A french bulldog is sitting on a person's lap

Frequently Asked Questions in San Diego, CA

Have questions for us? We have answers for you. Explore our most frequently asked questions about our veterinary services and patient care.

Book an Appointment

ABC Veterinary Hospital Pacific Beach FAQs

Please feel free to call us at (858) 270-4120 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.

What is a Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship (VCPR)?

A VCPR is the process by which a veterinarian establishes a relationship with a patient and their owner. A VCPR must be formally documented and is legally required for administering vaccines, medications, surgeries, dental procedures, etc. A VCPR is valid for one year from your pet’s recent physical examination date.

Why do I need an exam with the doctor?

A veterinarian-client-patient relationship is required annually for a veterinarian to be legally authorized to treat your pet and prescribe medications.

What types of pets do you treat?

We are equipped to treat dogs and cats.

Are you seeing new clients?

We are currently accepting new clients – we look forward to meeting you and your pet!

Can I schedule an appointment for just vaccines?

Yes, an appointment for just vaccines can be scheduled with our technicians for patients examined by one of our doctors within the past 365 days.

Do you accept walk-in appointments?

We offer visits by appointment only to help ensure your pet is seen promptly and without delay. Please call us to schedule or book online.

Do you accept emergencies?

We do our best to accommodate urgent visits; please call us before coming in so that we may triage your pet’s symptoms. For life-threatening emergencies, please visit a 24-hour emergency hospital nearest to you. Please see the list below for the closest facilities.

Can I get a specific quote over the phone?

Each estimate is based on your individual pet’s needs. It’s best to meet with the specialist for a specific assessment, as they will better understand what tests or treatments your pet will need. By coming in to have our doctors meet with you and your pet, you will learn more about your pet’s health, yet you are not obligated or committed to any course of treatment.

Can I get a health certificate for travel with my dog/cat?

Our veterinarians are USDA accredited and qualified to issue domestic and international health certificates.

I’m thinking of traveling with my pet, what are the next steps?

The first step in this process is to schedule a Health Certificate Consultation Visit with us to discuss travel requirements so that we may assist you in planning and preparing for your trip. On a separate visit, your pet will be examined, and if found healthy and fit for travel, a health certificate will be issued by a USDA-accredited veterinarian. Please note that specific health certificates require additional endorsement by the USDA via mail or in person. Our highly trained staff will help guide you through this process following your consultation appointment.

Do you offer dental or teeth cleaning?

Yes, we offer dental cleaning. Our dental procedures involve cleaning, scaling, polishing, and dental radiographs performed under general anesthesia. We also provide dental extractions and additional dental treatments as necessary.

Do you offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings?

We do not offer anesthesia-free dental cleanings. The Veterinary Oral Health Council classifies an anesthesia-free dental as a cosmetic procedure. This means that your pet’s teeth will appear cleaner following an anesthesia-free cleaning. However, the procedure offers minimal benefit to your pet’s oral and overall health. Anesthesia is provided for healthy pets to scale beneath the gum line, probe for deep pocketing, and perform dental x-rays to find potential problems beneath the surface.

Do you accept most pet insurances?

Absolutely! We will help owners fill out pet insurance paperwork and provide copies of invoices as requested. However, the final step of document submission to an insurance company is the pet owner’s responsibility. Reimbursement from insurance companies is subject to individual plans/coverage.

My pet needs to see a specialist, is this available at your clinic?

We work closely with a mobile specialist to ensure your pet receives the necessary care. We have your pet covered by internal medicine specialists, cardiologists, ultrasounds, and echocardiograms. An exam with one of our doctors is required to begin this process so that we may select the best specialty service to meet your pet’s needs.

Do you offer payment plans?

Financing options are available through third-party services, such as CareCredit.

What is your appointment cancellation policy?

If you must cancel your appointment or reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible. Is your pet feeling better, and are their symptoms resolved? Great! Please call us and let us know, and we will celebrate with you and offer your appointment to another pet in need.

Where can I buy my pet’s prescription food or medication?

You can purchase all the medications and specialty food your pet needs via our online store or our in-house pharmacy.