Hospital Policies

Appointments

Our practice operates on an appointment basis only.  To allow ample time for all patients and surgical procedures we ask that you be prompt for your appointment and call us if you can not make your appointment.

Emergency cases shall always receive top priority, which is why occasional appointment delay is inevitable.  Please realize that we make a sincere attempt to see each client on time.

Drop Off Appointment

For your convenience ," drop-off " appointments are also available.  A drop off means you can bring in your pet between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM so our doctors can examine your pet in between appointments. or at the time purposely reserve for admitted patients.  Please call us prior to a drop off.  We ask that you call us around 3:00 PM to check if your pet is ready to pick up.  When you come to pick up your pet, the doctor or technician will go over his or her diagnostics with you.

Patient Arrival Policy

Upon arrival please check and sign in with the Receptionist before finding a seat.  For everyone's protection all dogs MUST be on a leash or in a carrier while in our waiting room.  All cats MUST be in an appropriate carrier or on a leash.  Since the history of the illness is so important, we request that the owner of the pet be present at the visit.  If this is not feasible, then it is requested that the owner be available by phone at the time of the visit.

Surgery and Anesthesia

Take away all access to food at midnight the night before surgery.  Water is okay.  Plan to arrive at 8:05 AM immediately after opening.  Expect to be here 10-15 minutes to admit your pet and to sign necessary paperwork.  It is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT that we are able to reach you by phone right away the day of the procedure,  in case the doctor needs to discuss any findings while your pet is under anesthesia.

If we have any questions , we will call you.  Otherwise we will call you after the procedure is completed and you pet is recovering from anesthesia.  This call is often made in the early afternoon.

Recommended Procedures for Anesthesia Patients

Laboratory Blood Work is required for pets over 10 years of age (or 8 years for giant breeds).  For younger patients, preanesthetic lab work is optional but recommended.  We will need to do the lab work 1 day prior to the procedure.  Micro chipping ,dental cleaning, growth removal, hip x-rays may be combined with other procedures.

Payments

We require payment in full at the time services are rendered.  For your convenience we accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover,  Debit cards, cash, and personal checks.  Hospitalization and major procedures may require a deposit.

Care Credit is a flexible client payment option specifically designed for health care expenses , making it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures your pet needs.  If you wish to apply for Care Credit, please ask our staff in advance for an application form and be prepared to provide two forms of identification, one with a picture.  the application is free and only takes a few minutes.