What to Expect at a Veterinary Appointment
Knowing what to expect at your first appointment will help make the process more pleasant for both you and your pet.
Get Settled
Please arrive approximately 10 minutes early to fill out our New Patient Form. To save a bit of time, you can complete the New Patient Form online in advance.
Meet Your Veterinarian
A member of our team will review your pet's history and discuss their issues. You can ask any questions you want, and we'll dedicate time to answering them.
Examination, Diagnosis & Treatment
Once your pet has been assessed, we will provide you with a diagnosis and options for treatment. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine a treatment plan for your pet.
After your visit, we will create a detailed report of our diagnosis, the discussion we had with you, and your pet's treatment plan. We will keep this information on hand for whenever you need it.
Our Pet Care Philosophy
We understand that when it comes to the care of your pet, you want a place you can trust and rely on to provide them with the care they need. At Elkhorn Walerga Animal Hospital, you can put your worries to rest knowing that our doctors and staff always put the needs of your pet first.
Hospital FAQs
Learn more about our office policies, payment options, and appointment booking by reading through our hospital FAQs.
- What types of payment options are available?
Payment in full is expected at the time services are provided or upon discharge of your pet. We accept payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- Are there payment plans available for my pet’s care?
We are proud to offer CareCredit as a financing option. They offer an easy application process that will give you results in minutes.
- Will I be provided with an estimate of costs?
We will provide a good-faith estimate of the cost of our services prior to treating your pet. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise that impact your final bill.
We will always discuss our written estimate with all clients before they leave our facility, and require a deposit based on our estimate prior to any further treatment.
- Should I call ahead to book an appointment?
Yes, please call ahead to book an appointment to ensure we have room in our schedule to see your pet.
In the event that your pet needs urgent care during our regular business hours, please contact us right away.
- What is your appointment cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer the space in our schedule to other clients.
- What types of animals do you treat?
We provide exceptional veterinary care to cats and dogs from the Sacramento area.
- Where can I purchase my pet's prescription and food?
You can purchase all the medications and specialty food your pet needs either via our online store or our in-house pharmacy.
- What are the fees associated with an urgent care visit?
A deposit payment is required for all urgent care examinations. Once the staff and doctors have examined your pet, an estimate for treatment will be given to you to determine a treatment plan.
If further hospitalization, diagnostics, or surgery are required, a deposit is required up front, with payment in full due when your pet is discharged.
- Can you help with my pet insurance?
We’re happy to help you fill out pet insurance forms for your pet’s visit.
Pet Owner Resources
Here are some helpful links for your pet's health.