Kris Dow

I know this is a very basic thing, but I was wondering if anyone had particular tips or resources they use for finding a good reliable veterinarian.

My family actually has a vet whom we've used for many years for routine check ups (annual exams, vaccination when necessary, etc.) but he's semi-retired now, so he no longer does major things which require anesthesia or other complicated procedures and equipment.

As luck would have it, our newly rescued dog is in dire need of dental work (he has a broken canine, amongst other tooth issues) and as I'm researching vets in the area I'm coming across a lot of VERY mixed reviews- some people love the place, some people think everyone at the practice is Evil Incarnate. I realize that given the high emotional involvement people have with pets, some of the negative reviews may not be justified, but it's difficult to tell based on a few paragraphs, and as our rescue dog is somewhere between 6 and 10 in age, I want to make sure we take him someplace good, as his age and our lack of knowledge of his medical history are already complicating risk factors.

So, how do you find someone? Are there any questions I should ask, given the circumstances? Particular drugs or anesthesia technique which are better than others?