alive and living with a clinic employee.
Belote alleges a former employee confirmed a staff member had taken Cha Cha home, and that the employee’s husband confirmed the dog was in good health. She also alleges the hospital later euthanized Cha Cha after the family asked questions — an allegation Parade notes has not been independently established. The hospital did not respond to WSB-TV’s request for comment. Belote says she has filed a complaint with the Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine.
The case follows an earlier reported incident at the same hospital involving a 19-year-old cat named Annie, whose family also believed the cat had been euthanized; there, the hospital acknowledged falling short of the family’s trust. Other outlets report police declined criminal charges, while the matters rest with state regulators. Nothing here is a proven verdict — but it is a reminder that trust in a vet clinic must be built on clear communication and paperwork, not assumed.
How do you choose a veterinarian you can trust?
Start before you need one. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises choosing a veterinarian with the same care you would use in selecting a physician, weighing location, hours, services, and whether you feel comfortable talking with the doctor and staff. Use this checklist on a routine first visit:
- Do they explain, not just prescribe? A good vet explains what they found, why they think so, and the alternatives — including waiting, where that is safe.
- Do they welcome a second opinion? Any vet who discourages one is a red flag. A confident vet expects it for big decisions.
- Are records shared openly? Ask for copies of exam notes, lab results, and vaccine records — you may need them at an emergency clinic.
- How do they handle your dog? Gentle, patient handling matters, especially for nervous dogs.
- What happens after hours? Ask who covers night and weekend emergencies, and which emergency clinic they refer to.
- Are costs discussed up front? A written estimate before treatment — and a call before costs change — prevents painful surprises.
Ask friends, breed clubs, and local rescues for recommendations, and tour the clinic if you can.
What should you ask before euthanasia?
Euthanasia is the hardest decision most dog owners ever face, and it deserves unhurried, written clarity. If a vet recommends it, ask these questions first:
- What exactly is the diagnosis, and what tests support it? Can I see the results?
- What are all the options, including palliative care, and what would each mean for my dog’s comfort?
- Is there time to get a second opinion, or is this an emergency where waiting would cause suffering?
- Can I be present, and what exactly will happen during the procedure?
- What happens afterwards — cremation or burial, individual or communal, and how are remains returned?
- Can I have all of this in writing, including the consent form, before I sign?
If anything feels rushed or unclear, pause and say so. A second opinion is not disloyalty — it is due diligence for a decision you cannot undo. If cost is driving the decision, say so and ask about payment plans or lower-cost options.
What are the red flags at a vet clinic?
No single incident proves a clinic is bad, but patterns should prompt a second look: refusal to share records; pressure to decide immediately on a non-emergency; no written estimates; vague answers about aftercare; staff who will not let you ask questions; and guaranteed outcomes. Good medicine deals in probabilities, not certainties.
What should you do if something feels wrong?
First, gather facts: request complete records in writing, keep consent forms, estimates, and receipts, and note dates and names while fresh. Second, get an independent second opinion with the records in hand. Third, if you believe a clinic acted unethically or ignored your instructions, file a complaint with your state’s board of veterinary medicine, keeping it factual, dated, and documented. Finally, talk to your vet directly if you can — a clinic that takes a complaint seriously is showing you something important.
Most veterinarians are dedicated professionals. This checklist is not about suspicion — it is about making trust verifiable, so on the hardest day of your dog’s life, you never have to wonder whether you had the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose a veterinarian I can trust?
Visit for a routine checkup first, ask how diagnoses are explained, whether records are shared, and how emergencies are covered. Pick the vet who answers plainly, welcomes second opinions, and gives written estimates.
Should I get a second opinion before euthanasia?
Yes, whenever it is safe to do so. A second opinion is reasonable for any irreversible decision, and a trustworthy vet will support it. In a true emergency where waiting would prolong suffering, your vet should explain clearly why time matters.
What paperwork should I get from my vet?
Ask for exam notes, lab results, vaccine records, written estimates, and any consent form before you sign it. Keep them in your dog’s file — essential if you switch vets or visit an emergency clinic.
What should I do if my vet will not share my dog’s records?
Ask in writing for the complete records and keep a copy of your request. If the clinic still refuses, consider filing a complaint with your state’s board of veterinary medicine.
How can I prepare for a hard vet decision in advance?
Discuss quality of life, pain management, and end-of-life wishes with your vet while your dog is healthy, and note your preferences — including costs and aftercare choices.
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Sources: Parade, October 28, 2026; UNILAD, October 28, 2026. Allegations are as reported and have not been adjudicated; this is general information, not veterinary or legal advice.