Your Appointment

Most likely you have been referred to Metropolitan Veterinary Referral Services by your primary care veterinarian. We see patients Monday - Friday from 9:30 AM until 4:30 PM. We also have extended day and weekend emergency services for your convenience if your pet is suddenly ill. You will find someone to help you daily Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM until 8 PM and on Sunday from 8 AM until 4 PM. When you call for an appointment, you are welcome to ask for an estimate of the initial examination fees. Since the costs of any additional testing and treatments are often not known at the time, it may not be possible to estimate all of the costs. Once your pet has been examined by our staff, the attending doctor or nursing staff member will provide you with a plan for your pet's diagnostic and treatment options as well as a detailed estimate of all associated costs.

If you wish, you can download and fill out our Patient Information Form and bring it with you on the day of your appointment.

On the day of your appointment:

1)   Be sure to bring all relevant information about your pet including:

• the referral form filled out by your veterinarian
• x-rays
• blood test results
• special diets or medications your pet may be taking

2)   Please, remember that the information your veterinarian provides to us prior to your appointment will help determine how best to help your pet.

3)   Please arrive 10 - 15 minutes early to complete documents for your pet's medical record.

4)   You may give your pet water, but please do not feed your pet for 12 hours prior to your appointment, (very young puppies and kittens or pets with diabetes are exceptions).  If uncertain what to do, please contact our friendly reception staff who will advise you on what to do.

5)   Be sure to give your pet’s normal medications as directed and bring all medication vials with you to your appointment.

6)   If you are unable to keep your appointment, please give us at least 24-hours notice. We'll be happy to reschedule.

When You Get Here

After you check in with our receptionists, a nurse will escort you and your pet into an examination room and they will take your pet’s temperature, heart and respiratory rate. A doctor will then meet with you to obtain a complete medical history. They will perform a thorough physical examination. The doctor may recommend performing an ultrasound examination or preliminary testing away from the examination room. At this point, your doctor should be able to provide you with an assessment of your pet's condition as well as diagnostic and treatment plans. A detailed estimate of the costs will then be provided. You are free to ask any questions about the plans and costs as well as your pet’s prognosis. If you agree to hospitalize your pet, you will be asked to sign an Informed Consent Form and a copy of the financial estimate. Prior to your departure you will be asked to leave a deposit of up to 50% of the high side of the estimate.

Payment Policy

Payment is expected at the time services are provided. Metropolitan Veterinary Referral Services accepts cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover Card. We also accept payment through Care Credit, a flexible payment program specifically designed for healthcare expenses making it easier for you to get the treatment or procedures you want and need.

A deposit is required for all pets that remain in the hospital for further evaluation or treatment.

For more information about CareCredit  follow this link to Care Credit.  Application forms are also available at our front desk.