What to Expect
Appointments & What to Expect
At Compassion Veterinary Center, we want you and your pet to feel comfortable, informed, and cared for throughout your visit. Knowing what to expect can help make your appointment a smoother experience for everyone. Below, you’ll find helpful information about scheduling, preparing for your visit, our hospital safety policies, and what to expect during and after your appointment.
Making an Appointment
To schedule an appointment, please call our office at 540-710-7111 and press option 4 to speak with our front desk team.
Appointments are required. Walk-ins may be accommodated based on availability and are subject to a $150 walk-in fee. We strongly encourage scheduling an appointment to ensure we have time available to see your pet.
If your pet is new to our hospital, please let our receptionist know where your pet’s previous medical records can be obtained. Having these records in advance helps our team prepare for your visit and provide more informed care.
Please allow at least 40 minutes for your appointment. Depending on your pet’s needs, additional time may be necessary.
Pet Safety & Handling Guidelines
At Compassion Veterinary Center, the safety and well-being of every patient, pet parent, and team member are important to us. Veterinary hospitals can be stressful environments, even for pets who are typically friendly, calm, and well-behaved at home. Pets visiting our hospital may be experiencing pain, illness, fear, or anxiety, which can cause them to react differently than they normally would.
To help maintain a safe and comfortable environment for everyone, we require the following:
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Dogs must remain on a leash at all times. For safety reasons, we strongly prefer standard, non-retractable leashes, which provide better control in a busy veterinary setting.
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Cats must be secured in an appropriate pet carrier or safely restrained with a properly fitted harness and leash. Carriers are strongly encouraged to help minimize stress and prevent accidental escapes.
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Pet parents must maintain control of their pets at all times. Please keep your pet securely with you unless a member of our veterinary team specifically instructs you otherwise.
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Pets must not be allowed to roam freely in the lobby, hallways, or other areas of the hospital. Unrestrained pets can create safety risks, including unwanted interactions, fights, accidental escapes, and the potential spread of infectious diseases.
Even the sweetest, most social pet may react unexpectedly in an unfamiliar environment. Many of our patients are not feeling their best, and pain, fear, and anxiety can affect their behavior. These precautions are not a reflection of your pet’s temperament; they are necessary measures to protect every animal and person in our care.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to provide a safe, calm, and compassionate environment for all our patients and their families.
Late Arrivals
We understand that unexpected delays happen! If you anticipate arriving late, please call our office as soon as possible so we can determine whether we can still accommodate your appointment.
We ask that all clients arrive on time so we can give each patient the attention they deserve. Repeated tardiness may result in a late fee. If you arrive significantly late, your veterinarian may need to reschedule your appointment based on the day's schedule and availability. We appreciate your understanding and consideration of our team and other patients.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
A little preparation can help us make the most of your pet’s visit. Please bring the following items when applicable:
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Completed paperwork: Visit our Online Forms section to complete and submit new-client forms electronically. Otherwise, you can expect a text message with the links before your appointment.
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Previous medical records: Bring any records that we have not been able to obtain in advance.
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Current medications: Bring a list of your pet’s medications, including dosages, or bring the medication containers with you.
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A favorite toy: A familiar toy can help keep puppies and other pets entertained while they wait.
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A urine or stool sample: If your pet is experiencing urinary or gastrointestinal problems, we may ask you to bring a fresh sample. Please refer to our sample collection instructions for guidance.
If you are unsure whether something is needed for your visit, please call our office before your appointment.
Appointment Confirmation & Cancellation Policy
You will receive a phone call and/or text message the day before your appointment to confirm your scheduled visit.
When you schedule an appointment, we reserve dedicated time for your pet and our medical team. Because our schedule can fill quickly, we may be unable to accommodate non-emergency patients who arrive without an appointment.
We enforce a no-show and cancellation policy to help us make appointment times available to all patients. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please notify us at least 12 hours before your appointment to avoid a non-cancellation fee. You may call and leave a voicemail or send us a text message.
Thank you for respecting our team's time and helping us provide timely care to as many pets as possible.
During Your Appointment
Check-In
When you arrive, our receptionist will welcome you and your pet and assist with any necessary paperwork.
All clients must check in using our lobby kiosk, whether arriving for a scheduled appointment or as a walk-in. This helps our front-desk and medical teams track arrivals and coordinate patient care efficiently.
For canine patients, our receptionist will record your dog's weight before you take a seat. We require a current weight for every patient because many medications are dosed according to body weight. Accurate measurements help us determine appropriate dosages and support your pet’s safety.
Please remember to keep your pet securely restrained throughout the check-in process and while waiting in the lobby.
Getting to Know Your Pet
A veterinary technician will escort you and your pet to an examination room and ask questions about your pet’s medical history, current health, and any concerns you may have. The technician will also obtain any necessary measurements, including temperature and weight.
If laboratory samples are needed, a team member may take your pet to our treatment area for collection. Your technician will also review vaccination status and discuss appropriate preventive care recommendations.
To help us better understand your pet’s needs, please be prepared to discuss questions such as:
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What food does your pet eat, and how much?
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Have you noticed any behavioral changes or concerns?
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Is your pet receiving flea and tick prevention?
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Is your pet receiving heartworm prevention or routine deworming?
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Has your pet experienced any previous medical conditions or major surgeries?
The more we know about your pet, the better we can tailor our recommendations to their individual needs.
Examining Your Pet
Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, evaluating your pet’s overall health. Depending on your pet’s needs, this may include examining the teeth, ears, eyes, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, and other body systems.
We will also address the specific concerns that brought you to the hospital. For example, if your pet is experiencing itchy skin, your veterinarian will evaluate that concern and discuss appropriate next steps.
We generally offer three types of examinations:
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Wellness Exam: A routine preventive visit to assess your pet’s overall health and review vaccinations and preventive care.
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Comprehensive Exam: A more in-depth evaluation to investigate medical symptoms, health concerns, or behavioral issues.
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Recheck Exam: A follow-up visit to monitor a previously identified condition and evaluate your pet’s response to treatment.
Appointment length and scope vary depending on your pet’s needs. If your pet has several concerns, we may recommend addressing the most pressing issues first and scheduling a follow-up visit for anything that requires additional time.
Our goal is to give each concern the attention it deserves rather than rush through important details.
Developing a Care Plan Together
After examining your pet, your veterinarian will discuss the findings and recommend appropriate next steps.
At Compassion Veterinary Center, we believe veterinary care is a team effort involving your veterinarian, your veterinary technician, and you. We want you to feel informed, comfortable, and involved in decisions about your pet’s health.
There is often more than one way to approach a medical concern. We will explain the recommended diagnostic tests and treatment options, discuss their benefits and limitations, and help you understand the anticipated costs.
Our goal is to work with you to develop a care plan that addresses your pet’s individual needs while taking your family’s budget and circumstances into consideration. We believe every pet deserves thoughtful care and every pet parent deserves the information needed to make informed decisions.
Diagnostics & Laboratory Testing
Your veterinarian may recommend diagnostic testing to better understand your pet’s condition. Depending on the tests needed, many samples can be evaluated in our in-house laboratory, while others may be submitted to an external laboratory or specialist.
We will communicate results as appropriate, often by the following day for tests that can be processed within that timeframe. The timing of results varies depending on the type of test performed.
Diagnostic testing helps our team make more informed decisions and develop a treatment plan tailored to your pet.
Treatment & Medications
Following the examination and any necessary diagnostic testing, your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment. Depending on your pet’s condition, this may include oral medications, shampoos, ointments, creams, or other therapies.
Our in-house pharmacy allows us to fill most medications at the time of your visit. We strive to keep medications accessible and affordable while ensuring that your pet receives appropriate treatment.
Your veterinary team will review medication instructions and answer any questions you may have before you leave.
Hospitalization & Day Treatments
Some pets require additional diagnostics, monitoring, or treatment that cannot be completed during a routine appointment.
If your pet needs to stay at our hospital for the day, a team member will review the necessary consent forms and collect a deposit. We will also arrange a pickup time so you know when to return and discuss your pet’s care plan and progress with a team member or veterinarian.
We understand that leaving your pet in our care can be stressful, and we strive to make the process as clear and comfortable as possible.
Payment Policies & Billing
Payment is due in full at the time of checkout. We do not offer in-house payment plans. We accept CareCredit and pet insurance. We can process pet insurance claims directly through Trupanion. For all other pet insurance providers, payment is required in full at the time of service, and you will need to submit your claim directly to your insurance company for reimbursement according to your policy.
We understand that veterinary expenses can sometimes be unexpected. We want you to feel informed about the services recommended for your pet and their associated costs.
If you have questions about pricing, please let your technician know. We can prepare an estimate before services are performed so you can review the anticipated charges and discuss your options with our team.
We encourage you to ask questions about recommended tests, treatments, and costs at any point during your visit. Our goal is to help you understand your options and make decisions with confidence.
Appointment Recap & Questions
After your veterinarian has completed the examination and discussed the care plan with you, your veterinary technician will return to review the visit and make sure you understand the recommendations.
Your technician can review medications, explain instructions for home care, answer remaining questions, provide relevant educational materials, and help schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.
We want you to leave feeling informed about your pet’s care and comfortable with the next steps.
Check-Out
Once your questions have been answered, a team member will finalize your bill and provide your pet’s medications and receipt.
Payment is due in full at checkout. If you have questions about any charges, please speak with your technician so we can clarify them before you leave.
After Your Appointment
Our commitment to your pet’s well-being continues after you leave the hospital. You can generally expect a follow-up phone call from a member of our team within the next few days to check on your pet and see how they are doing.
If diagnostic tests were performed, we will also communicate the results and discuss any recommended next steps as appropriate.
At Compassion Veterinary Center, we value the trust you place in us. We are here to support you and your pet with compassionate care, clear communication, and guidance throughout every stage of your pet’s health journey.