What to Expect at a Veterinary Appointment
Knowing what to expect from your first appointment makes the experience easier and more pleasant for you and your pet.
Get Settled
We encourage all of our clients to arrive at least 10 minutes early to their pet's appointment in order to fill out our New Patient Form. To save some time, you can also complete the New Patient Form online in advance.
Meet Your Veterinarian
One of our veterinarians will review your pet's medical history and speak with you about any health issues they may be experiencing. You can ask any questions you may have and we will be sure to spend the time needed to answer them fully.
Examination, Diagnosis & Treatment
After your pet has been examined and assessed, our vets will provide your with a diagnosis and the treatment options available to you. They will work with you to determine what treatment option will be best for you and your pet.
After your visit, we will create a detailed report of our diagnosis, the discussion we had with you, and your pet's treatment plan. We will keep this information on hand for whenever you need it.
Our Pet Care Philosophy
We proudly serve pet owners in Los Angeles. We are dedicated to providing state-of-the-art veterinary service to you and your pet with care and compassion.
We are passionate about preventative care, client education, and providing comprehensive emergency and rehabilitative care to Los Angeles pets.
Hospital FAQs
Learn more about our office policies, payment options, and appointment booking by reading through our hospital FAQs.
- What types of payment options are available?
Payment in full is expected at the time services are provided or upon discharge of your pet. We accept payment by cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- Are there payment plans available for my pet’s care?
We are proud to offer CareCredit and Scratchpay as financing options. They offer an easy application process that will give you results in minutes.
- Will I be provided with an estimate of costs?
We will provide a good-faith estimate of the cost of our services prior to treating your pet. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise that impact your final bill.
We will always discuss our written estimate with all clients before they leave our facility, and require a deposit based on our estimate prior to any further treatment.
- Should I call ahead to book an appointment?
Yes, please call ahead to book an appointment to ensure we have room in our schedule to see your pet.
In the event that your pet needs emergency care please contact the emergency hospital closest to you right away.
- What does the examination include?
The examination includes a check of your pet’s vital signs, time for the veterinarian to examine and discuss any concerns you may have about your pet, and creating a course of treatment that addresses any medical issues that may be found. The examination fee does not include any additional treatment costs.
- Do you offer parking?
Yes, we offer free parking in our private lot. We share the lot with a neighboring business and parking in one of their designated spaces may result in your vehicle being towed, so please be sure to park in either a designated Shatto Veterinary Center spot or one that is unmarked.
- What is your appointment cancellation policy?
If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer the space in our schedule to other clients.
- What types of animals do you treat?
We take care of small domestic pets such as cats and dogs.
- Where can I purchase my pet's prescription and food?
You can purchase all the medications and specialty food your pet needs either via our online store or our in-house pharmacy.
- Can you help with my pet insurance?
Though we do not accept pet insurance as a payment method, we're happy to help you fill out pet insurance forms for your pet's visit and provide any medical records you may need to file a reimbursement claim.
- I found a stray animal but I can't keep it; can I take it to you?
Unfortunately, due to safety reasons, we are unable to accept any kind of surrendered or abandoned animals at our hospital. Please contact your county’s local animal care and control department for more assistance.
Pet Owner Resources
Here are some helpful links for your pet's health.
Financing Options
Get financing with CareCredit or Scratchpay quickly and easily.