What to Expect at a Veterinary Appointment
Knowing what to expect at your first appointment will help make the process more pleasant for both you and your pet.
Check In Process
Please try to arrive 5 minutes early to your appointment time. Upon arrival you can can come straight into the lobby to be checked in. You will be asked to be seated in our lobby once you have checked in, until the technician is ready to room you. While you are waiting, you are welcome to help yourself to the coffee/water station located in our lobby.
Meet The Team
One of our technicians will take you into an exam room and will begin to collect patient history and your pet’s vitals. Any questions, concerns or specific topics you would like addressed can be communicated to the technician during this time, so that the technician is able to give your veterinarian a thorough history.
Examination, Diagnosis & Treatment
The veterinarian will then do a thorough head-to-tail exam. If you are coming in for a specific concern, the veterinarian will take the time to address that concern with you, and may recommend further diagnostics to get to the root of your pet’s medical issue. Any vaccines, diagnostics, or other treatments will then be completed after the doctor’s exam.
Once treatments are finished, you will be asked to head up to our lobby where our Client Service Representatives will go over your invoice with you, take payment, and schedule any follow up visits or rechecks.
Our Pet Care Philosophy
We proudly serve pet owners in Capitola. We are dedicated to providing up-to-date veterinary service to you and your pet with care and compassion.
We are passionate about preventive care, owner education, and providing comprehensive urgent care to Capitola pets.
Hospital FAQs
Learn more about our office policies, payment options, and appointment booking by reading through our hospital FAQs.
- What types of payment options are available?
Payment in full is expected at the time services are provided or upon discharge of your pet. We accept payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- Are there payment plans available for my pet’s care?
We are proud to offer CareCredit as a financing option. They offer an easy application process that will give you results in minutes. WE also offer SCVH secure online payment.
- Will I be provided with an estimate of costs?
We will provide an estimate of the cost of our services prior to treating your pet. However, unforeseen circumstances or complications may arise that impact your final bill.
We will always discuss our written estimate with our 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?
Yes, please call ahead to book an appointment to ensure we have room in our schedule to see your pet.
Kindly allow up to 24hrs after your form is submitted for one of our client service representatives to reach out with the next available appointment.
In the event that your pet needs emergency care during our regular business hours, please contact us right away.
- What is your appointment cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer the space in our schedule to other clients.
- What types of animals do you treat?
We take care of Capitola dogs and cats.
- 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 online store or our in-house pharmacy.
- What are the fees associated with a specialty appointment?
You are financially responsible for the initial examination fee and any diagnostics or treatment that you consent to for your pet’s treatment. This payment is due at the time of service.
For further hospitalization, diagnostics, or surgery, a deposit is required upfront with payment due in full when your pet is discharged.
- What are the fees associated with an emergency visit?
A deposit payment is required for all emergency examinations. Once the staff and doctors have examined your pet, an estimate for treatment will be given to you to determine a treatment plan.
If further hospitalization, diagnostics or surgery are required, a deposit is required upfront, with payment in full due when your pet is discharged.
- Can you help with my pet insurance?
We’re happy to help you fill out pet insurance forms for your pet’s visit.
Pet Owner Resources
Here are some helpful links for your pet's health.
New Patients Welcome
Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Capitola companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.