What to expect when your animal is transferred to SMAEC...

1. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.  However, critical patients will be seen before stable patients.

2. Forms will need to be completed prior to admission.  In the event that your pet needs immediate attention, it will be brought directly to the treatment area while you complete the registration process.

3. SMAEC is open all day on Saturday, Sunday, and all major holidays.  On these days, the care of your pet will be assigned SMAEC's in-house veterinarian.

4. You will be asked to wait while your pet is examined by the SMAEC veterinarian.  The veterinarian will develop a treatment plan and a technician will explain the potential costs involved.

• The minimum fee for overnight observation is $115.00.  This includes the transfer exam, hospital admission fee, and overnight hospitalization. It does not include diagnostic tests, treatments, or procedures.  Final charges vary according to each individual pet's needs.

• Before leaving your pet in our care, you must put down a deposit equal to the low end of your pet's treatment estimate.  The remaining balance will be due prior to your pet's discharge. We accept cash, checks processed through TeleCheck, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and CareCredit.

What to expect when your pet is hospitalized...

1. You are welcome to call the hospital at any time to check on the status of your pet.  Typically, we will not contact you overnight unless your pet's condition changes significantly.

2. You are welcome to visit your pet at any time.  Please call ahead to make arrangements.

What to expect when your pet is discharged...

1. SMAEC closes at 8:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.  At this time, all animals are discharged either to their owners' or their primary veterinarian's care.  Owners are responsible for picking up and transporting their pets, but staff will assist in making arrangements for critically-ill patients.  Pets not picked up by 8:00 a.m. will be subject to a late pick-up fee.

2. If your pet had x-rays taken, you will be asked to deliver them to your primary veterinarian. All other records, including laboratory results, will be faxed to your veterinarian after SMAEC's veterinarian has completed their case summary.