Our goal is to assist numerous pets and their owners daily. However, certain days can be busier than others due to patient emergencies, urgent needs, staffing shortages, or external factors. In such cases, it is vital to prioritize patient care by promptly triaging and addressing those with more severe health issues, even if it disrupts our planned schedule. The welfare and health of our patients are our top priorities. Below is the standard order in which we must prioritize our patients and their families. We appreciate your patience and understanding during delays and hope you recognize the value of your pet's stability and health.
Emergencies
Emergency exams and surgeries are unexpected and must be prioritized for triage since they often involve life-threatening situations. These are the most common reasons for delays at Union Animal Hospital.
Urgent exams
Patients needing urgent exams are high-risk cases where waiting could be harmful. If medically required after triage, they may be prioritized ahead of scheduled appointments but only out of necessity
Schedule Appointments
Priority is given when possible to scheduled appointments since pet owners have taken the time to arrange and prepare for their pet's evaluations. However, these appointments may be postponed if a more critical patient or urgent care situation is prioritized and demands immediate attention.
Technician Appointments
Technician appointments are designated time slots for pets to receive treatments, tests, or grooming in our treatment area, following the veterinarian's instructions without direct veterinary involvement and without an office call fee. These appointments are offered to help clients save money and facilitate quicker visits for minor services and follow-ups.
Please note that the exact duration of your visit or when your pet will be seen may vary, and delays are common for these services. While we make every effort to manage these appointments promptly, delays may occur if technicians are handling emergencies, urgent cases, or scheduled examinations. To avoid wait times, you may opt for a medical progress exam or a similar service, which incurs an office call fee but guarantees an official exam slot.
Drop Off Examinations/AppointmentsThese patients are left in our care to be examined after being triaged, fitting in between emergency cases, urgent examinations, and scheduled appointments. Patients left for drop-off do not have a fixed time for consultation or a specific time to be discharged. It is advised to prepare for your pet to stay with us throughout the day. Our aim is to attend to them promptly and address their concerns as soon as possible, similar to waiting at a human urgent care center.
Walk-In/Non Appointment Arrivals
Walk-in appointment requests that are not deemed urgent or emergencies will need to wait for a veterinarian's availability or may require scheduling for another day. Alternatively, you could consider dropping off your pet, availability may vary.
Delays at Union Animal Hospital
Please rest assured that any service delays are solely due to circumstances beyond our control. We are actively working to address your needs, as well as those of other pets and their families, with compassion and in a timely manner. While we understand the importance of your time, our top priority remains the well-being and safety of our patients. We kindly ask for your understanding, as unexpected diagnoses may lead to critical decisions for other pet owners. These decisions require careful consideration and consultations with our veterinary team. Your patience and empathy are greatly appreciated during these challenging moments, as we strive to deliver the best possible care. Be assured that if your pet was in distress, they would receive the same level of attention. In such cases, we hope for compassion and understanding regarding any resulting delays in meeting your needs and those of your pets.