Patient Information
What to Expect at a Veterinary Appointment
Understanding what you can expect at your initial appointment will help make the process easier for you and your pet.
Get Settled
Please come about 10 minutes early to fill out our New Patient Form. To save a bit of time, you can complete the New Patient Form online before your appointment.
Meet Your Veterinarian
A team member will review your pet's history and explain their issues. You can ask any questions you may have, and we'll dedicate time to answering them.
Examination, Diagnosis & Treatment
Once your pet has been examined, we will provide you with a diagnosis and options for treatment. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine a treatment plan for your pet.
After your visit, we will create a detailed report of our diagnosis, the discussion we had with you, and your pet's treatment plan. We will keep this information on hand for your reference.
Our Pet Care Philosophy
We are proud to serve pet owners in Novato and throughout Bel Marin. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art veterinary service to you and your pet with care and compassion.
We are passionate about providing preventive care, client education and comprehensive emergency and surgical care.
Hospital FAQs
Find out more about our office policies, payment options and how to book appointments by reading the most frequently asked questions we've received from clients.
- What types of payment options are available?
Payment in full is due at the time services are provided or upon your pet's discharge. We accept payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- Are there payment plans available for my pet’s care?
We are proud to offer CareCredit as a financing option. They offer an easy application process that will give you results in minutes.
- Will I be provided with an estimate of costs?
We will provide a good-faith cost estimate for our services before they leave our facility. That said, unforeseen circumstances may occur that can impact your final bill.
We always discuss our written estimate with all clients before they leave our facility.
- Should I call ahead to book an appointment?
Yes, please call ahead to book an appointment to ensure we have room in our schedule to see your pet.
In the event that your pet needs emergency care during our regular business hours, please contact us right away.
- What is your appointment cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please notify us with 24 hour notice so that we can offer the space in our schedule to other clients.
A cancellation fee may be applied to your account in the event of failed 24 hour notice.
- What types of animals do you treat?
We take care of domestic cats and dogs.
- Where can I purchase my pet's prescription and food?
You can purchase all the medications and specialty food your pet needs either via our online store or our in-house pharmacy.
- What are the fees associated with an appointment?
You are financially responsible for the initial examination fee and any diagnostics or treatment that you consent to. This payment is due at the time of service.
For further hospitalization, diagnostics, or surgery, a deposit is required upfront with payment due in full when your pet is discharged.
- What are the fees associated with an emergency visit?
A deposit payment may be required for emergency examinations. Once the staff and doctors have examined your pet, an estimate for treatment will be given to you to determine a treatment plan.
If further hospitalization, diagnostics or surgery are required, an upfront deposit is required, with payment in full due when your pet is discharged.
- Can you help with my pet insurance?
We’re happy to help you fill out pet insurance forms for your pet’s visit.
Pet Owner Resources
Here are some helpful links for your pet's health.
New Patient Form
Download and complete the form and bring with you to your appointment.