ALL SERVICES MUST BE PAID AT THE TIME OF SERVICES RENDERED.

We accept cash, personal checks, Visa, Master Card, and Discover credit cards. All fees must be paid in full at the time of pet dismissal, unless other arrangements have been pre-approved (See payment plan options below).

All hospitalized cases require a deposit at the time of admission to help cover initial expenses. This deposit is not an estimate of total fees. It is a payment on account that will go towards covering the total costs of treatment. Deposits can vary but usually range from $200 - $300.

Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital, P.C. makes every effort to make all pet health care affordable. Towards this end, we have developed additional methods of payment to help our clients. Below are all the other additional methods of payment that are approved or recommended.

1. Payment is expected when services are rendered. To focus on our patients’ needs, customer service and minimizing costs, we do not bill.

2. We accept debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) checks, and cash. All cards must be signed by the owner of the card.

3. When unexpected illness strikes a pet, unexpected expense strikes as well. Lake Chatuge Animal Hospital understands this and can make some special arrangements through the CARECREDIT PROGRAM. It takes just 5 minutes to complete an application and will allow you to break down your payment into 6 monthly installments. You can either apply at our hospital, where we’ll call in your application over the phone for immediate approval, or apply yourself online at www.CareCredit.com. Highlights of the CareCredit program:

   1. Low Monthly Payments (3% of the Total Balance)

   2. Interest-Free for 6 Months

   3. Determine Approval in a Few Minutes

   4. No Annual Fee

4. AFFORDABLE PET CARE is a membership medical plan for pets. APC members receive discounted animal health care services that usually range from 5-20%. It is especially helpful for families that have multiple pets.

5. Another popular option for your family and pet is INSURANCE coverage. To learn more, please visit the following pet insurance websites:

   1. www.PetInsurance.com

   2. www.PetCareInsurance.com

6. SCRATCHPAY: This service offers simple and affordable payment for veterinary bills. Checking your rate DOES NOT AFFECT YOUR CREDIT, only takes a couple of minutes and can be done from your smartphone, tablet, or computer. For more information about SCRATCHPAY and to check your rate, visit: www.scratchpay.com

7. ALL HOSPITALIZED CASES REQUIRE A DEPOSIT AT THE TIME OF ADMISSION to help cover initial expenses. This deposit is not an estimate of total fees. It is a payment on account that will go towards covering the total costs of the treatment. Deposit amounts can vary but usually range from $150 to $300.

To keep all client, patients, and staff safe, all pets must be in a pet carrier, or on a leash at all time. Please keep retractable leashes locked at a reasonable distance. Please refrain from socializing your pet with other patients, this is a stressful situation for them and that may affect their personality and how they interact with others.

• Prescription refill requests require a 72-hour notice for the doctor’s authorization.

• Prescriptions may also be filled/refilled through our online pharmacy, found on this website. Find the "Order Food & Medicine" tab and follow the instructions, please call our office if you need assistance.

• We do not work with 3rd party pharmacies, if you choose to use a 3rd party pharmacy, you will need to flick Up a written prescription, allowing up to 72 hours for approval.

• Per the “National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the FDA Compliance Policy Guideline 7132.09” all prescription and /or OTC products purchased or prescribed from our hospital are non-returnable.

• All vaccines must be current. If needed, vaccines will be updated upon admittance (unless precluded by illness) this includes, Grooming, Boarding, and All other appointments.

• Admitted hospitalized patients including, Grooming and boarding will be treated if fleas, ticks, and/or ear mites are present, fees will apply.

• All dogs MUST have current immunizations against Rabies, Distemper, Parvo Virus, Bordetella, and Influenza.

• All cats MUST have current immunizations against Rabies, Feline Distemper, Rhinotracheitis, and Calici Virus.

• All animals MUST have had a Fecal Examination for internal parasites within the last 12 months.

• All dogs MUST have had a heartworm blood test within the past 12 months.

• All animals MUST be free of external parasites (fleas & ticks) when admitted for boarding; or must be treated upon admission.

• A cleansing bath is optional before dismissal. Minor clips and brush-outs are also available upon request.

• All clients are REQUIRED to read and sign the boarding admitting and owner release forms.

• Animals will be admitted & discharged ONLY during regular office hours.

• Any animal that requires emergency or immediate veterinary attention will receive it at our discretion at the owner's expense.

• An emergency telephone number MUST be left with the clinic.

• Animals requiring medication or treatment (such as wound treatment) will be charged appropriate fees. Heartworm preventive medication should be administered for the month before or after the boarding time. There is no danger in giving this medication early.

• Please inform us if you are not happy with the care your pet received. Your satisfaction and your pet's well-being are our primary concern.

• Be aware that your pet’s diet may have varied while away from home. They may have barked at other animals, or the temperature & humidity may have been slightly different from your home. This can create problems such as sore throats, tonsillitis, or diarrhea. We seek to prevent such problems, but you must understand that these problems can develop. Owners will be charged appropriate fees for all treatment and medication needed for reasons that are not directly under our control.

• We furnish all normal food and bedding. We offer “extra” playtime and treats for an additional charge.