FAQs

A nose-to-tail examination and 30-minute consultation with the doctor is $65. All new clients must prepay for the exam. This holds your slot for the appointment time and is nonrefundable if you cancel with less than 24 hours notice or no show for your appointment. We cannot provide you with more detailed pricing prior to your visit because we do not know what your pet needs until we meet him or her. We don’t do “cookie-cutter” vaccination protocols for our patients, so every pet is treated as an individual. Once we evaluate your pet and prior to providing any treatment, you will be provided with a complete written treatment plan detailing the costs of your visit. We don’t like surprises when it comes to money and we know you don’t either.

If you’re looking for the cheapest vet in town, we’re not it. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality care for your pet.

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No, we are a medical facility only. Of course we are happy to trim your pet’s nails while here, but we do not offer full service grooming.

We do recommend a number of groomers and boarders. Please check out one of these options:

Grooming:

• What the Fluff – www.whatthefluffstore.com

Daycare/Boarding:

• Dogtopia Downers Grove – www.dogtopia.com
• Paws in Paradise – www.pawsinparadiseonline.com

Dog walker/Pet sitting:

• 4 Legs and A Leash – 4legsandaleash.com
• Duke’s Dog Care – www.dukedogcare.com

We do not have training at our facility but we highly recommend Enjoy Your Dog enjoyyourdogtraining.com They have trainers that are CPDT-KA certified.
Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA®) measures a broad range of knowledge and skills in ethology, learning theory, dog training technique, and instruction. It is one of the top certification processes for trainers.

How to Choose a Professional Dog Trainer or Behavior Consultant:

Step 1: Look for our certifications
The designations are: CPDT-KA®, CPDT-KSA®, CBCC-KA®.

• CPDT-KA® indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and has at least 300 hours of dog training experience.
• CPDT-KSA® indicates that a dog trainer has passed a comprehensive exam and an objective skills-based assessment along with at least 300 hours of dog training experience.
• CBCC-KA® indicates that a dog behavior consultant has passed a comprehensive exam on behavior modification and has at least 300 hours of dog behavior consulting experience.

Step 2: Assess the trainer
Browse the trainer’s website and any other marketing materials. Does everything look and sound professional? Do the messages appeal to you? If so, set up a phone call or in-person meeting. Can the trainer answer your questions about training, behavior, and methods knowledgeably and clearly? Is she (or he) patient and thorough in her replies? Do you feel comfortable with her? Does she have experience working with the problems you need help with? Can she provide references from clients?

Step 3: Beware of red flags
A couple of things should raise a red flag in your assessment. If the trainer focuses on a model of dominance and submission—using language like “dominant” and “alpha” —or uses primarily punishment based methods, that trainer doesn’t meet the standards of science-based training.

For more information on heartworm please visit the American Heartworm Society, please click here.

We are happy to accommodate you regardless of what pet insurance company you use. Pet insurance companies usually have you, the pet owner, pay the bill up-front at the vet’s office. After your visit, you submit the paid receipt and a claim form to the insurance company. They will review the claim and issue you a check.

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We also recommend stopping by for “happy visits.” During these visits, you drop in with your pet to get some treats and pets, and then you’re on your way. Hopefully, these visits will help your pet know there’s nothing to fear at the vet’s office.