Ridgefield Animal Hospital

Appointment Policy

 

To allow ample time for all patients and scheduled surgical procedures we operate primarily by appointment. Emergency cases will always receive top priority, which is why an occasional appointment delay is inevitable. Please realize that we make a sincere attempt to see each client on time.   Even with 5 doctors on staff, we are often booked for elective work such as vaccinations and neuters several days in advance, so please call in advance of your needs, especially when a certain day, time, or doctor is required. 

 


For your convenience, drop-off appointments are available. A 'drop off' means you could bring your pet at the time that works best for you and leave him/her with us for a few hours. Usually we will ask you to drop off by mid-morning so our doctors can examine the patient in between appointments or at the mid-day time purposely reserved for admitted patients, surgeries and proceedures. Once the doctor has seen your pet, he or she will give you a call to go over the diagnosis and to give you discharge instructions.  Drops-offs are normally ready for pick-up by 4 pm.                                                 

                               Vaccination Policy  

 

For the safety of all animals in our care, we require that all core vaccinations be up to date. Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccine is also required in dogs.

                                        
                 Leashes and Carriers in the Waiting Area

Please see to it that your pet is leashed or in a carrier.  Even though we make every effort to make our patients feel comfortable during visits, they may be a little uneasy about new people, new surroundings and other pets. In these circumstances, your pet may not act as it would at home.   We recommend that animals be placed on a leash or in pet carriers before entering the waiting room.  We also ask that you take care with your pet around any children that may be present.

Please notify us if your pet has had a history of biting or aggressive behavior.  This is important so that we can protect our staff, our other clients, and you.  Often times, once one of our trained technicians restrains your pet, they realize "the gig is over" and are well behaved.  A muzzle also has the same effect, and frequently reduces the amount of restraint needed.  In rare cases we can use newer, reversable sedatives which allow us to examine a fractious pet and send them home after a very brief recovery period (usually less than 15 minutes).


Payment Policy

We require payment in full at the time that services are rendered. Like any other small business, we have vendors and staff who need to be paid on schedule.  For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Care Credit, cash and personal checks.   Deposits may be required for certain procedures or hospitalizations. 

Please let us know if you have any questions about the cost of providing care for your pet.  We will gladly provide estimates, and will endeavor to keep you abreast of any significant changes that may occur in the anticipated cost of treating your pet.