Frequently Asked Questions

Emergency care involves life-threatening situations, active bleeding, or cases requiring immediate intervention.

Urgent care covers issues that should be addressed within 24-48 hours for the pet’s comfort or to prevent the condition from becoming an emergency.

Examples of emergency cases include:

• Bloat
• Trauma such as being hit by a car
• Urinary obstructions
• Foreign body obstruction, like swallowing a chew toy
• Exposure to certain toxins

Urgent care cases include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Small wounds
• Exposure to some toxins

If you’re unsure about the severity of your pet’s condition, it’s important to call our clinic. Our staff can help determine whether your pet needs emergency care or if urgent care is appropriate.

Absolutely! While many pet insurance policies may not cover routine wellness or preventive care like vaccines and exams, they are invaluable when your pet requires hospitalization, surgery, medications, or other treatments. Pet insurance can provide significant financial assistance, covering or reimbursing the costs of care when your pet is sick or injured.

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to pet insurance. Different plans and providers offer various rates, coverages, and options. It’s important to compare different plans to find the one that best suits your pet’s needs. You can use resources like Pawlicy Advisor to help guide your decision.

Wellness packages are designed by some primary care clinics to encourage regular preventive care, such as vaccines, routine blood work, spaying/neutering, and dental care. These packages vary by clinic. Pet insurance, on the other hand, functions similarly to human health insurance and is typically used to cover costs related to illness or injury. Most pet insurance providers operate on a reimbursement basis and may not cover pre-existing conditions. It’s advisable to get pet insurance when your pet is young or newly adopted.

Pets can be exposed to various seasonal hazards throughout the year. Some common risks include:

• Heat stroke: In hot weather, pets can easily overheat, leading to heat stroke, which can be life-threatening. It’s important to keep your pet cool and hydrated during the summer months.
• Poinsettias: While poinsettias are popular during the holiday season, they are mildly toxic to pets. Ingesting them can cause vomiting and irritation.
• Candy: Many types of candy, especially those containing chocolate or artificial sweeteners like xylitol, can be toxic to pets. Always keep sweets out of reach.
• Fireworks: The loud noises from fireworks can cause anxiety and stress in pets. In some cases, pets may attempt to flee and can injure themselves in the process.
• Pancreatitis (from turkey/ham, etc.): Rich, fatty foods like turkey skin or ham can trigger pancreatitis in pets, a serious condition that requires veterinary care. Avoid feeding your pet table scraps during holiday meals.

Many household items can be toxic to pets. Some of the most common include:

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe symptoms like seizures or heart problems.

• Xylitol: This artificial sweetener, found in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butters, is extremely toxic to pets. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and lead to liver failure.

• Rodenticide: Products used to kill rodents are highly toxic to pets if ingested. They can cause severe internal bleeding, neurological damage, or even death.

• Grapes: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small quantities. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.

• Garlic/Onions: Both garlic and onions, whether raw, cooked, or powdered, can damage a pet’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. In severe cases, this can be life-threatening.

Currently, we do not offer payment plans directly through ACES. However, if you need assistance with covering the cost of your pet’s care, we accept CareCredit.

CareCredit is a healthcare financing credit card designed to help you manage the cost of medical expenses, including veterinary care for your pets. It allows you to pay for treatments, procedures, and medications over time, often with special financing options that may include no interest if paid in full within a specified period. CareCredit is widely accepted by veterinary practices, making it a convenient option for managing your pet’s healthcare expenses.