New clients
First visits, minus the mystery.
Here’s exactly how the first appointment works, what to bring, and what it costs — so the only unknown left is whether your pet prefers the chicken treats or the peanut butter.
The first visit
A 40-minute appointment, minute by minute
01 · Check-in
Straight to a room
Your forms are already done (they arrived by text when you booked), so you skip the clipboard. Cats and prey species go to the quiet room away from dog traffic.
02 · Settle
Sniff and settle
The first minutes belong to your pet: exploring, taking treats, sizing us up. A technician chats with you about history, habits, diet, and anything that worries you.
03 · Exam
Nose to tail, on their terms
Dr. Nair or Dr. Whitfield examines eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, skin, joints, and belly — on the floor, on a lap, or wrapped in a towel, wherever your pet does best.
04 · Plan
Prices before procedures
You get a written plan sorted urgent-first, with exact prices. If anything beyond the exam makes sense today, we ask before we do it — every time.
Be ready
What to bring
- Prior records — or just your old vet’s name; we’ll request them for you when you book
- A list of current medications, supplements, and the food your pet eats (a photo of the bag works)
- A fresh stool sample if you can get one (less than 12 hours old) — it saves a return trip
- Carrier for cats and pocket pets, leash for dogs — hungry pets take treats better, so a light meal beforehand is fine
- For exotics: photos of the enclosure, the lighting setup, and the exact diet
About the forms
Your intake form arrives by text or email the moment you book — about five minutes on your phone. Nothing to print, nothing to fill out in the lobby. Running late on it? The front desk has a tablet.
New-client exam
$45
reg. $78 · dogs + cats
Nose-to-tail exam, unhurried, prices in writing
- Full 40-minute appointment
- Written care plan, urgent-first
- Records requested from your previous vet
One per household, for dogs and cats new to the practice. Exotic companions start with the $88 exotics exam. Vaccines and diagnostics are separate and always approved by you first.
Exam fees
New-client exam (dogs + cats)
$45
Wellness exam, established
$68
Sick / same-day urgent exam
$92
Exotic companion exam
$88
Paying for care
How money works here
Payment is due at the time of service — and because every procedure starts with a written estimate, you always know the number before we start.
Pet insurance
Pet insurance reimburses you: pay at the visit, submit the claim, get paid back per your policy. We make it painless — itemized invoices the same day and records sent to any insurer on request. If you’re choosing a policy, ask us what claims we see most for your pet’s breed and age.
CareCredit
For bigger treatment — a dental, a surgery — CareCredit spreads the cost into monthly payments. Applying takes about two minutes from your phone with an instant decision. Terms are shown by the lender before you accept; financing is optional, never required.
Cards + estimates
All major cards, debit, and HSA/FSA where eligible. Anything beyond the exam fee comes with a written estimate first — if the plan changes mid-procedure, we call you before spending your money.
Before you visit
New-client questions
Anything else? Call and ask — a human answers.
Call (828) 555-0117How soon can we be seen?
New-client wellness exams usually book within a week; call if your pet is sick and we’ll fold you into the same-day schedule when we can. Mornings fill first.
My pet hasn’t seen a vet in years. Is that a problem?
It’s common, and nobody here will make you feel bad about it. We start with where your pet is today and build a plan sorted by what actually matters first — not a catch-up lecture.
Can you get records from my old vet?
Yes. Give us the practice name when you book and we’ll request records before your visit — vaccines, bloodwork, history, all of it. You don’t have to make an awkward phone call.
My cat falls apart in the car. Any advice?
Leave the carrier out at home for a few days with treats inside, cover it with a towel for the drive, and book one of our quiet-room slots. If travel is still a meltdown, ask about pre-visit calming medication — the doctor can often help before the next trip.
Do you board or groom?
No — we’re a medical practice and we’d rather do that one thing well. We’re happy to suggest local boarding and grooming options that we’d use for our own pets.