Welcome!
Your First Visit to Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital
We’re honored you’ve entrusted us with your pet’s care. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or kitten, caring for a beloved senior companion, or simply looking for a veterinary team you can trust, we’re excited to meet you both.
We know visiting a new veterinary hospital can feel overwhelming, so we’ve put together this guide to help you know exactly what to expect during your first visit.
Before You Arrive
What to Bring
To help your appointment go as smoothly as possible, please bring:
- Previous medical records (if applicable)
- A current list of medications and supplements your pet is taking
- A fresh stool (fecal) sample, if requested by our team, collected in a sealed plastic bag and labeled with both your name and your pet’s name
- Any vaccination records that have not already been shared with us
- A list of questions, concerns, or changes you’ve noticed in your pet’s health or behavior
- Any treats, favorite toys, or comfort items that may help your pet feel more relaxed (optional)
New Client Tip: If your pet has been seen by another veterinarian, having their records sent to us before your appointment allows our team to review their medical history in advance and make the most of your visit. Your pet’s records can be emailed to gavh@grandavenuevet.com
How Long Will My Appointment Take?
Most first-time appointments last 30–45 minutes. Some visits may take a little longer depending on your pet’s needs or if additional diagnostics or treatments are recommended.
We do our best to stay on schedule while ensuring every patient receives the time and attention they deserve. Occasionally, emergencies or unexpectedly complex cases may cause slight delays, and we sincerely appreciate your patience if this happens.
Keeping Your Pet Safe
For everyone’s safety, please bring your pet:
- On a leash (dogs and leash-trained cats), or
- In a secure carrier (recommended for most cats and small pets)
Although some adventurous cats enjoy traveling on a leash, most cats feel safest in a carrier.
Arriving at Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital
Please park in front of the building and enter through our main entrance.
Our driveway is adjacent to a busy roadway, so please keep your pet securely leashed or in their carrier while entering and leaving the hospital.
Because our driveway is shared with Subway, Dairy Queen, and neighboring businesses, we kindly ask that you clean up after your pet while on the property. If you need a waste bag, just let us know—we’re happy to provide one.
When You Arrive
One of our Client Service Representatives will welcome you, confirm your appointment, and get you checked in.
Whenever possible, we’ll escort you directly into an exam room. If one isn’t quite ready, you’re welcome to relax in our lobby for just a few minutes while we prepare your room.
Weight Check
- Dogs over 20 pounds are weighed in the lobby.
- Cats and small dogs are weighed in the exam room.
What Will Happen During My Appointment?
We know veterinary visits can be stressful for both pets and their people. Our goal is to move at a pace that helps your pet feel comfortable while giving you plenty of time to ask questions and discuss any concerns.
Your appointment begins with one of our veterinary assistants or technicians, who will:
Review your pet's medical history
Learn about your pet's lifestyle and daily routine
Discuss any questions or concerns you have
Record your pet's weight and vital signs
Perform an initial assessment
Perform an initial assessment
After gathering this information, they’ll briefly step out to review everything with your veterinarian.
Your veterinarian will then join you, review your pet’s history, answer your questions, perform a comprehensive nose-to-tail examination, and discuss any recommendations for your pet’s care.
Every recommendation we make is based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, medical history, and individual needs.
Helping Your Pet Stay Healthy
Preventive care is one of the best ways to help your pet live a longer, healthier life.
Depending on your pet’s age and lifestyle, your veterinarian may recommend:
- Vaccinations
- Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention
- Annual heartworm and tick-borne disease testing (dogs)
- Routine wellness bloodwork
- Senior wellness screenings
- Dental care
- Nutrition and weight management guidance
If you’re visiting for a wellness appointment, we’ll also discuss our wellness plan options and answer any questions you may have.
Treatment Recommendations & Costs
We believe you should always understand your pet’s treatment options before making decisions.
If diagnostics, medications, or treatments are recommended, we’ll review a personalized treatment plan with you, explain our recommendations, discuss estimated costs, and answer your questions before moving forward.
Our goal is to provide exceptional medical care while helping you make informed decisions that are right for your pet and your family.
We’re Partners in Your Pet’s Care
We believe the best veterinary care is built on trust, communication, and partnership.
We encourage you to ask questions throughout your visit. No question is too small. Whether you’d like clarification about a diagnosis, medications, preventive care, or treatment options, our team is always happy to help.
Our goal isn’t simply to treat illness—it’s to build a lasting relationship with you and your pet. We look forward to celebrating life’s happy milestones, helping you navigate unexpected challenges, and partnering with you through every stage of your pet’s life.
Why Don’t You Offer Drop-Off Appointments for New Clients?
Your pet’s first visit is about more than a physical examination—it’s about getting to know each other.
Because of that, we do not offer drop-off appointments for first-time clients. We believe the best care begins with a face-to-face conversation where we can learn about your pet’s medical history, personality, lifestyle, and your goals for their care.
Having you present also helps create the least stressful experience possible for your pet while giving you the opportunity to ask questions and become familiar with our team.
For established clients, drop-off appointments may be available for certain situations.
Before You Head Home
Whenever possible, we’ll complete your visit right in the exam room. This gives you another opportunity to ask questions while providing additional privacy and continuity of care.
If needed, we’ll complete your visit at our reception desk.
We accept cash, checks, debit cards, credit cards, CareCredit, and Varidi financing. Payment is due when services are provided.
If your pet had laboratory testing or other diagnostics performed, our team will contact you with the results and discuss any recommended next steps.
Common Questions
What happens if I'm running late?
Please give us a call as soon as possible. Depending on our schedule, we may still be able to see your pet or may need to adjust your appointment time.
Can I stay with my pet during the appointment?
Absolutely! We encourage you to be present during your pet’s visit whenever possible. If your pet needs to be taken to our treatment area, we’ll explain why and keep you informed throughout their visit.
What if my pet is nervous or anxious?
Please let us know before your appointment or when you arrive. Our team uses low-stress handling techniques and will tailor your pet’s visit to help them feel as comfortable as possible. For some pets, we may recommend pre-visit medications to reduce anxiety.
Can I ask questions during my appointment?
Absolutely! We encourage questions throughout your visit and want you to feel confident and informed about every recommendation we make.
We Can’t Wait to Meet You
Thank you for considering Grand Avenue Veterinary Hospital. We’re honored to be part of your pet’s healthcare journey and look forward to welcoming you both to our hospital.
If you have questions before your first visit, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help and can’t wait to meet you and your pet!