Information for scheduling new patient appointments:
At Veterinary Wellness Center, we see many types of new patients – from puppies and kittens, to older animals with chronic problems. Unfortunately, many clients have pets that are experiencing long-standing unresolved problems. Pet owners are searching for new and different answers to these chronic problems. As a result of our unique approach to integrative/wholistic care for pets, many of our new patients have an extensive history of problems, treatments, and previous veterinary visits. In order to allow a thorough review of that history and appropriate scheduling for new patients, we have an online patient history form.
Our veterinarians have specialized training and experience in integrative/functional medicine, acupuncture, and chiropractic. Because of this unique background, and approach to patient care, we are experiencing an overwhelming influx of new patient appointment requests. As a result, we are not able to accommodate everyone that is seeking an appointment with our veterinarians.
In order to request a first-time appointment, complete and submit the new patient form online. Your pet will be placed on a waiting list. When we have an opening for a new patient, our office staff will call to schedule an appointment. Rather than the typical 15-minute appointment time you have experienced at other veterinary offices, we will schedule 40 – 60 minutes for your pet’s initial visit. The wait may be several months, so time-urgent needs such as puppy vaccines or acute trauma are best handled by your current veterinarian or local emergency center. Our veterinarians will prioritize those requests for patients with the greatest needs for the services that we provide.
Our veterinarians invest considerable time in each new patient. This process begins with the review of past medical records and the patient history form. During the appointment, the doctor will obtain additional history, examine and evaluate each individual patient, and develop a specific plan for treatment. The consultation fee for a new patient is $250. Treatments and diagnostic testing such as blood tests, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustment, medications, and nutritional supplements will have additional fees. (Because newly adopted puppies and kittens usually arrive without complicated health problems and extensive history, the initial examination/consultation fee is normally $125.)
When we call to schedule your pet’s consultation appointment, we will ask for a credit card number in order to reserve that appointment time. Because we set aside a large block of time, there will be a charge for the entire consultation fee if we are given less than a 24-hour notice of cancellation, or if you fail to arrive for your scheduled appointment.
We look forward to meeting you, and your pet, and working together for better health.
Dr. Gaston and Dr. Rauf
FILL OUT NEW PATIENT FORM