What is considered an emergency?

   
• Difficulty breathing
   
• Purple, blue or white gums as opposed to pink
   
• Bloated appearance of the abdomen with non-productive vomiting
   
• Inability to urinate or defecate
   
• Vomiting over a prolonged period
   
• Inability to eat or drink
   
• Excessive bleeding

Can I call to speak with a doctor?

Due to the volume of appointments and surgeries we now see, it is not always possible for the doctor to take phone calls first thing in the morning or in the middle of the day. Each doctor is assigned a veterinary technician during the day. If, during the course of the day, you find it necessary to speak to a doctor, please leave a message with the technician if the doctor is unavailable. They will ensure that the message is passed along, and will call you back directly to either retrieve more information or to relay a message from the doctor. Rest assured that your call is very important to us, and we will make every effort to respond to you in a timely manner.

How can I receive the results of my bloodwork/labwork?

For the reasons stated above, it is sometimes necessary for the doctor to call you back late in the day with lab results. Very often, the doctor will have his or her veterinary technician contact you with lab results or, if you are unavailable, we will send you results in the mail. The technicians do not interpret lab results, so please do not ask them to. We realize your pet's results are important to you, so we will again make every effort to contact you or respond to you in a timely manner.

How can I decide which doctor to see?

Finding the veterinarian that's right for you and your pet is as important as finding your own physician. For new clients, we hope that you will find our doctor profiles helpful in selecting your pet's veterinarian. You can also seek referrals from friends, other hospitals or our staff to assist you in making this decision. If you are ever uncomfortable with the doctor you have chosen, please don't give up. We are more than willing to listen to your concerns and to help you select another doctor.

Will I receive an estimate?

Estimates should always be given, especially in regard to hospitalizations for a sick pet. If you are not provided with one and would like one, please ask. Additionally, keep in mind that an estimate is just that-an estimate-and the cost could potentially be higher or lower. In the event of an extended hospitalization, it is wise to ask for a daily update of your total invoice.

How is euthanasia handled?

The decision of when to euthanize is highly personal and is never easy. While our staff cannot tell you what to do, we will do our best to be supportive. Sometimes euthanasia or the death of a pet takes us by surprise, and we're left at the last minute to make decisions about what to do with the remains of a pet. We utilize a company that offers several options in that case. One option is a group burial with no ashes returned. The second option is a private cremation with ashes returned. You may also take the body home if your city or township allows. Sometimes it helps to make these decisions in advance, and our staff can guide you through this process.