Patient Information

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.

Our Pet Care Philosophy

Our standards are high because we understand how important your animal friend is to you – and that nothing less than the best will do. Your pet is a devoted companion, and when Riverside pet owners entrust that friendship to us at Riverside Animal Hospital, our staff takes the responsibility seriously.

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 emergency care during our regular business hours, please contact us right away.

  Book Your Next Appointment

• 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 take care of all small domestic pets such as cats and dogs.

• 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 a specialty appointment?

  You are financially responsible for the initial examination fee and any diagnostics or treatment that you consent to for your pet’s treatment. This payment is due at the time of service.

  For further hospitalization, diagnostics, or surgery, a deposit is required upfront with payment due in full when your pet is discharged.

• 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 up front, with payment in full due when your pet is discharged. 

• Do you offer behavioral consulting services?

  Behavior issues can be extremely frustrating to deal with and can significantly impact your household, family, and friends. Riverside Animal Hospital offers consultation on how to handle and correct your dog or cat's harmful behaviors

• Can you help with my pet insurance?

  We’re happy to help you fill out pet insurance forms for your pet’s visit.

Extra Resources for Clients Old and New

Here are some helpful links to stay on top of your dog or cat's healthcare services.