Q: Are retractable leashes allowed in the clinic?
A: No. For the safety of our staff, clients, and other pets we ask that you bring your pet in on a non retractable leash. If you do not have one, please ask our front desk staff and one will be provided for you.
Q. What are estimates and what is included in an estimate?
A: All estimates will include descriptions and costs for all treatment and/or surgical options. Our estimates have a low and a high end, this is to cover many variables associated with your pet’s treatment. Some of these variables are medications, time under anesthesia, number of sutures or implants, or complexity of the case. Our estimates will cover only the items listed on the estimate. Bandage changes, sedation required for any follow-up visits, refills on medications, any complications from surgery and additional treatments that may arise are NOT covered in our estimate. We do not charge for these items ahead of time due to the unpredictable nature of your pet and their recovery.
Q: What is a drop-off appointment?
A: A drop-off appointment will require a time for you to drop off your pet in the morning (usually between 7am-8:30am) and return later in the day after the completion of your pet's appointment. This initial drop off appointment lasts approximately 15 minutes. These appointments are necessary if your pet must have a sedation for a minor surgical procedure, radiographs, or a recheck. Sedation is usually required for anxious or aggressive patients because it allows us to safely treat and assess your pet’s health. A drop off appointment is also utilized for some of our more complex bandage changes. These bandages take the coordination of several staff members so these appointments are worked in throughout the day. On occasion a client may opt for a drop off appointment due to scheduling conflicts or convenience for their own schedule. A boarding fee of $25 will be charged to clients who request a drop-off appointment when no treatment is required.
Q: What is the importance of an e-collar?
A: The e-collar will help prevent your pet from licking or chewing at their incision following surgery. One small lick to this area can introduce bacteria to the incision causing infection and further damage to the surgical area. If the pet is able to chew at their incision this could lead to many complications which can include medications, additional treatments, failure of the surgical procedure, and life threatening issues, all which are costly expenses to you, the pet owner.
Q: What is a discharge appointment?
A: A discharge appointment is a scheduled check-out appointment for your pet, and can run approximately 30 minutes long. One of our customer care representatives will schedule a discharge appointment for you and the appointment will typically take place the day after surgery. A discharge appointment from surgery will entail closing out your final bill, scheduling follow-up appointments, and meeting with the Doctor Assistant to go over medications and how to care for your pet over the upcoming weeks. A discharge appointment from a sedated procedure such as a CT, bandage change, or recheck, will most likely occur the same day as the procedure and will consist of finalizing any payments, scheduling any further appointments, and instructions from the day’s visit.
Q: My pet's attending doctor is not available but my pet needs to be seen as soon as possible. What should I do?
A: If you are concerned about your pet, any of our surgeons would be happy to see your pet. All of our surgeons are Board Certified and they all complete the same surgeries. Your pet will be in good hands with any of our surgeons to address your concerns.
Q: Do you offer curbside appointments?
A: Yes, at the request of an Owner we can offer a curbside appointment. We would ask that you call the front desk when you arrive to inform them that you are here. They will make sure we have all of your paperwork and will get you connected with one of our Doctors Assistants. Our Doctors Assistant will go over the history and the concerns that have brought you to our clinic.
When they complete their history they will come out to your vehicle to bring your pet into the clinic. Our Doctors Assistant will then take the pet to the doctor to be examined in detail. They would ask permission to do any radiographs or bloodwork if needed (Any surgical patient needs to have bloodwork that has been completed in the last 6 months). The Doctor's assistant will return the pet to you after the examination and the doctor will call you with his full examination and options on how to proceed forward. If surgery is warranted and you choose to proceed forward, the doctor will pass you back to the front desk staff to close you out for the appointment, take any payments for the visit, and schedule for any follow up. We ask that you stay in your vehicle and in the parking lot until the completion of checking out for the day.
