Your Pet's First Visit

A pet's first visit to the vet can seem a bit daunting, so we've put together a list of info and resources to help you prepare. 

At your first appointment, we will gather information about your pet’s background, health, diet, and training. We can also address any questions or concerns you might have.

Your veterinarian will examine your pet from nose-to-tail, looking for things like heart murmurs, ear infections, and/or parasites. Your vet can also provide pet-proofing tips, training assistance, and parasite protection recommendations. 

Before Your First Appointment
  1. Complete the New Client Form prior to your first visit.
  2. Assemble and be sure to bring all the proper items with you:
    • Your pet's adoption or purchase records
    • Any existing medical history
    • A list of current medications and supplements
    • Current feeding schedule and the brand of food you use
    • A list of questions you have for your veterinarian
  3. Collect any necessary stool or urine samples, if requested.
  4. If you're bringing in your dog, be sure he or she is accustomed to being on a short leash. If you're bringing a cat, be sure to have an appropriate carrier.
  5. Feel free to bring your pet's favorite treats to keep them happy and distracted!

Appointment Policies

​Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your pet's appointment for check-in. If you have not filled out all relevant patient forms yet, plan to arrive 10 minutes ahead of your appointment.

While we do our best to make sure all of our patients are seen on time, there will be times of occasional unexpected delay due to an emergency or because we are providing care for a patient that needs a little more time. Please accept our apologies should this occur, and understand that the same dedication and courtesy will be provided to your pet should they ever need it.

Forward Booking Wellness

Why do we book your appointment ahead of time?

Our schedule can fill up quickly, and we want to ensure that your pet has their wellness appointment on the books! If this does not work with your schedule, please call us at 770-271-7777 to reschedule/ or change this appointment.

Why do we recommend 6-month wellness exams?

At Sugar Hill Animal Hospital, we understand the rapid aging process and how this can take a toll on your pet’s health. Dogs and cats age 24 years by the time they’re two years old and four years for each one human year thereafter. We strive to give your furry friend the best possible preventative care which entails bi-yearly exams and lab work (internal exam). Using these two methods we can make sure their heart, lungs, eyes, teeth, joints, skin, and all internal organs are functioning properly. We are also able to track your pet’s health and catch any slight abnormalities sooner rather than later. This will ultimately save you time and money by not having to treat a disease that has reached a debilitative or life altering stage.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

"We have now seen 4 different doctors in this practice and they are all incredible: sincerely love our pet, kind, helpful, knowledgable, competent, respectful and go out of their way to explain and reexplain our dog's diagnosis, prognosis and care plan for us when we need it. We have been to other vets in past years and there is absolutely no comparison. I am amazed at how they find such friendly, competent veterinarians, support staff and techs and create such a kind, efficient and joyful atmosphere for our visits!!!"

Lisa R.

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