Patient Information

What to Expect at a Veterinary Appointment

Knowing what to expect at your first appointment will help make the process more pleasant for both you and your pet.

Our Pet Care Philosophy

At Bear Creek Veterinary Hospital, we treat your pets like valued family members. We see it as our responsibility to care for the dogs and cats of Stockton just as we would care for our own pets.

Hospital FAQs

Learn more about our office policies, payment options, and appointment booking by reading through our hospital FAQs.

• What types of payment options are available?

  Payment in full is expected at the time services are provided or upon discharge of your pet. We strive to keep competitive pricing. We accept payment by cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.

• Are there payment plans available for my pet’s care?

  We are proud to offer CareCredit and Scratchpay as financing options. They offer an easy application process that will give you results in minutes.

• Will I be provided with an estimate of costs?

  We will provide a good-faith estimate of the cost of our services prior to treating your pet. However, unforeseen circumstances may arise that impact your final bill.

  We will always discuss our written estimate with all clients before they leave our facility, and require a deposit based on our estimate prior to any further treatment.

• Should I call ahead to book an appointment?

  Yes, please call ahead to book an appointment to ensure we have room in our schedule to see your pet.

  In the event that your pet needs emergency care during our regular business hours, please contact us right away.

  Book Your Next Appointment

• What is your appointment cancellation policy?

  If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, please let us know as soon as possible so that we can offer the space in our schedule to other clients.

• What types of animals do you treat?

  We take care of all small domestic pets such as cats and dogs, and exotic pets such as birds, rabbits, reptiles, and rodents.

• Where can I purchase my pet's prescription and food?

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

• What are the fees associated with a specialty appointment?

  You are financially responsible for the initial examination fee and any diagnostics or treatment that you consent to for your pet’s care. This payment is due at the time of service.

  For further hospitalization, diagnostics, or surgery, a deposit is required upfront with payment due in full when your pet is discharged.

• What are the fees associated with an emergency visit?

  A deposit payment is required for all emergency examinations. Once the staff and doctors have examined your pet, an estimate for treatment will be given to you to determine a treatment plan.

  If further hospitalization, diagnostics or surgery are required, a deposit is required up front, with payment in full due when your pet is discharged. 

• Can you help with my pet insurance?

  We’re happy to help you fill out pet insurance forms for your pet’s visit.

Resources for Stockton Pet Owners

Here are some helpful links to help you protect your pet's health