Appointment Policy

To allow ample time for all patients and scheduled surgical procedures, we operate primarily by appointment. Please note that our appointments are always on EASTERN (South Bend) time! Emergency cases shall always receive top priority, which is why an occasional appointment delay is inevitable. Please realize that we make a sincere attempt to see each client on time.  To help ensure a consistent flow appointments delayed by 10 minutes or more may have to be rescheduled.  Please call early to let us know if you're running late.  We do try to work in truly sick patients on the same or next day; please advise the receptionist if you honestly believe that your pet's condition is critical.  Please do not abuse this for your own convenience.  Chronic problems are not emergencies just because you want it dealt with today, your day off!

574-654-3129
 

We encourage clients to consider insurance coverage for their pets so that they are able to provide optimal care at lower expense.   Although we do not submit claim forms or accept third party payments, we are happy to provide duplicate receipts and other documentation needed for your to submit your own claims.


Patient Arrival Policy   Even though we make every effort to make our patients feel comfortable, they may be a little uneasy around new people, in new situations, and around other pets.  For your protection, and that of others, all dogs must be on a leash and properly controlled while in the waiting area or exam rooms. All cats should be presented in an appropriate cat carrier (click on "Links" at left then Healthy Cats for Life for carrier tips) or on a leash.   Please don't risk losing your pet in the parking lot by carrying him in your arms --- you never know when a passing car or another pet may frighten him into jumping away.   Plus, carriers make driving safer than a cat loose in the car.  We have inexpensive cardboard carriers available if you should need one.   Insurance policies require us to restrain your pet during examinations for your own safety as you never know how even the friendliest pet may react when scared or hurt, even when we know procedures are for their own good.  Plus, that way you can concentrate on the doctor's advice and it lets us be the bad guy when he gets one of those nasty injections.
 

We strive to keep our fees as low as possible.  One way we try to conserve costs is in billing and collection costs.  We require full payment at the time that services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, cash and personal checks.  We will gladly hold checks and credit card slips to process at reasonable and mutually acceptable future dates, although at least partial payment is required at discharge.  You may also apply for credit through out in-house billing system, Care Credit, which issues private credit cards for use in medical, dental, and veterinary offices OR Cherry. Our Preventive Health Care Plans allow you to make a small monthly payment over the course of a year and let your pet receive all the preventive care services we recommend, including vaccinations, blood and stool tests, de-worming, nail trims, and a full year supply of heartworm and flea prevention.  For more information, click the Preventive Health Care Plans tab on the left.