Appointments
Please call to make an appointment to have your pet seen. We are usually able to schedule you within a 48 period of time and can often schedule you the day of the call. If your pet has previous medical records a copy of those records may be quite helpful to us. If you do not have a copy of the records, knowledge of the pet's vaccine history will be of benefit.
Restraint
Restraint of your pet in the clinic, as well as to and from the clinic, provides safety
for you and the animal. A loose, frightened animal in your car, the clinic parking lot, or even within the confines of the clinic can all result in disaster. Very small dogs, cats, exotics and birds should be in secure carriers or cages. Medium and large dogs need to wear a slip-tight type leash, or a collar and leash where the collar is snug enough to prevent the dog from being able to back out of it.
Pet I.D. Tattoos
Whenever an animal is anesthetized, we suggest the owner have their last name and driver's license number tattooed on the thinly haired part of the pet's abdomen or on the inside of their back leg. The letters and numbers need not be large.
If your pet goes to a new home, you will have the peace of mind that he or she can be returned if found. An identification tattoo only needs to work one time for you to realize the true value of this service.
By tattooing your last name, anyone finding the pet can go to a phone book and the pet's return may be only a phone call away. Police Departments suggest you use your driver's license number on all personal property as the owner can be traced through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or through any law enforcement agency.
AKC numbers are valuable for positive identification of an animal, however the AKC phone number is not readily available to the average citizen who may be attempting to return a lost or stolen pet.
A Pet ID Tattoo is not a replacement for a collar and ID tag, nor a micro-chip ID. We recommend all three, together for maximum pet protection.
Prescription Refills
A significant part of our daily service to our clients is acting as an animal pharmacy. Please call ahead for prescription refills so that they may be approved by the doctor and filled prior to your arrival. Likewise please try to anticipate your pet's food needs, particularly the special prescription diets.
Anticipating Your Pet's Needs
Being prepared to describe your pet's need for a visit to the clinic can help us identify the appropriate course of action or options if there is more than one good choice. We haven't met any pets yet that can articulate where and why they are in need of our services...it's up to you to help us with your observations.
Additional Helpful Information You Can Provide
1. Puppies and kittens presented for the first time should have a stool sample checked for parasites. A recent stool specimen (best within last 12 hours) collected at home in an air tight plastic bag or container will save your pet the discomfort (and embarrassment) of having the sample collected with a rectal probe (ugh!). Adult animals experiencing bowel problems may also require a specimen.
2. Urine specimens collected cleanly into a glass or plastic container with a lid can be submitted if your pet is experiencing problems with urination. The specimen should be no older than 2 hours. Room temperature is okay.
3. Most blood tests and anesthetic procedures require food withdrawal (not water) prior to the procedure. Please call ahead for specific instructions.
Referred by Another Veterinarian
If your pet is referred to us by a veterinarian from another clinic for a specific problem, we will address that problem according to your veterinarian's wishes. This may involve diagnostics only or diagnostics plus therapy. We request that you seek advice and care from your regular veterinarian for any unrelated problems or elective procedures.
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