New Client Essentials: What to Know Before Your Visit!

To ensure your first visit to Cotati Small Animal Hospital goes smoothly and is as productive as possible, here’s what you need to know:

• First Client Exam Deposit: To secure your pet’s initial exam, a non-refundable $70 deposit is required. This deposit helps us reserve your appointment slot and ensures we can dedicate the necessary time and resources to your pet’s care. If you miss your scheduled appointment, the deposit will be forfeited. Should you need to reschedule or book a new first exam in the future, a new $70 deposit will be required. This policy allows us to maintain a smooth and efficient schedule while providing the best possible care for all our clients.
• Review Our Policies and Services: For a smooth visit, take a moment to familiarize yourself with our hospital policies and browse the range of services we offer.

           Check out our “What to Expect” and “What to Bring” pages to help you feel fully prepared for your appointment!

• Bring Your Pet’s Medical History: It’s essential for our doctors to review your pet’s complete medical history. Please bring a physical copy of their records or have your previous veterinarian email them to us at cotatismallanimal@att.net. This should include documentation of all vaccines your pet has received, helping us create a thorough health profile and remind you of upcoming vaccinations.
• Prepare Questions: Veterinary visits can be a bit overwhelming for both you and your pet. To ensure you get the most out of your visit, write down any questions or concerns beforehand. This will help you remember everything you want to discuss with our doctors.
  

Key Guidelines and Policies

• Filling and Refilling Prescriptions: Please allow 24 to 48 hours for processing prescriptions, pet food, and medicine shipments, including paper scripts. Since our weekend doctors may not be available, please request refills by Thursday for the week you need them. To request a refill, call us at 707-795-3694 or email cotatismallanimal@att.net. Be sure to include your pet’s name, your full name, phone number, and the prescribed medication’s name. Note that a paper prescription is required to fill controlled substances at outside pharmacies.
• Missed Appointment/No Call No Show: We require a 24-hour notice for cancellations due to limited appointment availability. A $70 fee will be charged for missed appointments without prior notice. If you miss two or more appointments, a $70 deposit will be required for future appointments. This deposit will be applied to your bill, but if you miss the rescheduled appointment, the deposit will be forfeited to cover the exam fee. Cancellations for dental or surgery appointments will incur a $100 fee.
• Payment Options: Payment is due at the time services are rendered. We accept a variety of payment methods for your convenience, including Cash, Personal Check, Debit, Credit Cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express), and CareCredit. Note: CareCredit offers a 6-month no-interest option for bills over $200, provided you pay off the balance within that time. Late payments or missed payments may result in higher interest rates and fees, so make sure to keep up with minimum payments and settle your balance by the due date.
• Arrival Policy: For everyone’s safety, all pets must arrive on a leash or in a carrier. If you do not have one, please ask for one before getting your pet out of the car; we have carriers and leashes available for you to borrow for the duration of your appointment. Inform the front desk staff during check-in about any behavioral issues or if your pet is showing symptoms of an infectious disease (e.g., coughing, sneezing, vomiting). If your pet shows symptoms, please stay in your vehicle and call us at (707) 795-3694 upon arrival. We’ll provide further instructions to ensure the safety of all patients.