Appointments

Walk-in clients are welcome, however appointments are preferred. Emergency cases shall always receive top priority followed by Patients with previously scheduled appointments.

Patient Arrival

For your protection, and that of others, all dogs must be on a leash and properly controlled while in the waiting area or exam rooms.   Your dog may be very friendly, but the one coming around the corner may not be...  We have extras leashes available - just ask!

All cats must be presented in an appropriate cat carrier and should be kept there until their examination begins, as this actually keeps them more calm than allowing them to wander.   (Cats become very anxious in unfamiliar surroundings.)  Cardboard carriers are available at the front desk for a minimal fee.

If you are concerned that your pet may behave aggressively, please inform the receptionist when you make an appointment and again when you arrive.  We also have muzzles available should you need one for your dog.

Prescriptions and Prescription Refills 

Question: Why won't my vet just refill my pet's regular medication?

Pet owners commonly ask why they can't get a medication refilled for their pet without an examination. Whether for a recurring infection or a chronic condition that requires medication, Dr. Taylor will likely want to see your pet on a regular basis prior to dispensing medication. Read this FAQ to learn the reasons why a check-in with Dr. Taylor is required in most cases.

Answer: The short answer to this question is because Dr. Taylor needs to fully assess your pet's health prior to dispensing or continue dispensing medication. To prescribe medication based on a repeat condition or continuing health problem without ever "checking in" on the problem is not practicing good medicine for your pet.

For a condition such as an ear infection -- is the ear drum intact, or did the repeat infection involve the ear drum and rupture it this time? Is this ear infection caused by yeast or bacteria? What about a fox tail (grass awn) or other foreign object? Last time it was a bacterial infection, what if there is an infected polyp this time? Dr. Taylor will want to assess the ear anew and prescribe appropriate treatment. To simply prescribe what was given last time may or may not be effective, depending on the cause of the problem.

For chronic health conditions that require medication, such as hypo or (some) hyper thyroid conditions, most vets require bi-annual or yearly bloodwork to make sure that the therapy is still effective. The bloodwork may reveal that the medication dosage is too high or low before clinical signs are apparent to the owner.

In conclusion, if you ever have questions about what Dr. Taylor is doing or why, ask him! Or at least ask the veterinary staff -- they are there to help assist you as well as the veterinarian.

Payment

We require full payment at the time that services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept debit cards, Visa, MasterCard,  and cash.  Clients having existing farm animal business accounts with Abbotsford Veterinary Clinic upstairs are extended a billing service, please ask for details.