Tips for finding a veterinary source and vetting that source for your pet writing and/or blogging assignments.

1. Finding and Vetting a
Veterinary Source

3. Finding a Veterinarian When You
Need a Source
• Consider asking your local veterinarian.
• Ask for a referral.
• Go to your network.
• Veterinarians with an online presence may
be more likely to be willing to speak to the
media.
• Do a Google search for similar articles.
Who is the source or author?

4. Finding a Veterinarian When You
Need a Source
• Board certified veterinarians:
http://www.avma.org/education/abvs/specialty_
• University hospitals:
http://www.avma.org/education/cvea/colleges_

6. Vetting Your Chosen Veterinarian
• Do a Google search. Look for a bio and for
previous online discussions.
• Check with state for licensure/disciplinary
action. http://www.aavsb.org/DLR/
• Currently practicing? Retired?
• Any publications? Where? Peer-reviewed?
• Affiliations? (AVMA, local VMA, AAFP,
AAHA, etc.)
• Speaking engagements?

7. Vetting Your Chosen Veterinarian
• Board certified?
http://www.avma.org/education/abvs/specialty_
• Only boarded veterinarians should be
referring to themselves as specialists,
although other veterinarians may still be
knowledgeable sources.

9. Reasons a Veterinarian May Not
Welcome Media Attention
• Fear of negative publicity
• Fear of being misquoted/quoted out of
context
• Lack of time
• Lack of confidence
• Lack of knowledge about subject matter
for interview

10. Getting a Veterinarian to Agree to
Become a Source
• Offer to do a phone interview or email
interview and leave the choice up to your
source.
• Offer to provide questions ahead of time, if
possible.
• Be honest.
• Be flexible.
• Allow as much lead time as possible.
Don’t procrastinate.

12. My Information
Lorie Huston, DVM
• Phone: (401)921-6369
• Email:
loriehuston@pet-health-care-gazette.com
• www.pet-health-care-gazette.com