Outing in bad weather

[BethandLil]

Lil has an appointment at the Vets this afternoon (its a free general check up that pets at home offer to new pets) but it's raining heavily right now and forecast to stay that way all day.

I don't drive so have to take the bus there. There's about a 15 minute walk at the other end..

Do you guys think it's a bad idea to take her in bad weather? Especially as she seems perfectly healthy. I just thought i'd take advantage of a free appointment as I haven't been able to handle her for long enough to perform a health check myself.

I don't want to run the risk of her getting wet, cold and sick..

Or do you think i'd be alright if I weatherproof her carry case i.e putting a loose carrier bag over the top?
I'm concerned about covering her because of restricted airflow.

What do you guys think?

I'm swaying towards cancelling.

[FelicityAnn]

Could you phone the vet and get another appointment? If he/she is a good vet and you explain the situation, I'm sure they would find another slot for you.

And if they won't, perhaps they're not such a good vet!

[chesca_27]

If she is perfectly healthy, then I'd lean towards cancelling especially since there is bad weather and taking her out could stress her out and do more harm than good. If you haven't had her long, I'd focus on taming for the moment until she trusts you, because a vet visit can also set your taming back.

Do you know if the vet you are seeing is experienced with hamsters? I believe you can see a little background information on the vets and nurses at the practice on the Vets4Pets (I assume if it's free from PetsAtHome) website. That should be an indicator of their knowledge and expertise. I have never used Vets4Pets, but I think the experience varies practice to practice.

My vet is just north of London and I strongly recommend him. If you are prepared to travel (depending on where you live in London), I can PM you the name of him and his practice. I trust him wholeheartedly with my hamster and guinea pigs and I know a reputable hamster breeder who also uses him (she recommended him to me).

[BethandLil]

Good point Felicity.

I would say it probably isn't a good vet. It's just the vets at the back of pets at home that must offer a free check up for new pets to incentivise people to stay with their service.

[BethandLil]

Chesca - I looked them up on vets4pets and on their personal website and they seem fine. I couldn't find any specific information about their knowledge or experience with hamsters..

Yes, I would very much appreciate the details of a well recommended vet please

[BethandLil]

I cancelled the appointment. Thanks for helping reaffirm what I was thinking

[chesca_27]

Normally, if they don't mention anything to do with hamsters on their website (whether it's owning one or having an interest in them) it is a bad sign. I will PM you the name of my vet now .

[BethandLil]

Thanks again Chesca

[chesca_27]

You're welcome