💬 Frequently Asked Questions
Rabies Vaccination Policy for Dogs and Cats
- At our clinic, the health and safety of your pets, your family, our staff, and the community are our top priority. Rabies is a deadly and zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent this risk.
- If your pet is not current on their rabies vaccination at the time of their first appointment, we will update it during that visit to ensure compliance and safety.
- For Cats:
All cats seen at our clinic must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccination. This policy is in place to protect owners, staff, and other animals from potential exposure. - For Dogs:
Rabies vaccination is not only essential for safety—it is also required by Michigan law. All dogs must have a current rabies vaccine.
How much will my appointment cost? Can I get an estimate for my visit?
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- Our Customer Service Representatives can provide an estimate emailed to you for routine visits and procedures at any time!
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Why do you charge a Wellness Exam each time I come in for my puppy's vaccines?
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Puppies grow and change rapidly during their first few months, which makes regular checkups essential. Each visit allows our veterinary team to:
- Monitor Growth and Development: Puppies can experience significant changes in a short time. Frequent exams help ensure they are growing properly and staying healthy.
- Health Concerns: Vaccinations and treatments are important, but we also want to make sure your puppy isn’t experiencing any adverse reactions or unexpected issues.
- Provide Personalized Care: Every puppy is unique. Regular visits give us the opportunity to adjust care plans as needed and answer any questions you may have.
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Why do you have a prepayment fee now and what is your policy regarding it?
- We take prepayments for any "Sick" pet or "Same Day Emergency" appointment.
- Prepayment Policy for Sick Appointments
To ensure we can provide timely care for pets in need, we require a $25 prepayment when scheduling "Sick" or "Same day" appointments. These time slots are reserved specifically for pets who need urgent attention. When appointments are canceled last-minute or missed, it prevents other pets from being seen promptly. Your deposit helps us maintain availability for all patients and will be applied toward your visit. If you need to cancel, please notify us at least 2 hours in advance to avoid forfeiting your deposit.
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My pet is in good health, why do I need to do a wellness exam? Can I decline it and just get vaccines?
- A yearly wellness exam is required for several important reasons:
- Legal Requirement: Michigan law requires a valid Veterinarian-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) for prescribing medications. This means your pet must be examined by a veterinarian at least once a year.
- Health & Safety: Even if your pet appears healthy, an exam helps detect early signs of illness that may not be obvious. Catching issues early can prevent serious problems later.
- Proper Care: Vaccines and medications are most effective and safest when your pet's overall health is assessed first. Skipping the exam could put your pet at risk.
- While vaccines are important, they cannot replace a full wellness check. This visit ensures your pet stays healthy and meets legal standards of care.
- A yearly wellness exam is required for several important reasons:
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My pet is having the same issue as before (ears, allergy, skin, etc.), can't I just get the same meds?
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Even if your pet is showing similar symptoms, it’s important for us to examine them before prescribing medication. Here’s why:
- Conditions Can Change: Issues like eye, ear, and skin problems may look alike but can have different underlying causes.
- Correct Treatment Matters: Prescribing the wrong medication can delay healing or even cause harm.
- Your Pet’s Safety Comes First: An exam ensures we choose the right treatment for your pet’s current condition, not just what worked before.
Our goal is to provide the safest and most effective care every time.
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Can you call my script into my pharmacy? Can you call the script into somewhere else?
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Our system does not connect directly with external pharmacies, and we are unable to call prescriptions in by phone. To ensure accuracy and compliance, our policy is:
- Written Prescriptions: We provide a written prescription for you to pick up and take to the pharmacy of your choice.
- Convenient Online Option: For your convenience, we partner with Blue Rabbit, an online compounding pharmacy that allows you to order medications and have them shipped directly to your home.
This process helps us maintain accuracy and provides you with reliable options for your pet’s care.
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Are you accepting new clients?
- We’re Welcoming New Clients! Southkent Veterinary Hospital is excited to accept new patients into our family. To reserve your appointment, we require a $50 prepayment, which will be applied toward your visit. To help us provide the best care, please email your pet’s previous medical records before your appointment. This ensures our team is fully prepared and your visit goes smoothly. Ready to join us? Give us a call today—we can’t wait to meet you and your pet!
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How do I order meds online?
- We partner with Blue Rabbit, an online compounding pharmacy.
- Fast, free shipping over $45
- Autoship savings & convenience
- Guaranteed products
- Exceptional service, every time
- Integrates with our Practice Management Software for accurate and quick medication documentation.
- Signing Up
- To sign up, make sure we have your correct email on file. There is a button on the top of the page, "Online Pharmacy", or navigate to https://southkentvets.bluerabbitrx.com
- Sign in and/or create an account, and we will process any products, food, or compounded medications!
- If you are having issues, please call our office or call Blue Rabbit support at 800-532-0082
- To sign up, make sure we have your correct email on file. There is a button on the top of the page, "Online Pharmacy", or navigate to https://southkentvets.bluerabbitrx.com
- We partner with Blue Rabbit, an online compounding pharmacy.