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NOW taking same-week appointments and scheduling new clients!
New clients will be charged a 40$ nonrefundable fee to hold an appointment.  That fee will go towards the cost of the appointment.

FAQs Companion Veterinary Hospital in Lacey, WA

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.

A White Puppy Lying on Grass

FAQs

At Companion Veterinary Hospital, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 360-455-8090 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.

How long has Companion Veterinary Hospital been in business? And why should I bring my pet to you?
Companion Veterinary Hospital began its mission to help pets and their human owners in 1999. Since then we’ve helped over 10,000 of our Lacey/Olympia area neighbors. As a small family-run, woman-owned business, we don’t have the huge budgets of our corporate-chain peers. To grow, we rely on positive word-of-mouth among our tight-knit group of loyal clients and an unflinching focus on customer service.

So far, it’s working! We are currently the highest rated Lacey veterinary hospital on Google+. Come see why Lacey loves Companion Veterinary Hospital. We look forward to meeting you! Give us a call at 360-455-8090.

What is your rating with the Better Business Bureau?
Currently, Companion Veterinary Hospital holds an “A+” rating with the Washington State Better Business Bureau. We are proud to report that the BBB has had zero complaints filed for CVH since we opened in 1999.
How do I know if I should have the doctor examine my pet?
There are three key factors we look at to determine whether to have you bring your pet in to see the doctor:
1) Changes in energy level or eating habits

2) Changes in eating habits

3) Signs of pain or other discomfort

If you notice any of the above, we recommend a physical examination for your pet. If you feel that something’s not quite right, we trust your judgment. For your own peace of mind, we often recommend visiting with the doctor even in the absence of obvious symptoms. After all, you know your pet best!

What do I do if I have an emergency?

During our regular business hours (Monday-Friday 8AM to 6PM), give us a call at 360-455-8090. We can usually accommodate emergencies, especially if your pet is currently a patient of ours. Outside of business hours, or in situations where your pet’s life is in imminent danger, Companion Veterinary Hospital recommends that you go directly to a critical care facility for 24 hours care an access to specialists, if either becomes necessary. The nearest such facilities are:
BLUEPEARL VETERINARY PARTNERS
(253) 474-0791
5608 South Durango
Tacoma, WA 98409

SUMMIT VETERINARY REFERRAL CENTER
(253) 983-1114
2505 South 80th St.
Tacoma, WA 98409

OLYMPIA PET EMERGENCY
(360) 455-5155
4441 Pacific Avenue SE
Lacey, WA 98503

How much does (insert procedure here) cost?
We are happy to give estimates for anything and everything that is easily quantified! Over the phone we can give estimates for many common services like vaccines, nail trims, ear cleanings, baths and doctor examinations and prescription refills.
Where it gets tricky is when a procedure is hard to predict. This includes most surgeries (including spays and neuters for pets over six months old) and other anesthetic procedures (growth removals and teeth cleaning, for example). In these cases, we can give a firm estimate only after examining your pet. Please call 455-8090 to set up a time to meet with the veterinarian, who will help you determine the most appropriate health plan for your pet.
In which circumstances do I need to schedule an examination (``office call``)?
Federal law requires veterinarians to have an established “doctor-patient relationship” with patients before providing health care recommendations for or performing procedures on them. A valid relationship is defined as having conducted a physical examination on the pet within the past year.
As long as your pet does not have new concerns that need to be addressed by the doctor, and as long as your pet has been seen by the veterinarian within the past year, we can generally perform procedures such as vaccination, nail trims, anal gland expressions, ear cleanings, baths, and blood draws without an examination fee.

In most cases, as in human medicine, when you visit the veterinarian for a new health concern, she will provide a Consultation and Examination. In rare instances (such as a follow-up on a previously addressed health issue), the doctor will conduct a Progress Evaluation.

We can generally refill medication (with refills left on a valid prescription) without requiring a new exam as long as your pet has been seen by the doctor within the past year. However, for medication with dosage based on patient weight or other fluctuating factors, an exam or Progress Evaluation may be required before refilling is approved.

Please call us at 455-8090 for details on your pet’s particular health needs.