Your Dog’s Visit

Discover our tips for a successful visit to the vet with your dog.

A few pointers to help you get ready for your dog’s trip to the vet:

  • Bring your cat’s medical record. If you’ve just adopted your pet, don’t forget the documents from the breeder or shelter.
  • Please bring your claim form if you have pet insurance, so the veterinarian can fill it out during your visit.
  • Write down or take a picture of the brand and type of food you’re feeding your pet.
  • Make a list of any supplements, medication or other items you’re giving your pet that didn’t come from our hospital.
  • Take note of their daily routine, including how much they eat/drink and how frequently they urinate/defecate, for our medical team.
  • Do you have any questions for the vet? Please make a list of your questions, and we’ll be happy to answer them!
  • Your vet may want to perform a fecal exam on your pet to look for intestinal worms. In which case, you should bring a fresh thumb-sized stool sample in a Ziploc bag.
  • When visiting our animal hospital, please keep your dog on a leash for their own safety. You can bring smaller animals in a pet carrier. We can also provide a carrier for a refundable deposit, if needed.
  • Cancellation policy: Our staff does everything they can to give our patients the best care possible in a timely manner. But we also need your help! If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, we ask that you give us 24 hours’ notice so we can offer the time slot to another pet that needs care. Please note that if you don’t call ahead, we charge a $75 no-show fee, which must be paid before we can provide any further services.

Some dogs may be anxious or stressed during their vet visit.

Here are a few tips to keep them calm:

  • Bring along a pack of their favourite treats and reward them throughout the visit, e.g., when your pet enters the hospital, when they’re on the scale, when they’re sitting quietly, etc.
  • Synthetic pheromone products like Adaptil can help relieve stress and calm your pet when you’re on the go. Spray the product on a scarf least 15 minutes before tying it around your pet’s neck, with the part you sprayed under their muzzle. Many dogs experience motion sickness, but you can manage it by:

    a. Not letting them have any food or water at least 30 minutes before leaving.

    b. Using seat belts and specialized car harnesses to strap your pet in and minimize movement.

    c. Giving them pet-safe anti-nausea medication. Ask your vet if these products are right for your pet.