General Health

Our doctors feel that the best medicine is preventative medicine. This begins with the necessary puppy and kitten exams and vaccinations and continues with annual vaccinations. We believe also, that nutrition is of utmost importance to health and well-being. For this reason, our clinics carry a selection of professional pet foods and nutritional supplements. We will be glad to consult with you regarding the best dietary requirements for your pet's particular needs.

We realize that there are so many products on the market today for our pets that it can be overwhelming to pet owners trying to decide what is best for their pet. We do not sell anything that we have not already either tried on our own animals or wouldn't recommend for them. We are not in the business for selling products and you can trust us to only recommend what we feel is necessary and safe to maintain good health for your companions. We treat your pet as if they were our own.

Veterinary medicine has made great strides in recent years and pets are now enjoying much longer and more trouble-free lives than ever before. We would like to become your partner in providing the finest in health are for your pet

Surgery

All pets presented for elective surgery must have food and water withheld for 12 hours and be walked in the morning prior to hospitalization. Post-surgical pain relief is very important to us. We make sure that all of our surgery patients receive effective pain medication to relieve any discomfort that they may experience.

We do not require that vaccinations be current, however, it would be in your animal's best interest since it will be exposed to other animals in the facility. We overlook this requirement in order to reach as many animals as possible for neutering. Reducing the overpopulation of pets is one of our primary concerns

Hospitalization

Hospitalization may be a new experience for both you and your pet. With a few exceptions, after a short period of adjustment your pet will adapt to hospital care, surroundings and feedings. We encourage you to bring items from home that you feel may soothe your animal during this time away from home.

Several diets are available for your pet. If your animal has any special dietary needs which the doctor may not know about, please inform us. No visitations are allowed in the ward unless authorized by the doctor, this may upset your pet and other patients in the wards, however, you may be requested by the doctor to visit as a part of your pet's recovery therapy. If there is an unexpected change in your pet's condition, the doctor will contact you. Since there are living quarters above the hospital, we are able to monitor your pet's conditions very closely--often checking on your animal several times during the night. The doctors have even been known to take critical patients upstairs with them at night. No other clinic in town has doctors that actually have their residence onsite.

Please phone us before coming to pick up your pet. This will help to ensure that your pet is ready for discharge. If you have any problems or unanswered questions once you are home, please feel free to call us. On the day of discharge, hospitalized patients should not be permitted outdoor exercise without supervision. Feed the animal lightly and do not let it drink excessive amounts of water. Remember to administer all medications as directed. If you are uncertain, please call us for advice.

If your pet needs a prescription refilled, please telephone the office prior to coming in for the medications. Most of prescriptions have to be approved by the doctor, and this brief telephone call can save both you and our staff valuable time. This applies to prescription diets also. If you are considering using an on-line pharmacy, please check with us first as our prices are usually quite competitive.

Boarding

We do not board "healthy" animals at our hospital. Animals that are staying with us either are here for surgical procedures, or have an illness of a serious nature. Therefore, we feel that it is in the best interest of your pet to be boarded at a kennel or private home. Our receptionist will be glad to suggest several reliable faculties in the area. We apologize for any inconvenience this may bring to you.

Euthanasia

Our job is healing! The euthanasia of healthy animals is not a policy of this hospital. However, if there is more pain than pleasure in their life, or if they are terminally ill or injured, you may want to consider euthanasia.

Euthanasia should be considered only when another alternative is not available. We offer a cremation service for after-care.

Payments and Fees

Payment is expected at the time services are rendered. We make every effort to make sure all fees are fair and reasonable and you are encouraged to discuss charges before services are rendered. We have no desire to extend anyone beyond their means or intentions, however, in certain circumstances and only with the doctor's approval, payment plans will be considered. We accept cash, checks, or credit cards. We also offer Care Credit Services to our clients.

 We do not offer coupon for services. We just try and keep our prices low.

Hours

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 8:00 a.m. to noon

To allow ample time for all patients and scheduled surgical procedures, we operate on an appointment basis. Medical emergencies are synonymous with hospitals and understandably appointment delays occasionally occur. Please realize that we make a sincere attempt to see each client on time.

Emergency Service

Emergency service is available on a 24-hour basis. Our doctors are member of the emergency rotation that includes most of the veterinarians in the Grand Traverse region. If we are not on call, our answering machine will direct you to the veterinarian on call for our clients. This means that you have someone to call anytime , should your pet require immediate care.

 Thank you for allowing us to care for you pet.