Your Visit to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital

Referrals

If your case is being referred to us and If your veterinarian has not already sent us a copy of your animal’s medical information, please bring a copy of it with you to the appointment. This should include your animal's medical record, vaccination status, history regarding your animal’s condition, and any recent test results. If your animal had x-rays taken, please either have your veterinarian send them to us in advance or bring them with you to your scheduled appointment.

If you have any questions regarding the cost estimate, length of stay, or medicating or feeding your animal on the day before or day of your appointment, these questions can be answered by our receptionist when your appointment is scheduled.

Your Animal's Admission

When you arrive at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for your pet’s appointment, please remember to give your license plate number to the receptionist. This helps us maintain available parking for our clients. The receptionist will work with you to get the necessary paperwork completed and will contact the veterinary student who will be assigned to your pet. Please be aware that if an emergency case presents near your scheduled appointment time, you may encounter a slight delay before your animal will be seen. We appreciate your patience.

Payment Policy

The Purdue University Veterinary Hospital is not funded to provide low cost or free veterinary care. The Veterinary Hospital is a self-supporting hospital. The fees charged for veterinary care must cover the costs to run our hospital.

The Hospital accepts payment by cash, check, Master Card, Visa, and Discover cards. CareCredit, through GE Money Bank, is also available to clients that qualify.

Outpatient charges are due on the day of service. If your animal needs to be hospitalized, you will be provided with an estimate of the charges for the services your animal will need. You will be required to leave a deposit of 50% of the high-end of the estimate. If the estimate changes due to the need for additional procedures or treatments, you will be notified. The balance of the current bill will be due upon the discharge of your animal. Frequently, not all charges are known at the time of discharge due to recent care, lab work not yet completed, etc. The Hospital will call all owners who have late appearing charges added to their bill to make them aware of those charges and to collect payment.

If you have any questions on payments or applying for CareCredit, feel free to contact our Billing Office at 765-494-8783.

Emergencies

If your animal needs emergency care, please call or come to the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital for assistance.

Consultation Calls

If your animal has not been seen at the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital and you have questions about your animal’s condition, please have your regular veterinarian call for a consultation. Because of time constraints involving patient care and teaching assignments, our clinical specialists will only return consultation calls from veterinarians.

Client Rights and Responsibilities

As a client of the Purdue University Veterinary Hospital, you have certain rights and responsibilities.

Your Rights include:

1. To expect and receive appropriate treatment for your pet(s) as determined by our capabilities and mission statement.
2. To be treated with consideration, respect, and compassion by all members of our staff.
3. To be informed, in terms that you understand, of the nature of your pet(s)’ illness and of treatment options (including risks and benefits) available both here and elsewhere.
4. To be informed of the costs of evaluation and treatment, and payment options available.
5. To accept or reject treatments or diagnostic tests for your pet(s). You are not required to admit your pet to the hospital or to allow any testing or treatment that you do not approve, and you have the right to be informed of the consequences of refusal of treatment or testing.
6. To be informed of any clinical trials available for conditions that affect your pet, and to have the opportunity to participate in these programs if your pet meets the criteria for inclusion, and you agree to the terms and conditions of the program(s).
7. To change your mind about any tests or treatments to which you have consented, notifying us before these procedures occur, and to be informed of the consequences of these decisions.
8. To receive prompt and courteous replies to any concerns you raise regarding the quality of care or service you receive here.
9. To be assured that medical and personal information is handled in a confidential manner, and to be able to request copies of information in your pet’s medical record.

Your Responsibilities include:

1. To provide all requested health information about your pet(s).
2. To read and understand any consent forms that you sign.
3. To ask questions of any member of our staff if you do not understand instructions or information they provide.
4. To accept that we are a teaching hospital, and that your pet will be seen by a team consisting of students, veterinary nurses, and clinicians (faculty, residents, and interns).
5. To observe the policies and procedures of our facility, including appointment times, visiting and telephone hours; smoking policies; and payment policies.  To be considerate of others whose pets are receiving care here.
6. To inform us immediately if you change your mind about any tests or treatments that you have previously agreed to.
7. To accept the financial obligations agreed to when your pet is seen at our facility, and to provide accurate information if you request financial assistance.
8. To take an active role in the diagnosis and treatment of your pet’s medical or surgical condition.  To follow the instructions, you receive for care of your pet at home.
9. To advise your pet’s caregivers if you have any concerns or are dissatisfied in any way.
10. To treat every member of our staff with respect and consideration.

Who are the members of my pet’s veterinary healthcare team?

Are there any pet-friendly hotels in the area?

You can find a list of pet friendly hotels in the West Lafayette area through Hotel Guides.