Is your pet manifesting unique and rare geriatric illnesses for which a specialist would be consulted? If not, just regular vet close by, or even a vet who makes house calls would be best.

We’ve just stayed with our long-time regular vet.

Regular vet is fine for basic care. Mine do go to a veterinary ophthalmologist for their eyes as they have developed eye problems and the specialist is obviously much more knowledge about those conditions and they get better care for their eyes there.

I would stay with the practice that knows it’s history. I don’t believe they look through years of records if you switch.

We’ve stayed with our regular vet of 15 years. It is hard to get an appointment with them though.

Did you use a pediatric vet when your dog was a puppy?

You don’t need a specialist just for old. Are you in conflict with your regular vet about your pet’s end of life?

The easiest place for dogs and cats if you want to see a specialist imo is Friendship, because they have everything there.

Joined January 2017. So not sure about your theory unless you can detect a shift in tone.

I think it depends on the pet. If I expected them to be geriatric for an extended period of time, I might find a specialist. I've always had large breed dogs, so making it to that point is never a given let alone spending long in that phase.

we kept our regular vet.

20 minutes is nothing for a good vet, OP. My avian vet is 40 minutes away.

But I think your regular vet can handle most things, no?

I wouldn't switch vets because your pet is elderly. I would put lap of love in your bookmarks though when it comes time for end of life.

Just our regular vet. They helped with arthritis, cancer, and when it was time, end-of-life.

Which vet did you choose? I see there is one that specializes in geriatric pets but he's 20 minutes from me but not in a crazy traffic area like Mclean. There are some closer to me less than 5 minutes away but their reviews aren't that stellar. Mostly says that they are too busy for appointments or care. Any recs in NOVA so appreciated!