Patient Information

What to Expect at a Veterinary Appointment

Understanding what to expect at your first veterinary appointment with us will help make the process easier and more comfortable for you and your pet. 

Learn more about our office policies, payment options, and appointment booking by reading through our hospital FAQs.

• Is a deposit required in advance of services?

  Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital reserves the right to require a deposit. Examples include new clients, surgeries, and specialty surgeries, etc.

  In the event of a cancellation with less than 24 hours notice, the deposit will be non-refundable.

  Specialty surgery cancellations with less than 24 hour notice, will be charged a cancellation fee which will be deducted from the deposit. The fee(s) will vary based on the type of surgery.

• Are there no show fees for missed appointments?

  In the event that you are unable to make it to your scheduled appointment time, we ask that you notify us within 24 hours.

  We understand that there can be unforeseen circumstances, in which case, we ask that you notify the hospital as soon as feasibly possible.

  If we are not notified of the cancellation and you are unable to make it to the scheduled appointment time, you may be subject to a no show fee.

• What types of payment options are available?

  We require payment in full at the time that services are provided or when your pet is discharged. We also accept payment by cash, American Express, Discover, Visa, or MasterCard.

• Are there payment plans available for my pet’s care?

  We are proud to offer CareCredit and Scratchpay as a financing option. Both offer an easy application process that will give you results in minutes.

• Will I be provided with an estimate of costs?

  We will be sure to provide you with an estimate of the cost of our services in good faith 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?

  We encourage all of our clients to call ahead and book an appointment to ensure that we have space in our schedule to treat your companion. 

  Book Your Next Appointment

• What types of animals do you treat?

  We take care of 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 in-house pharmacy.

• What are the fees associated with a specialty appointment?

  You are responsible for the initial examination fee as well as any diagnostics or treatment that you consent to us providing for your pet. This payment is due at the time service is provided. 

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

• Where should I go for emergency services?

  Paws & Claws Veterinary Hospital is able to offer scheduled appointments and routine care to pets in Tracy. 

  If your pet is experiencing a veterinary emergency, we are happy to refer you to one of the trusted emergency veterinary hospitals in our area. 

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• Can you help with my pet insurance?

  We are happy to assist insurance companies by providing them proper documentation once you’ve submitted your claim.