Appointments
We kindly ask that you give 24 hours notice if you cannot keep your scheduled appointment. Appointments canceled without notice are subject to an office call fee for the time reserved.
Drop-Offs
This service is available for the convenience of those clients who choose to leave their pet with us for the day, or because the veterinary staff needs more time than an appointment allows. There is a nominal fee that accompanies this service. Upon dropping your pet off, we will ask that you sign an estimate acknowledging potential diagnostics and therapies that suit your animal’s needs. Every item on the estimate will not necessarily be pursued. We will do our best to see each pet in a timely fashion and will contact your with our initial assessment and diagnostic recommendations prior to instituting therapy. To establish a working relationship with you and your and pet, we request that any animal’s first visit to Shady Grove Animal Clinic be an appointment. After the first visit, pets may be scheduled for surgeries or drop offs. Doctor requests will be noted, but for time reasons and the health of your pet may not always be possible.
Many of Shady Grove Animal Clinic’s clients participate in our patient drop-off service. Whether due to limited appointment openings, client’s time constraints, or simply convenience, this option allows us to see a sick or healthy patient in a timely manner.
The most important aspect of this service is the history provided by the client. The drop-off questionnaire allows the owner to provide information we commonly need to help our patients. Please take the time to fill out this form completely. Since our patients cannot talk, the information you provide will hopefully allow us to avoid delays in treatment and unnecessary or expensive testing.
Emergency Services
Emergencies always take priority. If at all possible, please call to let us know the severity and character of the emergency. This will allow us to prepare equipment and essential supplies prior to your arrival. Please also remember that as closing time approaches, it may be advantageous to call ahead to assess whether your pet may need overnight care and should seek initial and continued care at a local emergency clinic. Shady Grove Animal Clinic’s final appointments of the day are at 5:30 p.m. Any cases seen later than this time will be subject to an emergency fee.
Referrals
There may come a time when your pet needs the care of a veterinary specialist. We can help you make that decision. Most specialists require a written referral. Please give us 48 hours notice to prepare the paperwork and to burn copies of any necessary radiographs. Any emergency referrals will be done as soon as your pet is stabilized and en route to the facility of destination. For more information on our local referral centers and ERs, CLICK HERE.
Prescription Drugs and Diets
With our well-stocked, in-house pharmacy, we can fill the majority of your pet’s pharmaceutical needs. If we do not carry a certain medication, it may be obtainable via our online pharmacy/store, which is linked through the Shady Grove website. You also have the right to ask for a written prescription that may be used to fill a drug at the pharmacy of your choice. Please allow 48 hours for us to process all requests. Shady Grove Animal Clinic does not fax or mail written prescriptions, although electronic prescriptions can be made through our online store. It is the responsibility of the owner to pick up all written and in-house prescriptions. Heartworm and flea and tick preventives purchased from the clinic may be mailed with no shipping charge. Please be aware that any manufacturers guarantees associated with products/medications may be void if not purchased directly from the veterinary clinic or our online store. It is also the client’s responsibility to ensure that any pharmacies they use are licensed in the state of Virginia. When requesting a refill on a prescription diet, please allow one week in the event that we do not have the diet in stock, or need to make a special order. Many of these diets are available via the online store. We reserve the right to charge a nominal fee for written prescriptions.
Local Ordinances
Rabies vaccinations are required by law on all cats, dogs, and ferrets over 3-4 months of age. New patients will need to have proof of rabies vaccinations including date and location the vaccination was given. As of July 1, 2007, the state requires that your dog(s) be registered with the county in which you reside within 90 days of vaccination. Please remember all veterinarians are now required by law to submit this information to the local jurisdictions. You can find more information on licensing your animal on our helpful links page. CLICK HERE
Late Appointments
We want to give your pet the proper attention it deserves. If you arrive late for your appointment, Shady Grove Animal Clinic reserves the right to ask you to reschedule or drop your pet off so that it may be cared for during non-appointment hours. Thank you for your understanding.