Appointments and Drop-Offs
The doctors see patients Monday through Saturday by appointment. An appointment will save you time when you arrive. Occasionally, there are emergencies that must be “worked in” to the schedule. We will do everything possible to minimize appointment delays due to emergencies that must be seen. You may schedule your pet to be dropped off if the doctor has already examined your pet previously and the problems have been discussed. DROP-OFFS ARE TAKEN AS EARLY AS 7:15 AM AND CAN BE PICKED UP AS LATE AS 5:30 PM. We appreciate a written note about any change in your pet’s condition and any food or medication it has had within the last 24 hours, as well as phone number(s) where you can be reached that day.
Calls After Surgery or Procedures
The surgery/procedure schedule is usually not predictable due to the need for unscheduled emergency surgeries. We typically call owners when the surgery/procedure is finished. However, sometimes we get delayed, can not make contact immediately, or do not make contact on the initial call. If you have not been called by 5:00 PM on the day of the procedure, please call us. If the doctor can not come to the phone, you will be called back as soon as possible that day or evening.
In-Hospital Referrals
Occasionally, multi-diagnostic care may be in the best interest of your pet. In such cases, Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics may consult with other specialists at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists.
Updates and Progress Reports
If your pet is hospitalized, we know you are anxious to receive an update as soon as possible. We also want to keep you informed. The doctor and technicians are able to give information after morning rounds. Therefore, WE ASK THAT YOU NOT CALL BEFORE 10 AM. YOU MAY CALL IN FOR UPDATES AND PROGRESS REPORTS FROM 10:00AM TO 6:00PM MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY AND SATURDAY FROM 9:00AM TO NOON WHEN A RECEPTIONIST IS ON DUTY. We are closed on Sunday. Technicians responsible for night and weekend patient care are very busy taking care of your pets. Because the switchboard is closed, they can not receive calls to give progress reports and updates. For security reasons, they are not authorized to unlock doors and allow visitation after office hours.
The Animal Emergency Clinic in this building is a separate practice. Their staff is not familiar with Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics’ patients. Therefore, they are unable to answer questions about your pet. Please do not call the Emergency Clinic for updates or progress reports if your pet is hospitalized at Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics.
The Animal Emergency Clinic in this building is a separate practice. Their staff is not familiar with Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics’ patients. Therefore, they are unable to answer questions about your pet. Please do not call the Emergency Clinic for updates or progress reports if your pet is hospitalized at Gulf Coast Avian & Exotics.
Doctor's Call-Back Schedules
The doctors receive many phone calls each day. They take as many as they can between appointments and procedures. At times, they must call back as soon as possible or return calls after the clinic closes. Please be sure to give day and night numbers as well as pager and mobile phone numbers. Pagers can not be used for after-hours calls. The doctors have trained their technicians to return some of the calls in order to speed up call-backs and reassure you about your pet’s condition.
Visitation
We know how difficult it is for you to leave your pet if hospitalization is required. If your pet needs to stay in the hospital for more than two (2) days, you are welcome to schedule a visit. Visitation must be scheduled in advance. Special arrangements may be made for the critically ill. Please keep in mind that your pet could be very excited or disappointed after you leave. For this reason, visiting is not necessarily the best thing for your pet, but your doctor will be happy to discuss this with you.
Discharges
Please call before you pick up your pet to make sure the paperwork is ready and schedule a discharge time. Calling will help alleviate waiting time. The doctor or technicians will go over the discharge instructions. If you have ANY questions, we will want to answer them for you before you go home. If a recheck examination is needed, you may want to consider scheduling this appointment before leaving.
Pharmacy
Please call at least 24 hours ahead if you need prescriptions refilled. This will prevent any delay and inconvenience to you. Let us know what time you will arrive to pick up.
Any Questions?
All your questions are encouraged! We want you to be well informed about your pet’s condition, diagnosis, and recommended treatment. If surgery is necessary, we urge you to discuss your concerns with the doctor. A written estimate will be provided prior to surgery. Your pet is receiving the finest care in a state-of-the-art specialty hospital. We are proud of our hospital and staff and want you to be comfortable in all aspects of your pet’s care while in our facility. Comments and constructive criticism are welcome.
