Veterinary Service with Courtesy & Respect!

When you arrive at Downtown Animal Hospital, you can expect quality care for your pet. There are a number of things that happen even before you arrive to make your visit successful.  Our goal is  a positive experience for you and your pet – no matter the reason for your visit.   This starts with preparing for the visit. If your pet is not used to travel, or is fearful of the unusual experience of going to the veterinarian,  it makes the provision of care more difficult for them and for us. Our staff will want to know not only any medical concerns, but to know if there are any FAS (Fear, Anxiety, Stress) concerns. 

We have plenty of techniques we can offer you for travel to the clinic to make that a better experience. We will ask you questions, and assess your pets behaviour upon arrival and throughout the visit to address and calm any anxieties.  We will also address bringing your pet home, and strategies for the return visit.

We will do our best to make sure you are brought into an examination room as soon as we have one available.  In the meantime, we do have a separate waiting area for felines as both felines and canines can become agitated when faced with each other. 

Our goal is to make sure all of our patients are seen on time, but there will be times the occasional unexpected delay due to an emergency or because we are providing care for a patient that needs a little more time. Please accept our apologies should this occur, and understand that the same dedication and courtesy will be provided to your pet should they ever need it.

Here’s what to expect during your visit:

• Unless there is a medical concern,  your pet would arrive hungry – this allows us to provide treats to help your pet associate with us in a positive manner. Bring your pets favorite treats or comforting items to help with positive associations. 
• When you arrive, we will weigh your pet and introduce you into one of our consultation rooms as soon as we can.  We have treats and other distraction techniques to aid in that transition.
• A veterinarian will then meet you, gather basic information about your pet’s health, examine your pet, talk about any questions or concerns you may have and plan further diagnostics or treatment as needed.  In some circumstances a technician may come in to gather information.
• Any recommended diagnostics tests (i.e. blood work) and treatments are usually performed in one of our treatment rooms.  We try not to separate pet from their owners although this is not always possible.  Costs associated with any medical procedure will be communicated to you prior to proceeding.  We work with you and, if applicable your insurance company.  Doctors will communicate the results of any diagnostics.  This can take 48 hours or more; your doctor will communicate to you what to expect. 
• We assess both the physical and emotional well-being of your pet throughout the visit and we will also discuss strategies for future visits, particularly if you pet is especially anxious. 
• When the veterinary consultation is complete, you’ll go back to our front reception area where your billing and future appointment bookings will be handled.  It is our practice to book your next appointment.  Don’t worry if you do not know your exact schedule, we can make changes at a later date if necessary.
• Depending on the reason for your visit, you may expect a follow-up to get an update on how your pet has been doing since their visit. If you have any concerns, talk to us about them. We hope you enjoy your visit and the service we provide, and we would be delighted to see you again.
• It is our goal to ensure you have a positive experience at every stage of every visit.  If there are any questions or we have not met expectations,  please let us know immediately.  Phone or email info@downtownanimalhospital.com, or fill out our customer service survey.