Hospital Policies

Vaccination Policy

All patients entering Southwest Animal Hospital must provide proof of vaccinations. If the client is unable to provide proof, we will treat the patient as if the vaccines are overdue or never given. If vaccines are overdue the required vaccines will be given based on the type of appointment at the owner’s expense. Vaccines are very important in preventing the spread of diseases to other pets in the hospital.

ALL Patients:

Unless it’s medically necessary to wait on updating the rabies vaccines, all pets entering the hospital are required to be up to date on rabies.

The law in Cole County is as follows:

ARTICLE II.RABIES CONTROL Sec. 5-45. Vaccination of dogs, cats, and ferrets

It shall be unlawful for any person to own, keep, harbor, or permit a dog, cat, or ferret within the city unless rabies vaccination is secured from a practicing licensed veterinarian and the dog, cat or ferret bears a registered tag of current rabies vaccination.

The rabies vaccination shall be valid for a period of one year from the date of vaccination.

Prescription Policy

At Southwest Animal Hospital, it is our policy to take every possible step to ensure that our patients receive the very best and safe pharmaceutical products available. By Missouri law, Veterinarians are required to have a current client/patient/veterinarian relationship in order to prescribe certain medications for patients. Some medications carry higher incidents of adverse reactions, so they require continual monitoring and blood testing. Refills of a prescription must be pre-approved by a veterinarian; 0ur staff is unable to dispense medication if not pre-approved by the veterinarian.

Leash/Carrier Policy

Even though we make every effort to make our patients feel comfortable during visits, they may be a little uneasy about new people, new surroundings, and other pets. This is one of the reasons we ask you to restrain your pet. We recommend that animals be placed on a leash or in pet carriers before entering the waiting room.

Payment Policy

We do require full payment at the time services are rendered.

However; for your convenience, we accept several forms of payment: Cash, Debit Cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and monthly payment plans through CareCredit. Click below to apply.

What's Next

  • 1

    Call us or schedule an appointment online.

  • 2

    Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.

  • 3

    Put a plan together for your pet.

t6_whats_next