For your convenience, a client information form is provided for you to print and fill out prior to your visit. There is also a second form for Dr. Surtin's clients to print out and sign.
We request that all new clients show up ten minutes early.
Records from your current/previous veterinarian may be faxed to us at 636-240-7766.
For prices, please call our office at 636-240-7646.
1) Do not feed your
dog/cat beforehand and bring a favorite
treat. A hungry pet is more likely to
accept treats from strangers, giving us the opportunity to form
positive associations. We offer soft treats, dry treats,
cheese, or peanut butter but something from home may be best.
Something smelly like tuna works wonders with
cats!
If your pet is on a special diet, ask if we have a canned version to entice them with or bring a few dry morsels in a snack size bag.
2) For everyone's safety, please bring cats in carriers, not in your arms or on a leash. We have carriers to rent out if needed (no charge). Our waiting room is fairly small, some dogs are not cat friendly, and your cat would not want to face the waiting room feeling exposed. Our staff are well trained for handling cats - including putting them back into a carrier for you.
3) Not every dog/cat
is used to children. For their own
safety, please keep children away from strange dogs and cats in our
waiting room.
4) For safety reasons we ask that all dogs are kept on a leash.
5) Not every dog/cat is friendly to other animals. For everyone's safety, keep a close eye on your pet while in the waiting room. Keep retractable leashes locked at all times.
6) If you are stressed, so is your pet. Some cats/dogs are much calmer when owners leave the room. If you feel that your own anxiety is affecting your dog/cat, please tell our veterinarian. It is okay to step out for a few minutes.
7) Warn us if your pet has a history of aggression when making appointments. If your dog is not friendly towards cats, other dogs, or strangers, please let us know ahead of time so that we may schedule your visit during appropriate hours. High traffic hours are usually after 4:00 pm. If your cat/dog experiences high anxiety/fear aggression, morning appointments are best when less animals have entered the rooms.
8) Allow technicians to hold your pet for procedures. Many think that their cat or dog would never bite or scratch - until they have them in a high stress situation. Our staff are trained and experienced in animal handling and know how to avoid unnecessary injuries.
9) Help us get to know your dog or cat. If there is anything that your pet finds comforting we would love to know. Some cats like to hide and a towel/blanket to wrap in can decrease stress considerably. Many dogs are treat motivated but it can be hard to find the right treat - let us know if cheese is the magic word!
10) Bring your pet in for a
weight check or just to say hello - cats
too! Allowing your pet to learn that the car
ride, and our clinic, will not always result in a needle poke can
make future trips much easier. Give lots of treats and take it
slow. Acclimate to the car ride first (start with car off,
then the car running, then moving). Next acclimate to the
clinic starting with the clinic parking lot, then the waiting room,
then the scale and exam room.
All photographs are
used with permission of owners. Photos by Jessica Standiford
(c) 2013.