At Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic we recognize that your pet is an important member of the family and we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence you have shown by entrusting their health care to us. As the owner, you are an important member of your pet’s health care team so we want you to feel comfortable and informed.
Waiting Room:
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the receptionist. She will take a few moment s to update your pet’s chart and to gather some basic information, the purpose for the visit and to get your pet’s current weight. For everyone’s safety and comfort, it is best if dogs are kept on a leash. They will also be more comfortable if they are given a few minutes to relieve themselves outside before coming in. Cats will be much more comfortable and feel safer if they are in a carrier or box of some sort. If you have any concerns or special requests (such as your dog doesn’t care for other dogs) please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. At Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic, we want your pet to enjoy coming to see us! Please feel free to stop in and get your pet weighed or to bring your pet along when you buy food and other products….the treat jar is always full!
Examination Rooms:
When it is time for your pet’s appointment you and your pet will be taken to an examination room. Depending on your pet’s size and comfort level, he or she will either be examined on a table or on the floor. For larger patients, we have an automatic lift table that gently raises and lowers them to the ideal height for the exam. At Sault Ste. Marie Animal Clinic, our policy is to do a complete physical exam every visit. All examinations will be performed by the veterinarian. Even though you may have brought your pet in for a particular problem such as limping, it is important to look at the entire patient to correctly assess the problem and to identify any other potential issues that may or may not be related. We firmly believe that every pet, even a young, healthy one, should undergo a thorough and complete physical exam at least once a year….more often if the pet is older or there are other issues. Please feel free to mention any changes you have noticed in your pet, voice any concerns or ask any questions you like during the exam. There is no such thing as a silly question!
Treatment Room:
Occasionally, during an examination, we will need to take your pet into the treatment room to perform a procedure such as obtaining a blood sample, clipping and cleaning a wound, expressing anal glands or trimming nails. You will be invited to wait in the examination room or the waiting room. Don’t worry, your pet will be in good hands with our caring and competent staff! We will have your pet back to you in just a few minutes.
After the Appointment:
After the appointment, there will be some details to look after such as printing certificates, preparing food and medications, booking follow up appointments and payment of the bill. Payment is due at the time of service. Please free to take your pet out to your vehicle or ask one of our staff to look after them so that you can focus on getting the appropriate recommendations and instructions from the examination. Please do not hesitate to ask for clarification! If any questions or concerns come to you later, please don’t hesitate to call us back. Again, there is no such thing as a silly question!