Policies

Appointment Policy

To allow ample time for all patients and scheduled surgical procedures, we operate by appointment. We ask that all scheduled appointments arrive 5-10 minutes before their scheduled time, especially if introducing our team to a new pet as this allows enough time for the registration process to be completed before the scheduled appointment time. We do our very best to ensure we see your pet at their scheduled time, but unforeseen circumstances, such as emergencies or extended appointments, may delay your pet's visit with us, and we appreciate your patience when these situations arise.

For your convenience, 'check in' appointments are available. A 'check in ' means you bring your pet in the morning between 7 am and 9 am and leave your pet with us. You will talk to an assistant at the time of your arrival to go over your concerns and any procedures needed. The doctor will examine your pet, complete all necessary procedures, and give you a call to go over the diagnosis and discharge instructions. Our goal for most check in appointments is for them to be able to go home by 2pm. 

Payment Policy

We require full payment at the time that services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Care Credit, American Express, cash and personal checks.

Patient Arrival Policy

For your protection, and that of others, all dogs must be on a leash and properly controlled on arrival to our hospital. Please be mindful that not all pets like meeting new friends and some are stressed in new environments. Please proceed with care when approaching other visiting pets within our hospital, not only for their safety, but for others as well. Please notify our team if your pet has specific needs so we can ensure they are as comfortable and safe as possible.  

All cats must arrive in an appropriate cat carrier with all doors and zippers properly closed. 

Appointment Cancellation, No-Show, and Late Arrival Policies

We strive to provide timely care for all our patients. To maintain our schedule, we ask for your cooperation with the following policies:

Office Visit Appointment Cancellation Policy:

If you need to cancel or reschedule an office visit appointment, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance. This allows us to reallocate your appointment time to another patient in need of care.

Surgical Appointment Cancellation Policy:

If you need to cancel or reschedule a surgical appointment, please notify us at least 48 hours in advance. This allows us to reallocate your surgical appointment time to another patient in need of a surgical procedure. Failure to provide adequate notice will result in the forfeiture of the surgical reservation fee. 

You can cancel your appointment via Pet Desk or by calling our office at 770-267-3006.  If you cannot reach a receptionist, leave a voicemail with:

• Your name
• Your pet’s name
• A contact number

We will confirm receipt of your message and assist with rescheduling if needed.

No-Show Policy:

A No-Show is recorded when a client misses a scheduled appointment without canceling in advance.

- First No-Show: We will contact you to reschedule and may require an examination reservation fee, which will be applied to the new appointment.

- Second No-Show: A second no-show will result in a required examination reservation fee for future appointments. Again, the fee will be applied to the next appointment.

- Subsequent No-Shows: If a third no-show occurs, the examination reservation fee will be forfeited, and repeated no-shows may result in being declined for future appointments.

Late Arrival Policy:

Our team hopes to make your visit a pleasurable one. In our efforts to make your visit more comfortable and to minimize wait times, our office has implemented a late arrival policy. If you know you will be late for your scheduled appointment, please call 770-267-3006. Our receptionist will advise you of your options.

A grace period of 10 minutes will be permitted for unforeseen delays an owner may encounter while traveling to our hospital for their scheduled appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late for your scheduled appointment time, you will be given the option of being a work-in, if the schedule permits. A work-in appointment might have an increased fee and your wait time may be longer, depending on the doctor’s schedule.

Unfortunately, we may not always be able to accommodate late arrivals. In such cases, we may offer to:

- Reschedule your appointment

- Check your pet in for the doctor to examine

- Allow you to wait if there is an open appointment time available