At NEK Community Animal Hospital (NEKCAH), we work to provide high-quality and compassionate care to the pets of the Northeast Kingdom. We believe in treating every patient and their family with the same respect and kindness we expect for our pets and ourselves. The mutual understanding of the information provided in this agreement will allow NEKCAH to better serve your needs along with those of your pet(s). 

Maintaining a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship: 

The Veterinary-Client-Patient-Relationship (VCPR) is a legal standard established by the American Veterinary Medical Association and upheld by the State of Vermont. A valid VCPR means that your pet has had a physical examination within the past 12 months. We are not allowed to prescribe or refill medications without a valid VCPR.

Active Patient Status: 

To be considered an active patient at NEKCAH we must have a valid VCPR with your pet.  If this VCPR lapses we will assume you no longer wish to be a client of NEKCAH, and future appointments will be offered to someone waiting to become a client with their pet(s). 

Rabies Vaccine:  For the safety of all, including our team members, all pets cared for by NEKCAH are required to stay up to date on their rabies vaccine (unless there is a documented medical exclusion).

What You Can Expect From Us: 

• To treat you and your pet(s) with kindness, compassion, and respect.
• To provide high quality care to your pet(s).
• To have any questions or concerns you have answered thoroughly.
• To foster an environment in which you feel comfortable asking questions. 
• To explain any illnesses your pet has and discuss diagnostic and treatment options as well as inform you of the estimated cost for recommended tests or procedures.
• To be respectful of your time. While there may be emergencies or sick patients that create unexpected delays, it is our goal to minimize your wait time.

What We Expect From You: 

• To maintain an active VCPR.
• To treat the staff and other clients with kindness, compassion, and respect.
• To disclose relevant, accurate, and complete information about your pet’s history.
• To ask questions and make decisions in the care of your pet. 
• To read and understand any consent forms or estimates that you sign.
• To honor the financial obligations you agree to when your pet is seen at our hospital.
• Let us know if you have any concerns.

Before Your Initial Visit:

• Please ensure that we have received all your pet's medical records or adoption papers. Please call your previous veterinarian to ensure these records are sent to NEKCAH. They can be emailed to us at info@nekcahvt.com.
• We reserve the right to decline accepting your pet as a patient if there is a historical documentation of fractious or aggressive behavior. This is for the safety of ourselves and our staff. 

Appointment Reminders: 

• All clients will receive appointment reminders prior to your pet(s) scheduled appointment. If a client does not respond to any of the appointment reminders by either text, phone or email, the appointment will be cancelled. 

Late Arrival or No-Show:

• We understand that life happens, but every appointment slot is valuable. Please give us two business days notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment. 
• In the event of a late arrival, we will do our best, within the constraints of our schedule, to ensure that your pet is seen that day, but there is the possibility that the appointment will need to be rescheduled. 
• In order to minimize no-shows appointments there will be a $61 scheduling fee when booking your pet's initial appointment. This will be credited towards your visit.  In the event of a no-show or cancel/reschedule without 24 hours notice this fee will NOT be refunded. The scheduling fee will also be instituted for established clients with no-show or repeated last-minute cancellations.
• If an appointment is cancelled/rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice or there is a no-show, a fee for the exam will be applied to your invoice. This fee will need to be paid before future appointments can be scheduled.

Information To Bring To Your Appointment:

• A list of current medications and supplements
• Brand of food and feeding schedule amount
• A list of questions and concerns to discuss

Notice of Digital Scribe:

• Throughout your pet’s appointments with us and to enhance the care that we provide NEKCAH will use a digital scribe to aid with the doctor’s notetaking. 

Prescriptions For Your Pet:

• We keep a variety of medications in-house for our client's convenience. If you need a prescription refilled, please give us 48 hours to prepare it for you.
• Our online pharmacy allows you to have your pet’s prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and foods shipped directly to your door. 
• We recognize there are many ways to have your pet’s prescription filled. If you choose not to have your pet’s prescription filled at our hospital or our online pharmacy, we will happily provide a written prescription for you to take to the pharmacy of your choice. Thank you for understanding this policy. 

Media Release Statement:

I give permission to NEKCAH to photograph and/or record my animal(s). I understand that these images and/or recordings may be posted to the website, Facebook, or Instagram account. I understand that NEKCAH may also use these images for marketing and/or educational purposes.