Click on a question below to see its corresponding answer.
Why can’t my pet see the same veterinarian/veterinary technician each time we visit?
We make every effort to accommodate our clients’ requests. However, there may be circumstances that prevent a certain veterinary team member from being available during your pet’s visit. Scheduling conflicts, emergency situations, and vacation schedules all play a role in their availability. Please feel free to ask for a specific veterinarian or veterinary technician when you schedule your appointment, and we will do what we can to facilitate your request. However, please be understanding if we can’t. All of our team members are skilled professionals who look forward to your pet’s visit.
Why is my veterinarian referring my pet to a specialist?
We want our patients to have the best possible outcome. This is why we sometimes make the decision to refer patients to veterinary specialists or specialty clinics when advanced training or equipment will be beneficial.Our veterinarians make every effort to stay current and skilled in many aspects of animal health. However, board-certified specialists have extensive experience and training in a particular area of veterinary medicine or surgery. And specialty clinics and university-affiliated referral centres have specialized equipment to perform procedures that are not routinely undertaken by general practitioners.
Be assured that when we refer a patient to another hospital, we continue to stay involved with his or her care, consulting with the treating specialist and often providing any needed follow-up care and rehabilitation.
Can I call and have you fax a copy of my pet’s rabies certificate and proof of vaccinations to the kennel where my pet will be staying?
We can send proof of vaccination to your pet’s kennel. Just let us know the fax number.
What are your vaccination requirements for boarding?
We require that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and Bordetella (kennel cough) and that cats be vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia (feline distemper), feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV).
Do you perform at-home euthanasia?
Yes, our Animal Hospital/ in Mississauga does perform at-home euthanasia. If you prefer to have a veterinarian come to your home, please call to schedule an appointment. We also offer counseling if you want to discuss your decision or have any questions about the process.
If my pet’s problem doesn’t get better, can I get a refund for his/her veterinary care?
Unfortunately, we can’t offer refunds for veterinary care. Our fees cover the cost of examining, testing, diagnosing, and treating your pet.
Not all health problems have a straightforward solution. Some may be chronic, requiring a long-term management plan; others may be more difficult to diagnose or may involve several causes. A cure may not always be possible, and treatment may be ongoing. Your veterinary team will do everything they can to find answers and continue to help your pet.
I’m worried about my pet’s upcoming surgical procedure. What do you do to help ensure your patients’ safety during surgery?
We perform a physical exam and preanesthetic testing before surgery and monitor your pet during surgery. During the procedure, a veterinary technician will continually assess your pet’s heart and respiratory rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs to help prevent any anesthetic risk. We also provide appropriate pain medication during recovery.
I think my pet ate something that’s making him/her sick, and he/she has lost consciousness/is having seizures/trouble breathing. What should I do?
During normal business hours, bring your pet in immediately. Call us right before you leave or while you’re on your way to help us prepare for the situation.If your pet gets sick outside our normal hours, take your pet immediately to an emergency veterinary clinic.
I think my pet ate something that could be poisonous, but he/she seems fine. What should I do?
My pet ate something harmful and is showing serious symptoms like loss of consciousness, seizures, or trouble breathing. What should I do?
I think something’s wrong with my pet. Can I call you and have a veterinarian give me a diagnosis over the phone?
Veterinarians can’t diagnose over the phone. Besides being unethical and illegal, diagnosing by phone doesn’t allow veterinarians to physically examine a pet. A physical exam is necessary so your veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Treating a pet for the wrong disease or condition will cost more in the end and could be harmful or even deadly to your pet.
Why do you check my dog’s weight every time he/she comes in for a visit?
We keep track of your pet’s weight just like your doctor’s office keeps track of your height and weight each time you visit. Having an accurate and current measurement of your pet’s weight will help us ensure that we prescribe the right dose of preventives, medications, and any needed anesthetics. It can also help us notice any early clues to health concerns. In addition, a regular weigh-in can help you track and manage your pet’s weight.
I have a hard time controlling my pet in the lobby. Can I make arrangements so I can take him/her into the exam room right away when I arrive?
Yes. When you call to schedule your appointment, please let us know that you would prefer to wait in an exam room.
My pet is a handful. Can I pay my bill ahead of time or in the exam room so I don’t have to wait in the lobby after the exam is over?
Yes. When you call to schedule your appointment, please let us know that you would like to be billed in advance. We typically ask for a credit card and will send you a receipt at your request. Depending on what services or procedures we have provided your pet, we may need to add additional fees to your bill. We will contact you to let you know if this is the case.
My pet is really well trained. Does he/she need to be on a leash/in a carrier when we visit the hospital?
For the safety and protection of all clients, patients, and veterinary team members, we require all pets to be on a leash or in a carrier when they arrive at our hospital. They must continue to be restrained while they are in the reception area and while traveling to and from the exam rooms. Your veterinarian or veterinary technician will let you know when it’s OK to let your pet off leash or out of his or her carrier.There is often a lot going on at our hospital. Combine that with the unfamiliar surroundings and new animals, and any pet—even one that is well trained—might become uneasy or excited. We want you and your pet to have as pleasant an experience as possible every time you visit our hospital, so we ask all our clients to respect our policy.
I brought my pet to see the veterinarian for a problem, and my pet isn’t getting any better. What can I do?
Call us. Just like doctors, veterinarians sometimes need to try more than one treatment/medication to find the solution to cure or manage a pet’s condition. Please let us know if something we recommended or prescribed isn’t helping. We want to work with you to find the right answers for your pet.
Is it OK to call with questions about my pet’s health?
Although we can’t provide lengthy consultations or a diagnosis over the phone, we welcome questions from our clients. Please feel free to call or stop by anytime.
My pet needs to come in for a regular exam/minor procedure, but I don’t have time to wait at the hospital the whole time. Can I drop my pet off and pick him/her back up later in the day?
We do offer drop-off appointments. Please call to arrange this service. We usually ask that you drop off your pet in the morning. We will call you once your pet is ready to be picked up.
Do you offer any payment plans?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any payment plans at this time. We request that you pay for services provided at the time of your pet’s visit. If you have any questions about our payment policy, please feel free to ask.We recommend that you include the cost of veterinary care in your annual expenses. However, we understand that this sometimes isn’t possible. If you contact us ahead of time, we can help you determine ways to keep costs down and stay within your budget. For instance, some preventive veterinary care can be spread out over several visits. Your veterinarian will work with you to come up with a cost-effective plan to keep your pet current on vaccinations and other necessary services.
What forms of payment do you accept?
- Cash
- Personal checks
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- Discover
We also accept most pet insurance plans. 28% per year interest on the outstanding balance
What’s the best way to schedule an appointment?
To make an appointment with our animal hospital please call (905) 567-4677 to book a convenient appointment time, or use our online appointment scheduler to request a date and time.
How do I get my password?
If you are a client of our clinic, you can obtain your password by calling our clinic directly at (905) 567-4677 or by e-mailing rivergroveanimalhospital@yahoo.ca. Our staff will confirm your association as a client and provide you with the password.
Where is your clinic located?
We can be found at Mississauga, ON. Please call (905) 567-4677 to schedule an appointment!
What do I do in the case of an emergency and your clinic isn’t open?
In an emergency, call (905) 495-9907. Leave your name, phone number, and a brief description of your pet’s problem. Our on-call veterinarian will return your call as soon as possible. If you don’t have call-waiting, remember to stay off your phone line so the doctor can reach you.
What are your hours of operation?
Hours Of OperationMonday – Friday: 9 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 9 am to 2 pm
Sunday: Closed
Why do you have password-protected areas on your website?
In some cases, our professional governing body requires that we have a veterinary–client relationship with pet owners before communicating certain information to them. Also, some educational and informational sections of our site are reserved for our clients so we can communicate effectively between visits. If you are a client, please contact us for your password.