Veterinary FAQ

Can I call and email as much as I’d like?

Within reason, phone calls or emails that are important and relevant to your pet’s health are included with your veterinary service.

Dr. Steffen is happy to respond to long emails and/or talk on the phone with clients for extended periods when her schedule allows.  The fee for long calls and emails is $62.99 per 30 minutes.

Are masks required?

Masks are not required, but they remain strongly encouraged. See our COVID-19 policy for more information.

Can I reschedule?

Yes, if you give a 24-hour notice, you can reschedule without a fee. Please note it is ’24 business hours,’ meaning the notice cannot be given on weekends or holidays. We need time to fill your spot. Please see the next FAQ question to learn about the fee for missing an appointment.

Will I be charged if I miss my appointment?

Yes.  $66.94 is the missed appointment fee if 24-hour business hour notice is not provided.  This is because we do not have time to fill your spot if you do not show up or give us short notice that you will not keep your appointment.  We almost always have a waiting list of clients that would like to be seen sooner!  If you give us notice, we will be happy to fill your spot, and you will not be charged.

Should I arrive early for my appointment?

Yes!  Please arrive 5 minutes early for your appointment! Most of my appointments are 20 minutes, and arriving late does not provide enough time for Dr. Steffen to obtain a proper history, perform a thorough examination, perform any diagnostics, prescribe medications, etc. therefore, if you are late, you may be asked to reschedule. You will be charged a missed appointment fee.

Why is this 33913 number texting me?

33913 is the dedicated “short number” our scheduling software uses to send out reminders of your upcoming appointments. Please save it in your phone!

Can I schedule my pet’s vet visit online?

Yes! New and existing clients can schedule their pet’s vet visit online anytime from anywhere!

Are you accepting new patients??

Our veterinary practice is growing, and we would love to make your pet our next family member. Call us to schedule your first appointment with Dr. Steffen.

Who is the veterinarian at Companion Animal Medical Centre?

Dr. Gwendolyn Steffen, DVM, is the owner and veterinarian that will see your pet at Companion Animal Medical Centre.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We prefer cash, check, debit card, or Zelle payments.  We charge no fees if you use one of these payment methods.  Read our payment options and fees for details about using other payment methods such as credit cards or CareCredit.

Do you have financing options?

Yes. We have partnered with CareCredit to offer our clients 0% financing options for up to 6 months. You can spread the cost of your pet care over up to 6 months without paying any interest.

We also offer ScratchPay.

What types of pets do you care for?

Companion Animal Medical Centre focuses on cats and dogs, as these are the most common pets. Dr. Steffen does not see other types of animals.

Do you offer holistic vet services?

Yes, we do. Dr. Steffen DVM is certified by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA), and pet lovers travel far to have her see their pets. She is very well respected in the holistic animal care community by her peers.

Is Dr. Steffen certified in holistic pet care?

Dr. Gwendolyn Steffen is certified in holistic pet care by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. She is the only veterinarian in the United States certified in Chiro and Kinesiology.

Do you offer wellness plans?

Yes. We have specific pet care plans for puppies and kittens, dogs and cats, and aging pets. We call them pet care plans and offer significant savings as compared to purchasing each included service individually. They also ensure your pet is seen regularly by Dr. Steffen, which enables early disease detection and greatly increases the effectiveness of treatment.

Can I purchase products for my pets from you?

Yes. We have an online store in which everything is approved by Dr. Steffen. If you are looking for the best in pet products, consult with Dr. Steffen, and she can assist you with your order placement.

How much are veterinary services?

We have a full page dedicated to getting you estimated pricing on the cost of health care for your pet. Check out our estimated pet care cost to better understand what you are looking at before contacting us.

Are there any other vaccinations you have available?

We also offer the Lyme and canine influenza vaccine for dogs and the leukemia vaccine for cats.

When should puppies and kittens receive their first vaccines?

Between six and eight weeks of age.

Should puppies, kittens, and senior pets have more frequent examinations?

Yes. The same goes for aging pets!

Do you offer wellness exams?

Yes.  We recommend annual wellness exams for adult dogs and cats between one and seven years old. At each check-up, we record your pet’s weight and temperature, ask about eating habits and exercise and discuss parasite control. Our veterinarians also check for specific health issues, such as diabetes and signs of cancer. You also have the chance to get help with any behavioral concerns.