EMERGENCIES
The hospital has a 24-hour messaging center and in case of an emergency the hospital number, (630) 833-7387 should be used. The messaging center can direct your call to the Doctor's pager, provide you with information about the local emergency clinic, or provide routine information about hours and location. Simply follow the directions you hear when you call and touch the number keys when prompted. Should an after hours visit become necessary, there is an emergency fee in addition to the regular charges.

OUTPATIENT SCHEDULING
The office is maintained on an appointment basis for the best interest of your pet and for your convenience. This assures ample time for proper surgical and medical care for all patients and conserves valuable time for you, the owner. The appointment is also a reservation of time for you, and if it becomes necessary to rearrange or cancel your appointment, please notifiy us a soon as possible. Outpatient appointments are scheduled for whichever doctor is available at the time requested. Requests to see a specific doctor are accommodated whenever possible and should be made known at the time the appointment is made.

SURGERY
All surgeries are performed on an appointment basis. Elective surgeries are done on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Animals are generally admitted to the hospital on the morning of their surgery.

SPECIALISTS
The services and expertise of numerous specialists are available to patients. On-site specialists include cardiology with echocardiography capability, and internal medicine with ultrasound. Off-site specialists available by referral include specialists in oncology, dermatology, ophthalmology surgery, and restorative dentistry. These services may be recommended from time to time, and pet owners should not hesitate to request a referral to a specialist for further workups or second opinions.

IMMUNIZATIONS
Numerous contagious diseases of pets are ever-present in our area, and many of these diseases can be prevented with proper immunizations. Dogs and cats should get an initial series of injections followed by annual boosters. No pet will be admitted for surgery or hospitalization unless all appropriate immunizations are brought up to date. This rule is enforced to assure the safety of all hospitalized animals.

VISITING
You are always welcome to inspect our hospital facilities. However, when your pet is a patient, visiting can often cause excitement and disappointment and may not be advisable. We will try to arrange visiting if the doctor feels it can be done with minimal unfavorable effects on our patients.

PATIENT SAFETY
All animals brought into the hospital should be on a leash or in a suitable carrier. Proper restraint is necessary for the safety of all. Leashes are available at the animal hospital for a nominal charge and will be provided for all animals not properly restrained. Every effort is made to avoid patient contact in the waiting room.

CHARGES
We believe that the fees charged are just and equitable. Unlike the human hospital, the facilities provided are entirely due to the private enterprise and investment of the veterinarian. Such facilities represent a substantial investment in the community as well as the protection of the community's public health and welfare. The owner of the animal is responsible for all fees incurred. Payment is required before any animal can be released from the hospital. For outpatient services, we ask that payment in full be made at the time the services are rendered. Acceptable forms of payment include cash, check, Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

IN SUMMARY
It is our desire to be of service to your pet and you, to offer information, advise, and assistance whenever needed. Our emphasis is on preventative health care to provide your pet a long and healthy life. We try to be alert to your needs, and should you have any ideas or suggestions which might help us to improve our service, please let us hear from you.