What to Expect at a Veterinary Appointment
Knowing what you can expect from your first appointment will help to make this process more pleasant both for you and for your pet.
Get Settled
We encourage you to arrive at least 10 minutes early in order to fill out our New Patient Form. If you'd like to save some time, you can also complete the New Patient Form online in advance.
Meet Your Veterinarian
A member of our veterinary team will sit down with you and walk through your pet's history as well as discuss their issues. This will be your chance to ask any questions you might have and we will be sure to 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 with us, we will create a detailed report of our diagnosis, the discussion we had with you and your pet's treatment plan. All of this information will remain on hand for whenever you might need it.
Our Pet Care Philosophy
We are proud to serve pet owners and their beloved companions when they are in need. At San Diego Bay Animal Hospital we are dedicated to providing exceptional care to all of our patients with compassion and care.
We are also passionate about preventative care, educating clients about their pets' health and taking our expertise and using it to serve our San Diego community.
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 aren't able to offer payment plans to our clients at this time.
- 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 our clients before they leave our facility and require a deposit based on your estimate before providing 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 emergency care during our regular business hours, please contact us right away.
- What is your appointment cancellation policy?
If you must cancel your appointment or reschedule it, please let us know as soonnas you can so that we can offer the space in our schedule to our other clients.
- What types of animals do you treat?
We take care of small domestic pets such as cats and dogs.
- What kind of end-of-life care do you offer your patients?
We know how hard it is to see your pet age. It's a difficult process that every pet owner must reckon with. Our doctors and staff are highly trained to evaluate and treat senior health and can give a number of treatment plans to individually suit you and your pet’s needs.
We are available to develop at-home treatment plans and hospice to keep your pet as calm and comfortable for as long as we can. When the time comes to really evaluate the quality of life we are here to help you through this most difficult time.
- Do you partner with organizations in the community?
We have volunteered our time with numerous rescue and veterinary organizations across the world! From Borneo to Thailand, we have worked with elephants, apes and more. Part of San Diego Bay Animal Hospital's commitment to veterinary excellence comes from community services.
Contact us to learn more about the work we do in the San Diego community.
- 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 emergency visit?
A deposit payment is required for all emergency 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 upfront, 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.