Santa Barbara Pet Hospital

Hospital Policies

 

Appointment Policy

 

Appointments are required for our hospital. Please be advised that if you walk in with a non-urgent case, we will do our best to squeeze you in provided that your pet is already an established patient; however, previously scheduled appointments will be seen first. Emergency cases shall always receive top priority followed by patients with previously scheduled appointments. Kindly note that our ability to see walk-in cases may be limited by our current scheduled caseload; on occasion it may not be possible to see your pet as a walk-in and referral will be necessary. Availability of a veterinarian for an unscheduled (walk-in) patient is not guaranteed.

 

Payment Policy

 

We require full payment at the time that services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, cash and personal checks. CareCredit is also accepted. 

 

 

Patient Arrival Policy

 

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.

All cats must be presented in an appropriate cat carrier or on a leash. If you do not have a carrier, we will be happy to provide you with one.

 

Boarding Animal Vaccine Policy

 

All animals who board with us are required to be up to date on all vaccines. Dogs must have received vaccinations for DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies; cats must be current on FVRCP, FeLV (leukemia), and rabies. Even if your cat is indoor only, it will still have to be vaccinated in order to board with us.  This policy is for your cat's protection as well as that of our other feline boarders.

 

Prescription and Refills Policy

 

California State Regulations prohibit veterinarians from dispensing and refilling any prescription medications without an established Veterinary Patient-Client Relationship (VPCR). Under the law, patients who have not been seen for a specific condition within the last year may not be prescribed medications, or have pre-existing prescriptions refilled, without returning for an examination by a veterinarian. Please see the California Code of Regulations, Title 16 Section 2032.1, Business and Professions Code, Section 4051 (a) below:

 

State laws prohibit a veterinarian from dispensing or prescribing legend (prescription) medications without prior examination of your animal and current knowledge of your animal's health.

State laws also prohibit a veterinarian from filling a prescription ordered by another veterinarian.

California Code of Regulations
Title 16 Section 2032.1
Business and Professions Code
Section 4051(a)

 

Your Understanding and Cooperation is Appreciated.