FAQs
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.
FAQs for Our Veterinary Services
General Questions
What constitutes a pet emergency?
A pet emergency includes, but is not limited to:
- Difficulty breathing
- Unresponsiveness or unconsciousness
- Severe bleeding or wounds
- Signs of poisoning (e.g., ingestion of toxins, vomiting, tremors)
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Seizures
- Swelling, pain, or limping
- Abnormal gum color (pale, blue, or yellow)
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call us or bring your pet in for an evaluation by our staff.
Do I need an appointment to have my pet seen in the Emergency Department?
No appointment is necessary. We operate on a first-come, first-served basis, but life-threatening emergencies are prioritized. If you are thinking of coming in with your pet, please call us at (802) 863-2387. This will allow us to prepare for your visit and give your pet appropriate care as soon as you arrive.
What should I bring for my pet's emergency visit?
- A leash or carrier to ensure your pet’s safety
- Often times a video of how the pet is acting or photo of what they are passing ie, vomit or diarrhea is very helpful.
- Medical records if available (vaccination history, medications, prior diagnoses)
- Any relevant information about the emergency (e.g., what your pet ingested, timelines, symptoms)
- Packaging if available of what a pet ingested
How long will my visit take?
Can I stay with my pet during treatment?
Financial Questions
How much will my visit cost?
- Costs depend on the diagnostics and treatments required. After your pet has been evaluated by a doctor, our team will provide an initial estimate and discuss options with you.
- Credit card transactions will require a 3% processing fee.
Do you offer payment plans?
We accept various payment options, including credit cards and third-party financing plans like CareCredit. Call us for more details.
Other Services
Do you provide overnight monitoring?
Can you handle exotic pets or wildlife?
Deposits for Appointments and Surgeries/Payment Options
Why do I have to pay a deposit?
On the day of the procedure a 50% deposit is taken.
Consults require a $100 deposit which is refundable if the appointment is canceled at least 24 hours prior.
Why wasn’t I informed about the deposit?
Toxicity Cases and ASPCA Poison Control
Why are we referred to ASPCA Poison Control?
ASPCA Poison Control ($95 fee) provides expert toxicology guidance.
They:
- Evaluate your pet’s stability
- Offer treatment plans over the phone
- Work with our ER doctors and offer continued consultations for duration of your pet’s stay. Since we do not have in-house toxicologists, ASPCA’s expertise is invaluable and can sometimes save you hospitalization or even a trip to the clinic.
Advanced Diagnostics
Can you accommodate advanced diagnostics through the ER?
Wellness Care
Do you offer wellness care?
Ophthalmology Questions
Are there ocular emergencies?
What does an ophthalmology exam consist of and why do you repeat testing?
Our ophthalmic exam consists of a technician taking a thorough history and performing preliminary testing such as: vision responses (menace, pupillary light responses, dazzle), intraocular pressure, and Schirmer tear testing. These tests are all included in our consultation. Even if your primary veterinarian has performed these tests, we will repeat them to create a baseline of data. After preliminaries and a history are taken the doctor will perform a complete ophthalmic using a slit lamp and indirect headset to assess the internal and external components of both eyes, if applicable. After the exam is complete, the doctor will discuss a treatment plan and go over any testing that may be recommended.
Should I give medications prior to my first ophthalmology appointment?
Payment Options
Do you offer payment plans?
- Scratchpay: Apply for one-time loans.
- CareCredit: Apply for a line of credit. Both options provide immediate approval notifications.
Same-Day Procedures for New Patients
Can my pet have a procedure the same day as their specialty consultation?
Same day procedures are not guaranteed but our team will do their best to accommodate every pet’s specific needs.
Exotic Pets
Do you treat exotic pets?
The ER Process
What can I expect during an ER visit?
- Upon arrival, your pet will be triaged to assess urgency.
- Critical patients are prioritized; wait times for stable pets may vary
- The ER Exam fee is expected at time of presentation and full payment is expected at end of visit or at discharge.