Thank you for taking interest in our Animal Hospital in Ilderton, Ontario! Below you will find a list of the most frequently asked questions. Do you have a question you need answered? Please don’t hesitate to call us at (519) 666-2288 and we would be happy to help.

Can I see the same vet each time?

Yes, you can request the same veterinarian each time you come. Please let our staff know when you are booking your appointment so we can accommodate you.

What type of payments do you accept?

We accept payment at the time of service rendered with cash, debit, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. We regret that we are unable to accept cheques.

We also offer a third-party financing option through PayBright Financial Services. For more information, please contact our office or visit https://paybright.com

What is your cancellation policy?

We strive to ensure clients and patients are seen in a timely manner and appreciate your on-time arrival. In the event that you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, we kindly ask that you contact the clinic 24 hours prior to the scheduled date and time. If you are unable to make your scheduled appointment due to extenuating circumstances, please contact the clinic at your earliest convenience. Last-minute cancellations or no-shows may be subject to a cancellation fee.

Do you have any payment plans?

We offer third-party financing through Paybright to help owners with larger bills they are unable to cover in one payment. Applications are done online in the clinic. For more information, please visit www.paybright.com

Do I need to have an appointment?

Yes, we book our patients by appointment. Please arrive a few minutes early to allow your pet to relax before their appointment begins.

Do you have after-hours care?

Our after-hours emergency care is covered by a telemedicine service called Smart.Vet. You can reach Smart.Vet after hours by clicking the website link Smart.Vet to register for a virtual consultation with a veterinarian. Alternatively, you can contact their emergency triage line at 647-695-5411.

**Please note that this service is only available to registered Ilderton Pet Hospital clients.**

The phone line will connect you with a veterinary technician who will triage your pet and direct you to a veterinarian. We do not have staff on-site for overnight monitoring. If your pet requires extended hospitalization, we will discuss the options that best suit your pet’s situation.

How do I prepare for my new puppy/kitten visit?

Congratulations on your new family member!

We operate our initial puppy and kitten appointments in two steps. Prior to your first appointment with us, we schedule a 30-minute complimentary phone call with one of our technicians to discuss any questions that you may have as you start your journey with your new puppy or kitten. The following topics will be discussed: housetraining, biting/chewing, obedience, diet, vaccinations, parasite prevention, spays/neuters, microchips, insurance, and any other questions or concerns you may have.

Following the phone call, your puppy or kitten will come in for his/her first appointment with us. Please prepare for this introductory appointment by bringing in your puppy or kitten’s previous health records and a fresh stool sample to check for parasites. Our veterinarian will complete a full physical exam, as well as any follow-up treatments or vaccines needed and answer any questions you may have.

How many visits does my puppy/kitten require? Why are boosters necessary?

Vaccines are an important part of preventive health care for your young animal. We tailor our vaccine schedule to your pet’s lifestyle and needs. The first booster must be followed up with an additional 1-2 boosters, separated by 3-4 week intervals. This ensures long-lasting immunity to harmful diseases.

How do I prepare for my annual visit?

Annual physical exams are important to assess any changes in health, body condition, and aging-related issues and discuss any new problems that may have come up during the previous year. Early detection of disease can significantly improve the quality and quantity of life. Please bring a fresh stool sample to check for parasites, any medications that your pet is on regularly, the name of your pet’s diet and any treats fed at home. You can bring some of your animal’s favourite food or a toy or comfort item from home to help them feel more comfortable. Let us know if anything makes them uneasy or if they do not like being touched or examined a certain way. We will do everything we can to make their visit as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

What can I do to help make the trip to the clinic easier on my cat?

Some cats love travel and other cats do not have fun during short or long trips. Try to acclimatize your cat to a carrier by having it out in the house for a few days to weeks prior to your visit. Try feeding treats and putting enjoyable toys in the carrier. Sometimes a pheromone spray can be used inside the carrier to make it a more calming zone for your cat. We use cat-specific rooms and try to minimize loud noises and stressful events during your cat’s visit. Please call if you have any questions on how to make your cat more comfortable during their trip.