New Clients
We know that choosing the perfect veterinarian for your pet can be a daunting task. We’re here to make the choice a little simpler for you. In addition to providing a clean, state-of-the-art facility, we’ve also assembled a team of dedicated professionals that go above and beyond for your pet during every single visit.
We recommend that you bring your puppy or kitten in for an initial exam which includes a complete physical, a discussion about intestinal parasites, flea treatment, and heartworm prevention, screening for FELV/FIV, spay or neuter recommendations, and a vaccination protocol. We advise that adult pets up to the age of seven come in once yearly for a general check-up and we recommend semi-annual exams for senior pets. This will include a full physical exam, parasite screening, and wellness blood work if needed. Our veterinarians will check the health of your pet from nose to tail and will discuss any recommended diagnostic testing and possible treatments with you in detail.
Make sure to bring in any medical history you have of your pet when you come to our vet clinic. It’s best to keep a journal of your pet’s health throughout his or her life, including behavioral shifts. Share any observations you may have about your pet’s appetite changes, weight gain or loss, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, sneezing, increased thirst or urination, limping or excessive itching/scratching. Your observations can play a key role in aiding in the diagnosis and subsequent treatment recommendations for your pet.
In some circumstances, the doctors at Lake Forest Animal Clinic may refer you to a specialist who has advanced expertise in areas such as neurology or internal medicine. At Lake Forest Animal Clinic we use board-certified radiologists for ultrasounds and echocardiograms. In addition, we have board-certified veterinary surgeons ready to handle advanced soft tissue or orthopedic surgery.
Payment Options
1. Payment is expected when services are rendered. In order to focus on our patients’ needs, customer service, and minimizing costs, we do not bill.
2. We accept debit cards, all major credit cards, and cash. All cards must be signed by the owner of the card and have a valid ID.
3. We provide estimates for all surgeries and hospitalizations. If you have not received an estimate, you are welcome to request one at any time for your expected charges.
4. When unexpected illness strikes a pet, unexpected expense strikes as well. Lake Forest Animal Clinic understands and works with 3rd party financial assistance companies. Call our office for details.
Financial Assistance Companies:
Pet Insurance Options
When the unexpected happens, our team is here to help. Pet insurance is becoming increasingly popular among pet owners. Dogs and cats are living longer and with age, pets may face a variety of health challenges. Whether your pet needs a couple of sutures in an injured foot or is facing a serious life-threatening condition like cancer, pet insurance opens up a larger range of innovative procedures and treatments for animals than ever before. Pet insurance offers an additional layer of financial protection and peace of mind when it comes to the health and well-being of your furry friend.
When selecting your insurance, be sure to see if your plan covers the following:
- Accident and illnesses
- Hereditary, congenital, and chronic conditions
- Diagnostic tests
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- Specialist care
- Prescription medication
- Surgery
FAQs
Why can’t my veterinarian advise, diagnose, and/or prescribe over the phone and save me a whole lot of time and money?
It is impossible to come up with an accurate diagnosis and rational plan of treatment based on symptoms only observed by the owner. The outward signs may be an indication of any number of internal causes with a wide variety of clinical treatments. A complete physical exam and other diagnostic tests are required to determine the cause of the symptom and the best course of treatment.
If my veterinarian doesn’t clear up my pet’s problem, can I get a refund?
Fees cover what is done for the animal including an examination, administration of tests, diagnosis, treatment, and medications. Some medical health problems can be chronic and may involve multiple and/or changing causes. Treatment may be ongoing. You are paying for an honest attempt to diagnose and treat a medical problem. There is no implied guarantee.
Why is veterinary care for my pet(s) so expensive? Sometimes I believe I am spending more on my pet’s health care than on my own!
Relatively speaking, veterinary care is a great value! The cost of veterinary care has risen very little over the last 20 to 30 years, especially when compared to the cost of human health care or almost any other services. Veterinary fees are a reflection of the costs of maintaining suitable facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and support personnel to provide a high level of care that is expected in animal medicine today. Annual veterinary care is a cost that should be factored in the decision to own a pet.
Isn’t the cost of veterinary medicine out of sight and unreasonable? I mean, we’re “just” talking about animal care. I thought my veterinarian really cared and would go the extra mile for me.
The extent of care given to any animal is ultimately determined by the owner. Every pet owner has different ideas as to what is acceptable pet care. Veterinarians can only make their clients aware of the medical options that are available. They then guide owners in their choices regarding the health care options for their pets. The final decision and choices rest with the owner. Veterinarians are willing and do go the extra mile for pet owners, but owners should be prepared for the associated expenses and understand that the veterinarian should be compensated for his/her professional services and related expenses.
