What types of services do you offer? We specialize in preventive care for dogs and cats, but we do also see dogs and cats for minor illnesses such as mild GI upset, ear infections, skin concerns, allergies, infections, etc. We don’t typically have “urgent care” availability and do not see emergencies. We also do not see animals other than cats or dogs.
How long does a typical appointment last? Initial consultations and annual exams tend to last around 1.5 - 2 hours. However, if you have a time constraint, we can try to work within that to an extent, as it does take time to review records and take time to have your pet comfortable around us. One of the best parts about housecalls is that there is no rush, so we typically intentionally take things very slowly as this allows your pet to trust us more!
Do you offer euthanasia? Yes, we do offer euthanasia as well as aftercare options. We utilize a local cremation company that offers private or communal cremation.
Do you work with online pharmacies? We do not have the capability to work directly with online pharmacies (we do not have a fax machine or online portals with companies such as Chewy or Petmeds). However, we do have our own online pharmacy for you to utilize, or we can provide you with a written prescription to take to any pharmacy you choose, including the larger online pharmacies. We will not be able to communicate with these online pharmacies via the phone, fax, email, or online portal.
How will I receive my pet’s labwork results? Dr. Coates will email the labwork results directly to you with an interpretation of the labwork and next steps if there are significant abnormalities.
Should my pet be vaccinated for leptospirosis? The leptospirosis vaccine is technically not considered a “core” vaccine, but more of a “lifestyle” vaccine. However, we do see leptospirosis in this area and it is becoming more common. Leptospirosis is a bacteria that is spread through the urine of wildlife, and can also be spread to humans and cause kidney and liver failure in both animals and humans. With the significant construction and encroachment on wildlife habitat particularly in this area, leptospirosis is a risk and vaccination is strongly recommended. It is included in our canine complete care vaccination package for this reason. Dachshunds “may” be more likely to have a reaction to this vaccine, which typically presents as hives and facial swelling. However, we are equipped to handle such reactions. Even in pets that have had mild or moderate vaccine reactions to leptospirosis in the past, it is still recommended to continue this vaccine yearly. We would give an injection of benadryl prior to giving the vaccine in this case, and monitor for 15 minutes.
I think my pet has food allergies- should I put them on a grain-free diet? No. Not only have grain-free diets have been linked to dilated cardiomyopathy, the majority of dogs with a food allergy (90%) are allergic to the protein source in the food, NOT the grain. Furthermore, the only way to diagnose a food allergy is with a strict food trial using specific prescription hypoallergenic foods (NOT over the counter and NOT just a “limited ingredient diet”).
Why does my dog need a yearly heartworm test if they have been on heartworm prevention? No prevention is 100% effective, and given that we are all human, missed or late doses happen. Not only is it not safe to unknowingly give heartworm prevention to a heartworm positive dog, it is also a disservice to the dog to allow them to continue to have heartworms that cause severe damage to the heart and lungs. Heartworm infections become much more difficult to treat once pets are symptomatic. For these reasons, a yearly heartworm test is always required, and may be recommended earlier if there has been a significant lapse in prevention.
If I don’t have any concerns and my pet just needs vaccines, does my pet HAVE to have an exam? Yes, we do legally have to have a yearly exam on file in order to administer vaccines, prescribe any medication, or even do a nail trim.
Should indoor cats receive the FeLV vaccine? We recommend the FeLV vaccine only for cats who go outside- even if that is just supervised in the backyard. We do recommend even indoor only cats have at least the initial series of 2 FeLV vaccinations, and then assess their lifestyle yearly thereafter.
What are the most common diseases that are caught early by yearly labwork? Kidney disease is the most common disease we catch early on annual labwork. When diagnosed early, we can take action early, and significantly prolong the amount of time until a pet with kidney disease becomes symptomatic and having a lower quality of life.
Do you offer payment plans or take Care Credit? No, we do not offer payment plans and we do not take Care Credit. We accept cash, debit, credit, PayPal, Venmo, and Zelle
Do you offer telemedicine? Yes! We offer telemedicine to current patients only. A “current patient” is defined as a patient that has been seen by Dr. Coates within the last year. Telemedicine is not appropriate for all situations and is recommended for only very minor concerns or for advice about a specific concern.
When is payment due? Payment is due at the time of service
Dedicated to Your Pet's Well-being
At Cherished Companions, we are dedicated to integrating personalized care and attention into every aspect of your pet's life. Our team is committed to creating a supportive and nurturing atmosphere for your pet, allowing them to thrive and live their best life for as long as possible. We believe that every pet deserves individualized care that considers their specific needs and enhances their overall quality of life.
To schedule an appointment or consultation, please click below, or send us an email at info@CherishedCompanionsVet.com
What do you offer for pain control in older pets suffering from chronic arthritis pain? At this time, we offer ketamine therapy, adequan injections, and prescription oral pain control medications.