Hospital Policies & Patient Care Guidelines
At Hamilton Crossing Animal Hospital, our goal is to provide a safe, stress-free, and welcoming environment for every pet and person who walks through our doors. To help us provide the highest standard of care, we ask that you review our hospital policies.
Grooming Requirements: Our grooming team looks forward to pampering your pets! To maintain a healthy environment for all:
Vaccinations: All grooming feline and canine guests must be up-to-date on their core vaccinations (Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella). Proof of vaccination is required prior to the appointment.
Pet Comfort: Our priority is the well-being of the animal. In cases of severe matting, our groomers will prioritize the pet’s comfort and skin health over aesthetic length.
Patient Safety & Arrival: For the protection of all pets and staff in our lobby, we require that all patients be properly restrained during their visit.
Dogs: Must be on a secure leash.
Cats: For their comfort and safety, cats must be in a secure pet carrier.
Nervous Travelers: If your pet is anxious or reactive around other animals, please call us upon arrival. We are happy to facilitate a "direct-to-room" entry to keep your pet calm.
Prescriptions & Refills: To ensure your pet’s medications are processed accurately and reviewed by our veterinary team:
Notice: Please allow 24 to 48 hours for all medication and therapeutic food refills.
Exam Requirements: By law, a "Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship" (VCPR) must be maintained, meaning your pet must have been examined by our doctors within the past year to refill most prescriptions.
Financial Policy: As a local family-owned business, we are committed to being transparent about the cost of care.
Payment: Payment is due at the time services are rendered. We accept all major credit cards, cash, checks, and debit.
Financing: We understand that unexpected emergencies happen. We proudly accept CareCredit to help manage the cost of care through monthly payments.
Estimates: We are always happy to provide a printed estimate for any recommended procedures, surgeries, or treatment plans.
Coughing & Respiratory Safety: To maintain a safe environment for all our patients, we require special check-in procedures for dogs showing respiratory symptoms.
The Protocol: If your dog has recently been boarded, visited a groomer, or is currently coughing, please remain in your vehicle upon arrival.
Check-In: Give us a call from your car to let us know you're here.
Direct Entry: We will alert you when a designated exam room is ready so we can bring you directly inside, bypassing the waiting area to prevent the spread of contagious illnesses.
Urinary Appointments: If your dog is visiting us for a urinary issue, We likely need to "see" what’s going on under the microscope!
Hold the Potty: Please try to prevent your dog from urinating in the grass outside the clinic before your appointment.
Why? A full bladder allows our medical team to collect a sterile sample for immediate testing. If the bladder is empty, it can cause a delay in diagnostic testing, resulting in delayed treatment for the patient.
Surgery Deposits: Due to high demand and limited surgical availability, we require a $150 deposit at the time of scheduling any surgical procedure.
Your Investment: This deposit secures your pet’s spot on our surgical calendar.
Payment: The full $150 deposit will be applied directly toward your final surgery invoice on the day of the procedure.