Tinkers Creek Veterinary Clinic Policies

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Payment is due at the time services are provided. Our fees are non-negotiable.

We make every effort to provide treatment estimates before services are performed. If you have a specific budget, please let us know before treatment begins, and we will do our best to work within your financial limitations whenever medically appropriate.

We accept cash, all major credit cards, debit cards, and CareCredit. We do not accept personal checks.

Credit cards, debit cards, and CareCredit cards must be physically present at the time of payment. A valid government-issued photo ID is required when using CareCredit. A convenience fee may apply to card payments.

A scheduling fee is required for all new clients to reserve an appointment.

The scheduling fee is non-transferable and non-refundable. If you arrive on time for your scheduled appointment—within the 10-minute grace period described in our Late Arrival Policy below—the fee will be applied toward the cost of your pet's examination.

If your pet has been seen by another veterinary clinic, we require medical records before your appointment.

Records should be received at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment. Failure to provide records in advance may result in delays, additional fees, or the need to reschedule your appointment.

Voicemail and email are not monitored on weekends or on days the clinic is closed. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate care at an emergency veterinary hospital.

We understand that veterinary visits can be stressful. However, we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for our clients, patients, and staff.

Abusive, threatening, harassing, or disruptive behavior—including shouting, profanity directed toward staff, intimidation, or other inappropriate conduct—will not be tolerated.

Clients who violate this policy may be asked to leave the premises immediately. Any outstanding balance remains due, and the clinic reserves the right to discontinue future services.

We recommend purchasing medications directly through our clinic or our online pharmacy. This helps ensure the quality, authenticity, and proper handling of your pet's medications.

If you choose to use an outside pharmacy, a $5 processing fee will be charged for each prescription to cover the time required to review, verify, and authorize the prescription. Please note that we cannot guarantee the quality, safety, or efficacy of medications obtained from outside pharmacies.

We require at least 24 hours' notice to cancel or reschedule an appointment.

Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice, or missed without notice, will require a scheduling fee—for both new and existing clients—before another appointment can be scheduled.

If your pet has suffered a serious injury or is experiencing a medical emergency, our clinic may not be able to provide immediate care. In these situations, we may recommend that your pet be seen at an emergency veterinary hospital for the most appropriate and timely treatment.

To help us stay on schedule and provide the best care for all of our patients, we ask that you arrive on time for your appointment.

Clients who arrive more than 10 minutes late may be required to reschedule their appointment. In some cases, we may be able to accommodate a late arrival; however, this is at the discretion of the doctor and schedule availability. If your appointment must be rescheduled due to a late arrival, a new scheduling fee may be required in accordance with our cancellation and no-show policy.

Please allow at least 3 business days for all prescription refill requests.

Refills are subject to doctor approval and require that your pet is current on any examinations, laboratory work, or monitoring required by law or our medical protocols. Refill requests submitted on weekends or holidays will be processed during the next business day(s).

We recommend requesting refills before your pet runs out of medication to avoid interruptions in treatment.