What To Expect at Southern Veterinary Hospital
Southern Veterinary Hospital recognizes that pets are part of the family, which is why we treat each of them like one of our own. Dr. Martin has assembled a friendly and knowledgeable team of veterinary professionals, dedicated to providing you and your pets with the quality care and service you deserve. Our team is efficient and takes pride in keeping our facility clean and welcoming to our clients. We've also invested in up-to-date and modern equipment in order to deliver the results you need.
Routine wellness checks are recommended annually. This includes a comprehensive physical exam, in which Dr. Martin checks the overall health of your pet from head to tail. Routine parasite checks are also performed at this time. Early detection of any problems your pet may be experiencing is key in maintaining his or her overall health and well-being.
Recent COVID restrictions have demanded changes in how we interact with each other, not only in our normal everyday lives, but in our interaction with clients and pets. We have initiated a new check-in protocol to help facilitate the best care for you and your pets as follows:
**ATTENTION: If you are sick in any way, displaying symptoms, or have been exposed to COVID-19, please reschedule or cancel your pet's appointment. If it is an emergency, please call so we can advise you on how to proceed.**
Please Check-In Upon Arrival
TEXT: 910-302-7992 or CALL: 910-642-3776
When checking in, please provide your name, your pet's name, the reason for your visit, and which parking spot you are located in. A team member will contact you with further instructions:
Clients Are Welcome To Come Inside:
For the continued safety of clients and staff, we do request that a face mask be worn when interacting with our team members.
1. Once you have checked in, a team member will contact you when it is okay to bring your pet inside.
2. You and your pet will be escorted into an exam room by one of our team members, who will discuss the details of your visit along with any concerns you may want Dr. Martin to address.
3. If any samples are required, team members will get them at this time. This is generally done in the exam room with you but some pets may do better if we take them to the back away from you (don't worry, we treat them with the utmost care).
4. Once samples are set up, Dr. Martin will do a comprehensive physical exam (head to tail) on your pet. She will then discuss any concerns, recommendations, and test results with you.
5. At the end of your visit, a team member will go over any discharge instructions, medications, or any additional questions you may have. Any follow-up appointments can then be scheduled, along with taking your final payment.
6. For their safety, ALL pets should be on a leash, in a carrier, or crate. If you do not have one, one may be provided for the duration of your visit.
Curbside Services:
Curbside services are available for those clients that prefer this service or are unable to come inside.
1. Once you have checked in, a team member will approach your vehicle to discuss the details of your visit and escort your pet inside. We would appreciate it if clients would refrain from smoking and cell phone use while interacting with team members.
2. Please remain on the premises while your pet is being examined and don't leave without letting us know or being told to do so.
3. Once your pet has been escorted inside, team members will collect any necessary samples and Dr. Martin will do a comprehensive physical exam (head to tail) on your pet.
4. Once the exam is completed, Dr. Martin will provide a phone consultation to discuss her findings and recommendations with you. Please have your phone available during this time.
5. A team member will escort your pet back to the vehicle and go over any discharge instructions, medications, or additional questions you may have. Any follow-up appointments can then be scheduled, along with taking your final payment.
6. For their safety, ALL pets should be on a leash, in a carrier, or crate. If you do not have one, one may be provided for the duration of your visit.
Wait times may vary depending on the level of care your pet requires, staff availability, and emergencies.
It is generally around 30 minutes or so.
Scheduling Appointments
To make an appointment for your pet, please call 910-642-3776.
Appointments are given priority over any non-emergency "work-ins." The demands for veterinary care have dramatically increased, which often means our schedule is at its maximum capacity for our one veterinarian on staff. In order to provide a safe level of patient care, there must be daily limits on how many patients can be seen or "worked-in." Our appointment schedule is frequently booked 2 to 3 weeks out for new patients. Eligibility for "work-in" appointments is determined on a case by case basis. Priority is given to our currently established clients with pets that need to be seen or require ongoing medical treatments.
Not being able to see patients right away is frustrating and stressful for both you and our veterinary team. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer 24-hour care and services. There are times when we cannot fit any more patients into our schedule and we must refer you to other veterinary or emergency services. Dr. Martin may also need to refer you and your pet elsewhere for more specialized veterinary care.
