When you visit

No appointment is necessary to bring your pet to the Emergency Animal Hospital of Ellicott City. We see patients only on a walk-in basis.

When you arrive, we will have a short form for you to fill out. The technician may examine your pet briefly. If she has immediate concerns about your pet's condition, the technician may ask your permission to take them to the treatment area so the doctor may see them and determine if immediate care is necessary.

All other patients will be invited into one of our exam rooms where the technician will measure your pet's vital signs and ask you a few questions about your pet's symptoms and any other conditions they may have.

When multiple patients are waiting to be seen, our staff will triage on the basis of severity of symptoms. Unfortunately, some less urgent pets may need to wait while we tend to more critically-ill patients. We work hard to see everyone in a timely manner. If we anticipate an extended wait, we will do our best to keep you informed of the situation. We appreciate your patience and understanding. Our doctors are committed to giving each patient and owner the time necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment, as well as a thorough explanation. When it is your turn, you and your pet will receive the same time and consideration

After the doctor examines your pet with you and makes their initial recommendations, any required tests will be performed. Your pet may be brought to the treatment area breifly and then returned to you when the tests are completed. Unfortunately, owners are not ordinarily able to be in the treatment area during procedures.

Once the tests are completed and the initial diagnosis has been made, the doctor will present a cost estimate for the recommended treatments. For outpatients, the estimate may be presented verbally, however you may request a written esitmate if you like. Patients to be admitted to the hospital will require a written, signed estimate.

We make every effort to provide you with an accurate estimate of services to be provided. We include a wide range to account for additional treatments which may not have been anticipated. However, we cannot predict in every case how a particular patient will respond to treatment. We will keep you informed of any changes to your pet's condition requiring more extensive treatment.

In the rare event that life saving measures are required immediately, we may need to initiate care before we are able to contact you.

Owners are encouraged to visit their pets when hospitalized for extended periods. We will do everything we can to accommodate owner visits. However, there are occasionally times when there may be a brief wait before you are able to visit. Please understand that our patients are our priority. When visiting your pet, please be respectful of our other patients. We are not able to discuss other hospitalized patients with you.

When your pet is discharged, we will provide a copy of all records and tests, as well as any x-rays that may have been taken. Your veterinarian will know the diagnosis and treatments that were performed and how your pet responded. If your pet is going home, you will receive complete discharge instructions and any medications that are necessary.

If you have any further questions, we will be happy to answer them before you go.