New Client FAQs
Visits to new veterinary care providers can be intimidating. Making the experience as cozy and simple as we can is our goal. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!
FAQs
Do I need to bring my patient records with me?
It is very helpful for us to have records beforehand.
We are happy to reach out to your veterinarian to get your recent records. When booking the appointment, please let us know who your vet is, and we will reach out to them. You can also send us your records at heyfriend@southerntrailsvet.com.
What is your payment policy?
We accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. We also accept CareCredit. Payment is due at the time of service.
Do you accept Pet Insurance?
We are happy to work with your pet insurance provider. For anybody interested in acquiring pet insurance, we suggest Trupanion. New patients can be enrolled at no cost for a 30-day trial after their first visit with us.
How long will the appointment take?
A typical appointment will take 30-45 minutes. We also offer the convenience of drop-off appointments. In these cases, we can communicate with you by phone or chat to update you on your furry friend.
What services does your hospital offer?
You can see a full list of services here. Please feel free to call us if you need additional information on any of the services listed!
Do you offer same day appointments?
Yes, we do! Appointments can be made online or by calling us at (706) 814-7742.
Will you see patients with pre-existing conditions?
Yes, we will. Our team not only has extensive experience in managing these patients, but we also have strong relationships with veterinary specialists in our area.
Does my dog need to be on a leash? Does my cat need to be in a carrier?
For your protection and that of others, all dogs must be on a leash and properly controlled while in the waiting area or exam rooms. All cats must arrive and depart in an appropriate cat carrier.
What happens if I arrive late to my appointment? Do you have a Late Arrival Policy?
We value your time and want to make sure every patient receives the attention they deserve. To help keep our schedule running smoothly and minimize wait times for everyone, we do have a late arrival policy.
If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, we may need to reschedule your appointment or convert it into a drop off appointment.
If you think you may be running late, please give us a call. We will always do our best to accommodate you, but depending on the day’s schedule we may not always be able to keep the original appointment time.
What happens if I miss my appointment? Do you have a No-Show Policy?
We know life happens and sometimes you forget about an appointment, something comes up last minute or your cat finds a new hiding spot. However, when appointments are missed it prevents other pets from receiving care.
If you miss two scheduled appointments without notice, a deposit will be required to schedule a third appointment. The deposit is $50 for doctor appointments and $30 for technician visits.
This deposit will be applied to your appointment at the time of the visit. If the appointment is missed again without notice, the deposit will be forfeited.
Can I receive medical advice over the phone?
We are happy to help answer quick questions by phone when possible. However, to ensure your pet receives the best and safest care, there are times when an in-person exam is necessary.
If you have three missed appointments (no-shows), we will no longer be able to provide medical advice over the phone.
Additionally, if a concern requires more than two phone calls with our staff, we may ask that you schedule an appointment so our medical team can properly evaluate your pet and address the issue.