Getting Ready for Your Appointment:
Upon scheduling an appointment at Tabernacle Animal Hospital, your pet will go into our schedule in an assigned time spot with a doctor or technician. If you are a new client or new patient, please send any and all veterinary records to [email protected] prior to your visit to allow our veterinary staff to look at your patient's medical history prior to the exam.
Prior to your appointment, be sure to look for a text and email (check your spam) to fill out the patient history form so that our staff has the information they need to assist you and your pet - even if we have seen your pet previously!
When you arrive for your appointment, stay in your car and call our hospital at (609) 535-8400. You will either be directed to come into the lobby or wait in your car to avoid stressful situations for your pet or another pet if the lobby is full.
If you are unsure whether or not a stool sample is needed for your appointment, bring one anyway! It is recommended that a stool sample is sent out yearly for monitoring. If your patient is coming in for an annual appointment, is a puppy/kitten, or experiencing gastrointestinal issues, bring a stool sample to your appointment.
Your Appointment at Tabernacle Animal Hospital...
Your pet's annual veterinary check-up will include a thorough physical exam with an update of annual vaccines and testing. Because even the most cooperative pet may not readily go-along with a tooth and gum brushing, an annual dental cleaning by your veterinarian maybe in order. Like you, your pet can lose their teeth due to decay and neglect. It's a good idea to keep an accurate medical diary not only of the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives from the veterinarian, but also of notes on things like your pet's elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences. Keep track of small shifts in your pet's behavior, including urinary marking habits and mood swings, along with diet and routine modifications. Take this notebook with you when you visit the vet. These seemingly unrelated occurrences may help explain results of your pet's medical tests. Also, if you need to change vets, it's good to have this journal to provide a complete medical history.
Choose a veterinarian who is calm, compassionate and willing to explain all the procedures your pet undergoes. Try to find a vet with whom both you and your pet feel comfortable. Try to have it convenient, choose a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to undertake surgery and perform procedures requiring anesthesia, such as teeth cleaning. Because of the general risks inherent to anesthesia, especially for very old, very young or very ill pets, your veterinarian will likely suggest a few exams, including a chest X-ray and lab work of blood and urine, before your pet is anesthetized. During the procedure they might need an IV drip; antibiotics may be necessary before and after.
Our veterinarians may refer you to a specialist - veterinarians who have completed advanced studies in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care - if your pet must undergo a procedure that requires more precise knowledge and experience.