Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I
bring for my first appointment?
We look forward to meeting you and your pet on your first visit to Harbour Cities Veterinary Hospital. We will need you to bring some information with you so we can do our job as well as possible. If possible, print out and complete the Client Registration form prior to coming to your appointment. Information you will need to bring includes:
- A completed New Client Registration form
- A completed medical history form.
- Basic information about your pet, including age and/or date of birth.
- Your pet's vaccination record, medical history, and a list of his or her medications.
- A description of any health problems your pet may be experiencing.
- Any questions you may have about your pet's care.
- If appropriate, a stool sample for a parasite check.
Q: What about an annual checkup?
Your pet should be seen by a veterinarian at least once a year. During this visit, the doctor will give your pet a thorough physical examination to ensure he or she is in good health. If needed, your pet may get vaccination boosters. This is a good time to get any medications your pet may need for the next year, such as heartworm pills and flea and tick preventative. For these visits, bring with you:
- A completed medical history form.
- A description of any health problems your pet may have experienced since her last visit.
- Any questions you may have about your pet's care.
- If appropriate, a stool sample for parasite check.
Q: My pet is sick. What do I need
to tell the vet?
If your pet is coming in because she is ill, please take a few moments to write down some details:
- When did you first notice your pet was ill? Is this the first time this has happened?
- What are her symptoms? Have they changed over time?
- What have you done to treat her? What medications have you given her?
- A completed medical history form.
Q: Do I need Pet Insurance?
We also want to let you know that there are insurance companies that provide Pet Health Insurance. These policies function much like your major medical policy and will provide assistance in paying for illnesses and veterinary emergencies. For more information, please call VetInsurance at (800) 738-4678 or PetSecure at (800) 268-1169. We also have brochures available at the front desk.
Q: What is Micro-Chipping
We want to make sure that you and your pet are never separated. Your dog or cat should be permanently identified so that if it is lost it can be readily returned to you. Collar ID tags are a good idea but can be easily lost or stolen. Tattooing can also be done but may become hard to read as the dog ages. We recommend permanent identification through using the 24PetWatch microchip . This is a small microchip about the size of a grain of rice which is injected under your dog's skin and stays there for its entire life. If your pet is ever lost or stolen a special scanner can read the code in the chip. This information is then kept at a registry maintained by the AKC which allows the dog's owner to be located and the two reunited. We are pleased to offer this new technology. Ask us for a demonstration at your next visit.