Frequently Asked Questions for Veterinarians in South Jordan

Holidays We are Closed For

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The following holidays are the holidays PETCARE Animal Hospital will be closed for:

  • Easter
  • Memorial Day
  • Independence Day (July 4th)
  • Pioneer Day (July 24th)
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Christmas Eve (Dec 24th)
  • Christmas Day (Dec 25th)
  • New Year’s Day

*We close EARLY on New Year’s Eve*

Do you offer wellness plans?

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Kind of.

We currently offer a PuppyCARE and a KittenCARE package. These packages include the exams for the vaccine visits, all the vaccines we recommend for a puppy (in our area), deworming, and also offers a 10% off of a spay or neuter and $5 off of a microchip.

We hope to have a wellness plan option for adults and seniors in the future.

Also, we offer a wellness LAB panel out to IdeXX laboratories. This panel is great for annual evaluations and should only be used in pet’s where they are doing well.

Why do you want my pet’s previous medical record?

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By receiving your pet’s previous medical record – we can use it to help provide the best treatment for your pet.

By having your pet’s previous medical record sent to us AHEAD of your scheduled appointment, it not only saves you time but also money. It also helps take a lot of the guess work out of the equation when have a better understanding of what has been done and tried in the past.

For example: if you found a medication previously prescribed did NOT help with your pet’s skin – then it is useful to see if any tests were performed and what that medication was – so we aren’t wasting your time or money on something that didn’t previously help.

Do you send out reminders?

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Yes, we do send out reminders.

Reminders can be received via email or to your physical address.

Reminders include: examination due dates, vaccinations, lab tests.

If you think a reminder has been created incorrectly, please let our staff know and we are happy to look into it.

If you no longer wish to receive reminders (or particular reminders), please send an email to frontdesk@petcareutah.com OR sage@petcareutah.com and we can stop them for you.

Why don’t you do cat grooming?

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We are not offering any grooming services at this time.

Cat grooming is completely dependent on the groomer and unfortunately most groomers won’t groom cats any longer.

Often times, the reason groomers will not accept cats is because they’ve been bitten too many times (which can put them out of work, as most cat bites become infected.)

If your nail simply needs a nail trim, our veterinary nurses are happy to help you with that.

Do you offer grooming?

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No, we no longer offer grooming and do not have plans of providing grooming services in the future.

Do you have a pet portal?

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Yes, we do currently have a pet portal for existing clients to use.

Please call or text us at 801-302-9061 and ask us to activate your Portal Access.

In order to provide you access, you must provide us your email address.

What are your hours?

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PETCARE Animal Hospital is open Mondays through Fridays from 8am to 6pm AND Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 5pm.

We are NOT an emergency clinic – meaning we do not offer service after hours.

We are closed daily from 12:30-1:30pm for lunch.

I have two pets, do I get a discount?

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No, we do not offer any discounts for bringing multiple pets in at the same time.

Two pets means two examinations – or double the work.

The same goes for two pets who are being boarded together. They require monitoring (water intake, food intake, medications if applicable, cleaning of laundry, cleaning of kennel, etc…) and individual care.

Should I be plucking/pulling the hair from my dog’s ears?

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Depends on the dog.

Some dogs do better having the hair pulled from their ears, as the hair likes to trap moisture in the ear canal – potentially causing an ear infection.

Other dogs, who get the ear pulled from their ears, can become so irritated that it causes an ear infection.

Use your best judgment when asking your groomer and/or veterinary staff if you want it done.

Why can’t my pet see the same veterinarian/veterinary technician each time we visit?

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We make every effort to accommodate our clients’ requests. However, there may be circumstances that prevent a certain veterinary team member from being available during your pet’s visit. Scheduling conflicts, emergency situations, and vacation schedules all play a role in their availability. Please feel free to ask for a specific veterinarian or veterinary technician when you schedule your appointment, and we will do what we can facilitate your request. However, please be understanding if we can’t. All of our team members are highly skilled professionals who look forward to your pet’s visit.

Why is my veterinarian referring my pet to a specialist?

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Our top priority is to make sure that our patients receive the highest standard of care and best possible outcome. This is why we sometimes make the decision to refer patients to veterinary specialists or specialty clinics when advanced training or equipment will be beneficial to your pet’s health.

Our veterinarians make every effort to stay current and skilled in many aspects of animal health, providing comprehensive care for your pet. However, board-certified specialists have extensive experience and training in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery. And specialty clinics and university-affiliated referral centers have specialized equipment to perform procedures that are not routinely undertaken by general practitioners.

Be assured that when we refer a patient to another hospital, we continue to stay involved with his or her care, consulting with the treating specialist and often providing any needed follow-up care and rehabilitation.

Can I call or text you to have you fax a copy of my pet’s rabies certificate and proof of vaccinations to the kennel where my pet will be staying?

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Yes, you are more than welcome to give us a call or send us a text message to 801-302-9061 to ask for your pet’s vaccination certificate.

We can either fax or email the vaccination certificate to the desired pet facility (boarding and / or grooming).

What are your vaccination requirements for boarding?

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We require proof (certification) of your pet’s vaccinations performed by a licensed veterinarian. We do NOT accept any vaccinations given at home.

We require that dogs be vaccinated against Rabies, Distemper Parvovirus (DA2PPV)(needed every year), Bordetella (needed every year), Influenza, and Canine Influenza H3N8 (needed every year).

Cats must be vaccinated against Rabies, Feline Distemper (FVRCP)(needed every year), and Feline Leukemia virus (FeLV)(needed every year).

Puppies and Kittens must be fully vaccinated before boarding.

Do you perform at-home euthanasia?

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No, we do not perform at-home euthanasias.

There are several at-home-euthanasia veterinary practices in our area. The best way to search for them is a simple Google search.

If my pet’s problem doesn’t get better, can I get a refund for his/her veterinary care?

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Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds for veterinary care. Our fees cover the cost of examining, testing, diagnosing, and treating your pet.

Not all health problems have a straightforward solution. Some may be chronic, requiring a long-term management plan; others may be more difficult to diagnose or may involve several causes. A cure may not always be possible, and treatment may be ongoing. Your veterinary team will do everything they can to find answers and continue to help your pet.

What precautions/measures do you take so my pet doesn’t feel pain related to surgery/injury/infection/chronic disease?

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Your pet’s comfort is a priority for us. Using our knowledge of pain medication and pain relief strategies, we do everything we can to prevent and manage your pet’s pain under all circumstances. We will tailor a pain management plan to your pet’s medical condition and individual needs – based off of age, breed, medical history.

I’m worried about my pet’s upcoming surgical or dental procedure. What do you do to help ensure your patients’ safety during surgery?

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Our veterinary team takes every precaution so that your pet receives the highest-quality care.

We perform a physical exam and perform preanesthetic blood testing before surgery and monitor your pet during surgery.

During the procedure, a veterinary technician will continually assess your pet’s heart and respiratory rate, pulse-oximetry, CO2 levels and blood pressure, and other vital signs to help prevent any anesthetic risk. We also provide appropriate pain medication to keep your pet comfortable during recovery.

I think my pet ate something that’s making him/her sick, what should I do?

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In most cases, when a pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have – this would be an emergency, and should not wait hours before letting a veterinarian know.

First, prior to calling a veterinary clinic – please have the package of whatever your pet ate accessible and ready for the veterinarian.

Second, it is best to call the clinic prior to heading down – as sometimes the veterinarian is out of the office or is in surgery.

Always bring the package with you – as there are many different brands and ingredients in items and in these situations it is best not to guess.

Depending on what your pet ate, is how your pet’s treatment will be determined.

In some cases, the veterinarian might not be familiar with what your pet ate and if it could be toxic to your pet. In this situation, the veterinary staff will provide some phone numbers for the pet poison control helpline. We do like to make you aware these helplines do charge for the consult, but they do include any follow up calls (or any follow on calls between your veterinarian and the helpline).

Google is NOT a reliable source in these situations.

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 | as of 1/29/2020, they are charging a consult fee (follow on calls included)

National Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435 | as of 1/29/2020, they are charging a consult fee (follow on calls included)

Human Poison Control WILL NOT HELP!

I think my pet ate something that could be poisonous, but he/she seems fine. What should I do?

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In most cases, when a pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have – this would be an emergency, and should not wait hours before letting a veterinarian know.

First, prior to calling a veterinary clinic – please have the package of whatever your pet ate accessible and ready for the veterinarian.

Second, it is best to call the clinic prior to heading down – as sometimes the veterinarian is out of the office or is in surgery.

Always bring the package with you – as there are many different brands and ingredients in items and in these situations it is best not to guess.

Depending on what your pet ate, is how your pet’s treatment will be determined.

In some cases, the veterinarian might not be familiar with what your pet ate and if it could be toxic to your pet. In this situation, the veterinary staff will provide some phone numbers for the pet poison control helpline. We do like to make you aware these helplines do charge for the consult, but they do include any follow up calls (or any follow on calls between your veterinarian and the helpline).

Google is NOT a reliable source in these situations.

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

National Animal Poison Control Center: 888-426-4435

Human Poison Control WILL NOT HELP!

I think something’s wrong with my pet. Can I call you and have a veterinarian give me a diagnosis over the phone?

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No. Veterinarians can’t diagnose over the phone. Besides being unethical and illegal, diagnosing by phone doesn’t allow veterinarians to physically examine a pet. A physical exam is necessary so your veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Treating a pet for the wrong disease or condition will cost more in the end and could be harmful or even deadly to your pet.

Why do you check my dog’s weight every time he/she comes in for a visit?

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We keep track of your pet’s weight just like your doctor’s office keeps track of your height and weight each time you visit. Having an accurate and current measurement of your pet’s weight will help us ensure that we prescribe the right dose of preventives, medications, and any needed anesthetics. It can also help us notice any early clues to health concerns. In addition, a regular weigh-in can help you track and manage your pet’s weight.

I have a hard time controlling my pet in the lobby. Can I make arrangements so I can take him/her into the exam room right away when I arrive?

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We are happy to make arrangements to help make your visit as smooth and convenient as possible.

We ask when you arrive, please check in at the front desk without your pet – that way we can have you fill out any paper work (if needed) and we can make sure we have a room available for you.

If there will be a wait, we ask you wait with your pet in your vehicle or on our side yard – and when a room is available, our staff will be happy to come outside and let you know.

Under no circumstances should a pet be left unattended in weather-concerning situations (too hot, too cold).

My pet is a handful. Can I pay my bill ahead of time or in the exam room so I don’t have to wait in the lobby after the exam is over?

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Here at PETCARE, our building layout is designed to make your pet’s and your visit easier and less stressful.

In doing so, we have computers in each examination room – that allows you to check out (pay) in the examination room, rather than needing to check back in to the reception. Occasionally, technology likes to act up to where we are unable to check you out in the room. If you prefer, we can always have a staff member wait with your pet in the exam room while you head to the reception desk to pay for your visit.

My pet is really well trained. Does he/she need to be on a leash/in a carrier when we visit the hospital?

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For the safety and protection of all clients, patients, and veterinary team members, we require all pets to be on a leash or in a carrier when they arrive at our hospital. They must continue to be restrained while they are in the reception area and while traveling to and from the exam rooms. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician will let you know when it’s OK to let your pet off leash or out of his or her carrier.

There is often a lot going on at our hospital. Combine that with the unfamiliar surroundings and new animals, and any pet—even one that is well trained—might become uneasy or overly excited. We want you and your pet to have as pleasant an experience as possible every time you visit our hospital, so we ask all our clients to respect our policy.

I brought my pet to see the veterinarian for a problem, and my pet isn’t getting any better. What can I do?

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Call us. Just like doctors, veterinarians sometimes need to try more than one treatment/medication to find the correct solution to cure or manage a pet’s condition. Please let us know if something we recommended or prescribed isn’t helping. We want to work with you to find the right answers for your pet.

The staff will often suggest a recheck examination and consultation in order to evaluate your pet fully.

Is it OK to call with questions about my pet’s health?

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Although we can’t provide lengthy consultations or a diagnosis over the phone, we welcome questions from our clients. Please feel free to call or send us a text.

Often times, you will speak with a receptionist or nurse, with guidance from the veterinarian on staff. If you have something you really want the veterinarian to address, the best way to get in touch with them is either by sending us a text at 801-302-9061 (and addressing it to them) or by sending them an email to frontdesk@petcareutah.com

If you have something urgent, please do NOT send us an email or text message – as they are not constantly monitored.

Do you offer any payment plans?

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Unfortunately, we do not offer any payment plans at this time. Our staff will provide quotes for you throughout the appointment so nothing is unexpected.

We request that you pay for services provided at the time of your pet’s visit. If you have any questions about our payment policy, please feel free to ask.

We recommend that you include the cost of veterinary care in your annual expenses. However, we understand that this sometimes isn’t possible. If you contact us ahead of time, we can help you determine ways to keep costs down and stay within your budget. For instance, some preventive veterinary care can be spread out over several visits. Your veterinarian will work with you to come up with a cost-effective plan to keep your pet current on vaccinations and other necessary services.

We do accept major credit cards, as well as veterinary insurance plans, which can help cover many routine and emergency services.

We also do accept Care Credit (payments under $200 would be eligible for their “standard account terms”, payments over $200 – if paid in full – allows you to pay the charged amount over 6 months with no interest.)

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