Preparing for Your Appointment
Below you will find some information about how to prepare for your pet's upcoming appointment:
Office Appointment
-
Make a "To-Do" & Questions List: Write down your questions and concerns ahead of time so nothing gets overlooked during a stressful visit.
-
Bring Medical Records: If you are a new client or were seen elsewhere, bring past vaccine history, medical records, bloodwork, and X-rays. Current vaccine records are required to protect our staff and other pets.
-
Bring Samples (If Applicable): Collect a fresh stool or urine sample if your pet is experiencing gastrointestinal or urinary issues.
Diagnostic Service Appointment
-
Pre-Procedure Exam & Records: Pets dropped off for full-day diagnostics (X-rays, OFA/sedated X-rays, barium series, or all-day bloodwork) require a recent exam with one of our doctors. Bring all past medical records, bloodwork, and X-rays. Up-to-date vaccines are strictly required for all hospitalized pets.
-
Feeding Instructions: Fast your pet after midnight the night before the appointment. Water is permitted unless advised otherwise.
-
What to Pack:
-
Food & Meds: Bring daily medications and any special diet food. (Standard bedding, bowls, and select diets are provided).
-
Exotics/Small Pets: Bring their specific food and water bottles (not kept in stock).
-
Personal Belongings: Leave toys, personal bedding, and leashes at home; we cannot be responsible for lost or soiled items.
-
-
Drop-Off & Check-In:
-
Time: Drop off between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM (or the evening prior during normal business hours).
-
LDDST Testing Note: Pets scheduled for a Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression Test (LDDST) must check in promptly at 8:00 AM for this 8-hour testing protocol.
-
Process: Plan for a 15-minute check-in to weigh your pet, complete paperwork, answer questions, and confirm an estimated pickup time.
-
Surgical Appointments
-
Pre-Op Exam & Records: All surgical pets require a recent exam with one of our doctors. Bring all past medical records, bloodwork, and X-rays. Current vaccines are strictly required for all hospitalized pets to protect our staff and patients.
-
Feeding Instructions: Fast your pet after midnight the night before surgery. Water is okay unless instructed otherwise.
-
What to Pack:
-
Food & Meds: Bring any daily medications and special diet food. (We provide standard bedding, bowls, and select food diets).
-
Exotics/Small Pets: Bring their specific food and water bottles (not kept in stock).
-
Personal Belongings: Leave toys, personal bedding, and leashes at home, as we cannot be responsible for lost or soiled items.
-
-
Drop-Off & Check-In:
-
Time: Drop off between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on surgery day (or the afternoon/evening prior during normal business hours).
-
Process: Plan for a 15-minute check-in to complete paperwork, record a current weight, address questions, and confirm a pickup time.
-
OFA Requirement
Please bring the following required paperwork and information to submit your pet's Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) radiographs:
-
AKC Registration: Original or copy of your pet's AKC registration papers.
-
Microchip / ID: Microchip number or permanent identification details.
-
Completed OFA Application: A fully filled-out OFA Application for Hip/Elbow Dysplasia Database form.
-
Payment Details: Complete the payment section at the bottom of the form (required for radiograph submission).
Forms can be downloaded directly at www.offa.org.
To ensure we can accommodate as many pets in need as possible, we kindly ask for 24 hours' advance notice if you need to modify or cancel your scheduled visit. Missed appointments without notice may be charged a fee.
We strive to keep all appointments on time; however, schedules are subject to change. If any unforeseen adjustments occur on our end, we will reach out to inform you immediately.