Client Rights and Responsibilities

While we understand things out of our control do come about, it is important to also understand that every appointment time, whether it be routine, surgical, or unexpected, is very valuable. Every ‘no show’ and last-minute cancellation takes away from another pet in need. Because of this, we are enacting the following policy, effective April 1, 2024.

Late Policy

A grace period of 10 minutes will be permitted for unforeseen delays you may encounter while traveling to Stewart Veterinary Group for your pet’s appointment. If you arrive more than 10 minutes after your pet’s appointment start time, you may be asked to reschedule for a later date. This process helps ensure that pets arriving on time are seen in a timely manner.

There is a $25 No Show Fee for not showing for your appointment, and a Late Fee 0f $10 for arriving 10 minutes or more after your appointment time. You also may be asked to reschedule if our schedule cannot accommodate the late appointment.

New Client Appointment Deposit Policy

• New clients are required to pay a $50 appointment deposit at the time of scheduling their appointment. This ensures that adequate space and time is reserved for complete care of your pet(s). Please note that all deposits are applied to charges for the visit that day.

• A walk-in appointment and same-day appointment deposit for all new clients is $100.

• If scheduling an appointment for two pets, each pet requires a deposit.

• The Appointment deposit will be credited towards the appointment at the appointment time.

• The Appointment deposit will be credited at appointment time if an appointment needs to be rescheduled and is done so 24 hours or more in advance.

• Appointment deposit will NOT be credited in the occurrence of a ‘no show’ and/or cancellation under 24 hours, or being late more than 10 minutes.

Surgery Deposit Policy

• All Surgeries and Dentistry Appointments will be reserved with a deposit of $100. If you fail to show or reschedule within 24 hours, the reservation fee will not be credited to your account and will be lost.

• Rescheduling must be done no shorter than 24 hours in advance.

• No Shows and cancellations made within less than 24 hours will forfeit the $100 reservation fee.

• New clients are to schedule an appointment to be seen by one of our veterinarians before scheduling any surgical procedure.

Client Rights

• Considerate, respectful, and impartial care from every doctor and staff member.

• Accurate and easily understood information about your animal’s health and Stewart Veterinary Group’s policies, including payment policies.

• Know the names and positions of all staff members involved in the care of your animal.

• Receive care from properly licensed veterinarians and properly trained technicians. All specialists, interns, and residents are properly licensed.

• Know your animal’s diagnosis, prognosis, treatment alternative, and risks and benefits of each alternative.

• Participate in decisions about your animal’s care. Decline treatment, and to receive a full explanation of decisions on the part of veterinarians to decline treatment.

• Talk in confidence with staff members and veterinarians and to have your animal’s health care information protected.

• Fair, fast and objective review of any complaint you have regarding Stewart Veterinary Group.

Client Responsibilities

• Ensuring healthy habits in your animal, such as exercise and a healthy diet.

• Disclosing relevant, accurate and complete information about your animal’s health and history.

.Working collaboratively with providers to develop and carry out agreed-upon treatment plans.

• Using client feedback processes to address issues that may arise and clearly communicating your wants and needs.

• Minimizing the risk of bites, scratches, etc., and avoiding the spread of diseases by limiting your and your animal’s interactions with other animals.

• Recognizing the reality of risks and limits of the science of veterinary medical care. Maintaining the awareness of Stewart Veterinary Group’s obligation to provide timely, equitable care to other patients.

• Showing respect for other clients, patients and personnel. Meeting financial obligations.

• Abiding by administrative and operational procedures, including visiting hours, leashing requirements, payment and appointment scheduling and cancellation policies.