Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS YOUR CANCELLATION POLICY?

When an appointment is canceled without advance notice, this prevents another patient in need from being seen. That being said, we do require notice at least 24 hours in advance to cancel an appointment. If less than 24 hours notice is given, or if there is no notice at all, a $45 cancellation fee will apply and will be required to be paid in order to book future appointments. For further details on our cancellation and no-show policy, please see the following link: https://www.oakvillevets.com/c...

CAN MY PET SEE THE SAME VETERINARIAN EACH TIME WE VISIT?

Here at Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital, we always do our best to ensure full client and patient comfort during your visits. If you would like to request the same veterinarian, we would be more than happy to accommodate your request.

 

I THINK MY PET ATE SOMETHING THAT COULD BE POISONOUS, BUT HE/SHE SEEMS FINE. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Call us right away. If this occurs outside of our normal business hours, please contact your nearest veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not showing any adverse symptoms, you can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for more information.

I THINK SOMETHING’S WRONG WITH MY PET. CAN I CALL YOU AND HAVE A VETERINARIAN GIVE ME A DIAGNOSIS OVER THE PHONE?

It is unethical and illegal for Veterinarians to diagnose over the phone. Diagnosing by phone doesn’t allow veterinarians to physically examine a pet, therefore an accurate diagnosis can not be obtained. A physical exam is necessary so that your veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis and therefore, proper treatment. If you have a concern about your pet’s health, please call us at 289-837-0100 and schedule an appointment time that works best for you.

 

MY PET IS REALLY WELL TRAINED. DOES HE/SHE NEED TO BE ON A LEASH/ IN A CARRIER WHEN WE VISIT THE HOSPITAL?

Yes. Though your furry family member may behave well with you; once they are in an unfamiliar place, around unfamiliar people, with other pets around, the situation can quickly change. Additionally, for us to ensure full safety of your pet during their visit, our team must be able to maintain safe control within the facility.

I BROUGHT MY PET TO SEE THE VETERINARIAN FOR A PROBLEM, AND MY PET ISN’T GETTING ANY BETTER. WHAT CAN I DO?

Please give us a call. Not only can some symptoms take time to resolve, but some treatment plans need to be slightly adjusted to suit your pets individual needs. We would be more than happy to have your pet in for a recheck and to further discuss your options.

DO YOU OFFER ANY PAYMENT PLANS?

Payment must be made in full at the time of services rendered. We do not offer any payment plans at this time. 

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

• Cash
• Debit
• Credit
  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • American Express

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT?

The most efficient way to schedule your appointment is by giving us a call at (289)837.0100 during our regular business hours. Additionally, you can request an appointment via our appointment request on our website, send us an email, or for those existing clients of ours; you can also request an appointment through our app! 

AFTER I HAVE MY PET MICROCHIPPED, IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO DO?

Here at Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital, we take care of it all. Once your pet is microchipped, we will register it online for you. This microchip will be valid through your pets' entire life. Keep in mind, the system won’t work unless you keep your contact information current. Whenever you move or change your phone number, make sure you update that information with your pet’s microchip through your online account that we provide at the time of registration. 

I’VE HEARD THAT SOME CLINICS OFFER ANESTHESIA-FREE DENTISTRY. IS THIS SAFE FOR MY PET?

It is not safe, and it is illegal for anyone (including veterinarians) to offer anesthesia-free dentistry in Ontario.

HOW CAN MY PUPPY/KITTEN HAVE WORMS? HOW WAS HE/SHE EXPOSED?

Almost all puppies and kittens are born with intestinal parasites. These parasites are passed from mother to puppy during pregnancy. Kittens although may not be infected when they’re born, they can become infected through their mother’s milk when nursing. Puppies can also become infected while they’re nursing.

Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks once they reach an old enough age, by their breeder (2 weeks old for puppies, 3 weeks old for kittens). After the biweekly series of dewormings are finished, and your new furry family member comes into your care, monthly dewormings should begin with your regular veterinarian.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY PET’S WELLNESS EXAM?

During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinary technicians will take your pet’s initial history to share with the veterinarian and then the veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination. If our veterinarian has further questions for you regarding your pets history based on physical findings, they will ask at this time. Our veterinarian will also give your pet appropriate vaccinations and perform a diagnostic workup, which may include blood, fecal, and urine tests to check for parasites and underlying diseases. Some other things that may occur during your pets wellness exam include, but are not limited to, prescribing preventives and recommending dental work or other follow-up care. The specific services provided during the exam will vary depending on your pet’s age/specific needs. You can help by letting your veterinarian know if you’ve noticed any unusual behaviour or physical changes in your pet.

WHY SHOULD I BRING MY PET IN FOR REGULAR VETERINARY VISITS WHEN HE/SHE IS HEALTHY?

When you keep your pet up-to-date on preventive care, you’ll know that your pet won’t have to suffer from a condition that could have been prevented or treated. Additionally, when you consider the cost of prevention versus the cost of treating a disease or condition, you’ll find that treatment is often far more expensive. 

DOES MY PET HAVE TO GET A RABIES VACCINATION?

Here in Ontario, it is required by law that our pets be vaccinated against Rabies. These laws help protect both pets and people from this deadly disease. It is also required by law that any Veterinarian perform a physical examination, prior to vaccinating your pets.

Because of rabies laws, control and prevention programs, and pet owners’ cooperation, domesticated pets in North America rarely become infected with this disease. By keeping your pet up-to-date on his or her rabies vaccination, not only are you protecting your pet, but you’re also helping to eradicate rabies from the pet population in our community.

I’VE FOUND A CLINIC THAT’S OFFERING PRICES WELL BELOW WHAT OTHER CLINICS ARE CHARGING FOR VETERINARY CARE. IS THIS A GOOD OPTION IF I DON’T HAVE MUCH MONEY TO SPEND ON MY PET?

Veterinarians are expected to meet minimum standards of care (as overseen by veterinary regulatory authorities). That being said, the quality of care that your pet receives should not change based on the fees charged for services. However, if prices are lower at one clinic, you should inquire for clarification about what the procedure or treatment includes. You may find differences in the level of care provided.

CAN I GET HEALTH INSURANCE FOR MY PET? IF SO, WHAT’S COVERED?

Several companies offer health insurance for our furry family members. Just like human health insurance plans, hese plans have premiums and deductibles. The premiums and deductibles vary based on the level of coverage that you select at the time of registration. Here at Lakeshore Road Animal Hospital, we provide a courtesy service of sending your claims to your insurance company after each visit, upon your request. We understand that insurance can be quite confusing, and though we do not work directly with any insurance company, we always do our best to help you when needed.