FAQs
Golden Corner Veterinary Hospital frequently asked questions and answers!
1. Are you accepting new patients?
Yes! We are currently accepting new patients and would love the opportunity to
care for your pets. Whether you’re new to the area or simply looking for a
veterinary team that feels like family, we’re here to help. Call us at 864-882-4488
to get started.
2. What should I bring to my pet’s first visit?
Please bring any previous medical records, vaccine history, current medications,
and any questions or concerns you have about your pet. If your pet has visited
another veterinarian, we encourage you to have their records sent to us before
your appointment so we can provide the best possible care.
3. Do you accept walk-in appointments?
We primarily operate by appointment to provide the best care and minimize wait
times. Depending on our schedule and staffing, we may be able to accommodate
limited walk-in or same-day urgent appointments. Please call ahead whenever
possible so we can best assist you.
4. Do you offer emergency services?
We offer same-day urgent care appointments whenever our schedule allows.
However, we are not a 24-hour emergency hospital. If your pet is experiencing a
life-threatening emergency, please call us immediately so we can advise you on
the best course of action and, if necessary, direct you to the nearest emergency
facility.
5. What payment options do you accept?
Payment is due at the time services are provided. We accept cash, major credit
cards, debit cards, Cherry Pay and Care Credit. Our team can provide
treatment estimates whenever possible so you can make informed decisions
about your pet’s care.
6. Do you offer payment plans?
We understand that unexpected veterinary expenses can arise. We offer
financing options through Cherry Payment Plans and Care Credit for qualified
applicants. Please speak with our team for details about these available payment
arrangements.
7. Do I have to pay for services the same day?
Yes. Payment is due at the time services are rendered. If financing options are
available, those arrangements must be approved before treatment is completed.
8. Do you take in stray or abandoned animals?
While we care deeply about animal welfare, we are not a shelter or rescue
organization and are unable to accept ownership of stray, abandoned, or
unwanted pets. If you have found an animal in need, we recommend contacting
your local animal shelter, animal control, or rescue organization for assistance.
We are happy to scan found pets for a microchip at no charge during our normal
business hours.
9. What is a euthanasia procedure like?
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. Our team strives to make the
process as peaceful, compassionate, and comfortable as possible for both pets and their families. We will explain each step beforehand, answer any questions you
may have, and provide you with options for aftercare. Our goal is to support you
through this difficult decision with dignity and respect.
10. Why do yearly wellness exams matter?
Pets age much faster than people, making annual wellness visits an important
part of preventive healthcare. These examinations allow us to monitor your pet’s
overall health, detect problems early, discuss nutrition and behavior, and keep
vaccinations and preventive care up to date.
11. Why does my pet’s rabies vaccine have to be current?
Rabies is a fatal disease that can affect both animals and humans. State law (Code
of Law – Section 47-5 Rabies Control) requires rabies vaccination for dogs and
cats, and maintaining current protection helps keep your pet, your family, and
the community safe.
12. Why does my pet need an exam before medication can be prescribed?
By law, veterinarians must maintain a valid veterinarian-client-patient
relationship before prescribing medications. Regular examinations help us
ensure medications remain safe, appropriate, and effective for your pet’s current
health condition.
13. Why do you recommend yearly fecal testing?
Many intestinal parasites can be present even when pets appear completely
healthy. Annual fecal testing helps identify parasites that can affect your pet’s
health and, in some cases, may also pose a risk to human family members.
14. Why does my pet need bloodwork?
Bloodwork allows us to evaluate your pet’s internal health and often helps
identify concerns before symptoms are visible. We may recommend bloodwork
as part of routine wellness care, prior to anesthesia, or when your pet is
experiencing illness. Early detection can lead to more effective treatment and
better outcomes. Remember, pets cannot talk to us!
15. Can I purchase flea, tick, and heartworm prevention without an exam?
Because these products are prescription medications, federal and state
regulations require that we maintain a valid veterinarian-client-patient
relationship (VCPR). This means your pet must have a current examination on file
before prescription preventatives can be dispensed.
16. Does my dog need a heartworm test if they’ve never missed a dose?
Yes. Even pets that receive heartworm prevention consistently should undergo
routine heartworm testing as recommended by the American Heartworm Society.
Annual testing helps ensure the prevention program is working properly and
protects your pet’s health.
17. How many doses of heartworm prevention can I purchase at one time?
The amount of heartworm prevention we can dispense depends on your pet’s
current examination status, heartworm testing requirements, and manufacturer
guidelines. In many cases, we can provide up to 12 months of prevention when
all requirements are current.
18. Does my pet have to be spayed or neutered? Isn’t there a “Plan B” or birth control option for pets?
We strongly recommend spaying and neutering for most pets to help prevent
unwanted litters and reduce the risk of certain health and behavioral issues.
Unlike human medicine, there are no safe and reliable birth control options
available for dogs and cats. If you have questions about whether spaying or
neutering is right for your pet, our veterinarians are happy to discuss your
options.
19. Do surgery patients have to stay overnight?
Not usually. Most routine surgical procedures are performed as outpatient
procedures, meaning pets go home the same day. In some cases, however, an
overnight stay may be recommended if additional monitoring or treatment is
needed.
20. What should I expect after my pet’s surgery?
Most pets recover smoothly after surgery and are ready to return home the same
day. You will receive detailed discharge instructions regarding medications,
activity restrictions, feeding, and follow-up care. Our team is always available to
answer questions during your pet’s recovery.
21. Do you offer microchipping?
Yes! Microchipping is a safe, permanent form of identification that greatly
increases the chances of being reunited with your pet if they become lost. The
procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and can often be performed during a
routine visit or surgical procedure.
22. Why won’t you call in my prescription to Chewy, PetMeds, CVS, or another pharmacy?
While online pharmacies can be a convenient option, many require extensive
staff involvement, multiple verification requests, and lengthy hold times. These
requests can take our team away from answering client calls, caring for patients,
and assisting families in the hospital.
To ensure our time remains focused on patient care, we do not routinely call
prescriptions into third-party pharmacies. We are happy to fill stocked
prescriptions in-house, help you with our online pharmacy, or provide a written
prescription that you may use at the pharmacy of your choice.
Our doctors and staff are dedicated to patient care, and we believe their time is
best spent serving pets and families in our hospital rather than managing
administrative tasks for large third-party pharmacies.
23. Is there a fee for a written prescription?
There may be a fee associated with preparing written prescriptions or processing
prescription requests, depending on the medication and circumstances. Please
contact our team for current pricing and details.
24. Why can’t you tell me what’s wrong with my pet over the phone?
We understand that you’re trying to help your pet as quickly as possible.
However, without examining your pet, our doctors cannot accurately diagnose
medical conditions or prescribe treatment. Many illnesses share similar
symptoms, and an examination helps ensure your pet receives safe and
appropriate care. If you’re unsure whether your pet needs to be seen, our team is
always happy to discuss your concerns and help determine the next steps.
25. Why do prices sometimes seem higher than online estimates?
Veterinary care includes much more than medications or procedures alone. Your
pet’s treatment involves the expertise of veterinarians and trained support staff,
medical equipment, monitoring, record keeping, safety protocols, and
individualized care. We strive to provide high-quality medicine while remaining
transparent about costs and treatment options.
26. How do I request my pet’s medical records?
Medical records can be requested by contacting our office. Records can be
emailed, printed for in person retrieval, or transferred directly to another
veterinary hospital upon request. Please allow adequate processing time,
especially for large record requests.