PAWLICIES

Behavior, Safety & Conduct - Zero Tolerance Policy

Swearing, threats, or acts of violence are not tolerated.

Verbal abuse toward staff will result in immediate removal from the premises.

Appointments, Scheduling & Cancellations

  • The owner or an authorized agent (18+) must attend appointments to consent for services.
  • First-Time Client Booking Fee
  • A $50 non-refundable booking fee is required to secure the first appointment.
  • After the first visit, no booking fee is required for future appointments.
  • No Call / No Show Policy
  • After 2 NCNS, a $50 non-refundable booking fee is required to schedule.
  • After 3 successful appointments in a row, the fee is removed.
  • 3 NCNS in a row will result in termination as a client of ARC Animal Hospital.
  • Cancellation Policy
  • Appointments must be confirmed 48 hours in advance or the time may be released.
  • Pre-appointment paperwork must be completed by 4:00 PM the day before the appointment or surgery, or the time will be released.

Payments & Financial responsibilities

  • Payment is due at the time of service.
  • Accepted forms of payment:
  • Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Apple/Google Pay, CareCredit ($200 minimum).
  • No checks accepted
  • Accounts sent to collections will incur an additional $250 collections fee.
  • surgical Booking fees
  • Surgery Booking Fees
  • Surgeries under $800: $100 non-refundable booking fee.
  • Surgeries over $800: $250 non-refundable booking fee.
  • CareCredit users may split into 2 transactions or pay in full in advance.

Emergency Policy

  • Limited emergencies are available daily.
  • Emergency appointments must be booked same day by phone.
  • Emergency fee must be paid in advance.
  • Owner must be present. In extreme cases, an authorized agent with full medical and financial decision-making authority may suffice.

Paperless Policy

  • Records, receipts, reports, and results are emailed by default.
  • Printed copies available upon request.
  • Rabies certificates are the only exception.

Refills and Scripts

  • Written Prescription Policy
  • $7.50 fee for written prescriptions.
  • Must be paid in advance.
  • Refills must be requested, and can take 2 full business days to complete.
  • Written prescriptions are valid for 30 days.

Vaccination Policy

Any pet staying on premises for extended services (surgery, boarding, grooming, etc.) must be up to date on vaccinations, or vaccinations will be given while here at the owner’s expense (unless medically unadvised by the doctor).

Flea Policy

  • Pets found with fleas during extended services will receive CapStar at the owner’s expense.
  • Additional flea prevention may be purchased.

Fecal / Parvo Policy

  • Pets showing symptoms of Parvovirus must remain in the vehicle until testing is complete.
  • Exam and Parvo test fees must be paid in advance.

Heartworm Policy

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Heartworm Policy

  • Dogs require an annual heartworm test and exam.
  • Prevention must begin within 30 days of testing.
  • Only 12 months of prevention may be dispensed per dog per year.
  • Missed doses may require retesting:
  • 1 missed dose → retest in 6 months
  • 3+ months missed → new test required before dispensing prevention

Surgery Requirements

  • Rabies vaccine must be current.
  • Heartworm testing/prevention must be current.
  • CBC/CHEM/SDMA required for:
  • Pets over 7 years old
  • Patients deemed necessary by the doctor
  • IV fluids required for:
  • Pets over 7 years old
  • Medically necessary cases
  • IV catheters required for all surgical patients (excluding healthy feline neuters and exotic animals).
  • Cardiac work-up required for pets with heart murmurs.

Consent forms

  • CPR Consent must be signed.
  • AMA (Against Medical Advice) Policy
  • Owners may remove their pet against medical advice.
  • A signed AMA form acknowledging risk is required.
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Boarding

  • Pets must be current on:
    • Vaccines
    • Heartworm prevention
    • Annual exam
  • We do very limited boarding on premises.
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Second Opinions

  • Second opinions require time for proper review. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, we strongly recommend seeking immediate emergency or specialty care.
  •  All second opinion requests must be submitted through our website.
  • Complete medical records, imaging, and test results are required.
  • The owner must state the reason for requesting a second opinion.
  •  Once all required documentation has been received and reviewed, the owner will be contacted to schedule an appointment or provided with further instructions.
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Found & Abandoned Animals

  • Animals brought in as “found” will be scanned for a microchip.
  • If microchipped, we are required to follow state guidelines to attempt to contact and return the animal to its registered owner.
  • If interested in the adoption of a found pet, we can provide Animal Control information
  •  Animals not reclaimed by their owner within 3 days are considered abandoned. All local and state guidelines regarding owner notification and, after the required holding period, the animal will be transferred to Animal Control.
  •  Animal abandonment is considered a misdemeanor offense in the State of Florida. ARC Animal Hospital does not control or influence any legal action taken
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Complaints

  • Complaints must be submitted in writing through our website.

    • Please allow 3–5 business days for investigation.

For complaints, please fill out the following feedback form

Feedback Form