Hospital Policy

Exam Policy

In accordance with the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA), a valid veterinarian-client patient relationship (also known as a valid VCPR) is required for all prescription medications and veterinary services. This relationship is defined as a physical exam of the patient by the veterinarian within the past year. We will not provide products such as prescription diets and heartworm prevention or provide services such as vaccines, blood work, and surgery without a current exam by a Waterford Lakes Animal Hospital veterinarian.

Heartworm Policy

It is the policy of this clinic to test dogs once a year for heartworm infection, as recommend by the guidelines set forth by the American Heartworm Society. Furthermore, we recommend using a heartworm preventative once a month for the prevention of this potentially fatal disease.

In order to receive heartworm prevention, your pet must be current on his/her heartworm test, have been examined by one of our veterinarians in the past year, and have been kept consistently on heartworm prevention. If you have any questions about this policy or about heartworm disease, please call us at (407) 382-3818.

Medication Refills

Please call our office at (407) 382-3818 to order a new prescription or order prescription refills. All medications that are dispensed from our office have to be reviewed by one of our veterinarians. Please allow up to 2 business days for all prescription approvals.

Pet Pharmacy Policy:

As online shopping continues to grow in popularity Waterford Lakes Animal Hospital would like to support our clients’ ever changing needs. With the rising cost of many everyday items we understand that price shopping has become more routine in most households. For this reason, Waterford Lakes Animal Hospital guarantees* its prices on most medications compared to our three major online competitors: VetSource, 1-800-PetMeds & Chewy.com.   

If we are unable to match our competitors’ price we will gladly fax a prescription to one of the three verifiable sources listed above at no additional cost. If you decide that purchasing medications from alternate sources is the best option, we will gladly provide a written prescription that can be picked up at our office. In either case please allow 2 business days for all prescription approvals.   

Due to the recent increase in online pharmaceutical fraud it is very important that you know your source. In any case, many medications have strict storage & transportation requirements. For this reason, most drug manufacturers will not supply the majority of online pharmacies directly. The result is that the source of the medication must be called into question for any medication guarantee. In purchasing medication online, you are acknowledging that any Waterford Lakes Animal Hospital medication guarantee is null & void.

*Online price must include any applicable taxes, fees & shipping. Pricing guarantee will not apply to special offers/promotional pricing. Waterford Lakes Animal Hospital reserves the right to decline medication requests based on the specific needs of the patient.  

Leash Policy

For your protection, and that of others, all dogs must be in a secure carrier or on a leash, properly controlled, while in the waiting area or exam rooms. If you use a flexi leash, we ask that you keep the leash locked and dog(s) on a short lead.

All cats must be presented in a secure carrier or on a leash.

If you do not have a leash for your pet, a hospital leash may be loaned to you for the duration of your visit.

Appointment Policy

To allow ample time for all patients and scheduled surgical procedures, we operate primarily by appointment. Emergency cases shall always receive top priority, which is why occasional appointment delay is inevitable. Please realize that we make a sincere attempt to see each client on time. We ask that you arrive 10-15 minutes early for your appointment and bring a fecal sample if applicable.

At this time we currently do not charge a cancellation fee, but do ask if unable to make your scheduled appointment, kindly give a 24 hour notice.

Disease and Prevention Policy

To prevent the spread of infectious disease and parasites, hospitalized or boarded animals must be current on all vaccines and be free of internal and external parasites. The required vaccines for dogs include Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella and Canine Influenza. Cats are required to be current on their Rabies and Feline Distemper (FVRCP). In the event of parasites, both internal (ie. Roundworms, hookworms and whipworms)and external (ie. Fleas and ticks), you pet will be treated for a minimal fee.