General Policy
Yearly booster vaccines for dogs and cats are strongly advised. These are necessary to ensure adequate immunity against the common, yet preventable, deadly diseases that afflict animals. Rabies vaccination of ALL dogs and cats is required every year by law. A physical exam is required prior to vaccine administration. Pets over six years of age should receive a complete physical exam including a urinalysis and blood chemistry profile once a year. Dental care is strongly recommended for the prevention and treatment of gum, heart, and kidney disease. Heartworm tests and fecal examinations are part of your pet's yearly exam. All dogs and cats should be on year round heartworm preventative medication. We also recommend the spaying/neutering of your pet at an early age. It is for the health and welfare of your pets that we make these recommendations.

Restraint
Please keep pets on a leash, in hand, or in a suitable carrier while waiting for your appointment to begin. For reasons of safety, animals must not be allowed to roam freely in the hospital. If you have a biting dog or cat, please tell one of our staff members so that injuries can be avoided.

Surgery
All surgical patients are admitted from 7:30-8:30 am, on the day of the surgical procedure. Please do not feed or water your pet after 11:00 pm, the evening before surgery. When you drop off your pet, you will be asked to sign a surgery/anesthesia and pre-anesthetic bloodwork release form. We will give you a call after surgery to update you on your pet's status. You will be able to talk to the doctor or technician when you pick up your pet, and instructions or questions can be discussed at that time.

Post Surgery
If your pet has sutures, please monitor them carefully. After returning home with your pet, please withhold food and water for two hours. This allows your pet to settle down and get readjusted. If your pet vomits, does not eat, or acts ill, please let us know.

Hospitalization, Boarding, & Discharge Policy
At some point, your pet may require hospitalization due to a medical problem or surgical procedure. For your convenience and your pet's well being, you may also wish to board your animals with us. Animals with infectious/contagious diseases are isolated from noninfectious hospitalized and boarding animals. Each animal is required to be up to date on all vaccinations including a fecal exam. Animals without a current vaccination history will be vaccinated upon admission to the hospital. Animals will be dewormed if found to be infected. Pets found to have fleas and/or ticks will be treated. Animals in a boarding situation may become soiled. These animals will be bathed at the owner's expense prior to discharge. Animals will only be discharged during regular office hours.

Recall Reminders & Dispensing Medication
We hope you share our belief that regular preventative veterinary care is a sound investment. As the old saying goes, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" While the responsibility of returning your pet for annual vaccinations, exams, and rechecks rests primarily with you, we will assist you in remembering. Our office will send you written reminders and/or attempt to call you when it is time to bring your pet in for medical care. It is our policy to provide refills on medication when continuing conditions necessitate. All refills are given at the discretion of our doctors. We ask you to call the hospital in advance so we can have your pet's medication ready. Please do not ask for any medication if we have not recently examined your pet. Please do not treat your pet with previously dispensed medications without a doctor's approval. An annual heartworm examination is required before we can dispense heartworm preventative medication for any dog.

Telephone Calls
Our staff is happy to answer your questions. If consultation with a veterinarian is necessary, please leave your name, phone number, and concern. A doctor will return your call as soon as possible.

Fees
We believe fees we charge are fair and reasonable. Unlike human hospitals, the facilities provided for your pet are entirely available due to private enterprise. These facilities represent a substantial investment in the health and welfare of our community. If your pet requires major surgery or extensive hospitalization, we will be glad to give you an estimate of foreseen expenses. Please do no hesitate to ask how much treatment will cost before it is started. Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept cash, personal checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. We also offer Care Credit. Please ask our receptionist for an application. Our "no charge" policy enables us to keep the cost of veterinary care to a minimum.


© 2011 BeardenVets