We dedicate our lives to helping pets.

We help as many pets as possible. We love what we do and love being your vet.

All across our industry, demand is incredibly high and teams are lean. We are incredibly busy. We juggle a lot.

Our team is all about best care and happy visits, and we are doing our best.

Wait Times: We Get It

Every day our team tackles all kinds of visits and care: wellness exams, vaccinations, lab work, toenail trims, day admissions for routine treatment – plus helping pets with medical emergencies, chronic health concerns, pets with intestinal parasites, pets for surgery and dentistry, and end of life.

Our team is highly trained to treat each pet as an individual with unique needs and personalities. This takes skill, effort, compassion – and time.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on the veterinary medical field, which was busy before. The pandemic requires extra safety measures and special protocols and is adding extra challenges. One of the biggest challenges is appointment shortages.

We know wait times are longer than usual. Wait times have grown since appointment spots are in short supply. It’s simply an issue of space. We want to see your pet! We simply may have to book your pet’s visit for a few weeks away instead of a few days.

Our team works diligently and carefully every day on our schedule. We book visits based on what each pet needs. We keep a few spots open every day for sick pets, and those spots fill up every day almost immediately. We always keep a waitlist and will call if a spot opens up. We will see your pet if we can.

What Can Cause a Longer Wait at the Vet?

On the day of your visit, you may have to wait a bit longer than usual. We know this is frustrating. Please be patient with us! We are not lazy or forgetful. We are dedicated animal lovers, and we are busy helping pets.

We have a full schedule whether or not we have a full team. Our phones ring constantly, and we’re happy to talk to and help each pet parent.

When an unexpected circumstance arises, we may fall behind. For example, we discover a heart murmur on a wellness exam and need to add lab work to the visit because it’s best for the pet. Drawing blood adds five minutes, plus another vet assistant to help.

Sometimes a pet is especially nervous, and we have to take five extra minutes for that nail trim. All these little five extra minutes for best care really do add up.

Remember: Dr. Lawrence, Dr. Habel, and our team members are going to take the time each pet needs. We promise to do the same for your fur baby. While you’re waiting, please keep in mind that your pet will get as much attention as he or she needs when it’s your turn.

When a pet parent is running even a few minutes late, the ripple effect can put us behind all day. Please call us if you’re running even a little bit late! We’ll figure out if we can still squeeze you in or need to reschedule.

If you are unable to be here at all, we simply need to know in advance so we can help another pet. To cancel your pet’s appointment with us, please give us at least a 24-hour notice.

We know unexpected circumstances arise. If you simply cannot give us 24 hours notice or must be a “no-show” one time, we understand. But after two cancellations without 24-hours notice or two no-shows, we will charge a $50 fee, payable before a future appointment can be scheduled. If future cancellations continue without a 24-hour notice, then you will be required to pay for your pet’s examination fee in advance of your appointment.

We unfortunately have no choice but to implement a strict cancellation and no-show policy because we have such a tight schedule. Every spot is filled with a pet who needs care. We fill spots from our waitlist all the time, thanks to conscientious, kind pet parents who call to give us plenty of notice. Thank you for respecting our time and all we do to help pets!

Referrals, Not Refusals:

What is a referral? A referral is the best option for a pet in need of care we cannot give. Referrals are situation dependent and made with expert assessment. We give a referral to an urgent or emergency hospital when it is best for the pet.

When we must refer you to an emergency veterinary hospital, it is because your pet needs the specialty care their specialty teams can provide. Referrals are the best care!

Our schedule is completely booked every day. Our vets and team work tirelessly, and we do all we can. But if your pet has a critical emergency, and it is in their best interest to have advanced care or surgery, we will refer you to a critical care veterinary facility.

When we give a referral, we are not refusing to help your pet. The referral is the way we help your pet.

Keep in mind: If your pet needs care that day or right away, we are going to give you a referral. Our team is happy to take your call and assess what your pet needs! We’re always here to help and appreciate your understanding.

A Great Privilege, A Huge Responsibility

Demand for vet care is higher than ever, and teams are leaner than ever. Vets are almost always understaffed. Why? Because the work is so demanding.

Working at a veterinary hospital is incredibly rewarding – and very hard. Team members work long hours, often on their feet, to provide the best care to each unique pet. The environment is intense and fast-paced.

We are responsible for fur babies: cherished, beloved family members whose pet parents love them fiercely and rightly so. We all know the unconditional love of a pet: just how special, beautiful, and close this relationship is.

Taking care of pets is a huge responsibility, and we take it to heart every day. We have the privilege of making a difference in your pet’s life. Every time a tail wags at us or a cat nuzzles us, we feel love and pride.

We are here when your pet isn’t feeling well and can’t tell us what’s wrong. We are here to share your joy in welcoming a new pet to the family. We are here to break heart-wrenching news that your pet is sick or suffering, and the time is here. Then we are here to help you say goodbye to the best friend you love more than anything. We love your pet too.

Every day brings stress, but also laughter and fun. We cry but mostly smile, giving your pet hugs and treats and lifting each other up.

Please Don’t Bark at Us

We love being your vet. We love our Hope Animal Hospital family.

We know how hard it is to have a sick pet. No one likes waiting. Money may be a concern. Personal problems exist that have nothing to do with us. Times are tough.

When folks get stressed or scared, they can lash out. We know it’s emotional, not personal – but it is always unacceptable. Threatening the people who help your pet does not help your pet.

Please have empathy and keep your temper in check. We are doing all we can in difficult circumstances and under intense pressure. We can tolerate a lot of stress.

We cannot and will not tolerate yelling, insults, threats, cursing, or any form of abuse.

You trust us with your pet. We trust you to treat us with respect. If you break this trust, we will break up with you. We have too many wonderful pets and kind pet parents who need us and love us to tolerate abuse and disrespect from a few angry folks.

If you scream or curse at us, hurl insults, or engage in any type of abuse, we will gladly provide your pet’s medical records and politely ask you to find another veterinarian. There will be wait times and referrals there too.

Finally: Thank You

We appreciate your understanding, patience, and support. We feel the love from our clients every day and really appreciate you.

In these tough times, there are many difficult factors in play. Demand is higher than ever. Wait times are longer. Our team is working hard to provide you and your pet the best care.

Our promise is in our name…H.O.P.E.– Helping Our Pets Everyday. Taking care of pets is the hardest job in the world, and we are honored to do it