Your Visit

Parking

Free parking is available for clients in the spots marked “Client Parking.” If a “Client Parking” spot is not available, please park at a meter and ask one of our client services staff members for a hang tag for free short-term parking. Trailer parking is available for large animal clinic clients.

Arrival

On your first visit, we will ask you to provide information about yourself and your animal prior to your appointment time (please arrive a few minutes early). Animals are registered in the name of the owner. For the safety of our other clients and animals, please keep your animals on a leash or in a carrier. Large animal owners should check in prior to unloading animals.

Appointment

As a teaching hospital, we are staffed by faculty, residents and interns (veterinarians pursuing advanced training), certified veterinary technicians, and students completing a veterinary degree. Initially, your animal will be examined by a senior veterinary student. After the examination is complete, the student will discuss the examination findings with the veterinarian on duty, who will then examine your animal again and discuss with you what tests/treatments will be best for your animal.

While we try to keep this process efficient, please expect your appointment to run longer than a typical veterinariany visit. Please inform a staff member if you feel you have been waiting too long.

Visiting

If your animal is hospitalized, please contact the clinical staff to arrange a visit. We recognize the importance of your bond with your animal but want to be sure that the visit does not interfere with the treatment your animal is receiving. At times, our staff may advise against a visit or put limits on your visit.

Discharge

If you animal’s treatment requires a stay (hours or days) at our hospital, one of our veterinarians will make arrangements with you when your animal is ready to be discharged.

Payment

If you have questions about your fees, estimates, or payment, we are here to help. Our hospital is a self-sustaining entity. We strive to provide the best care while covering the costs of specialized equipment and supplies.

• Consultation Visits

  Consultation visits are appointments where you meet with the veterinarian, may have diagnostic tests or imaging, and discuss treatment options.
  Payment for consultation visits is due at the time of service

• In-Patient Visits

  In-patient visits are visits that require your animal to stay at the animal hospital for treatment, surgery, or observation.
  Half of the estimated charges are due when your animal arrives and the remainder is due at the time of service.

• Payment Options

  Payment can be made with cash, by check, or with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, CareCredit). We are unable to provide financing. However, we would be glad to help you apply for CareCredit (financing for healthcare related costs). To sign up, all you need is a valid driver’s license, a second form of identification, and the clinic phone number (please use 217.333.5300).
  If you have animal insurance, please contact your insurance company to discuss covered expenses.

Medical Records

Our hospital will maintain a medical record for your animal that documents all veterinary services performed at our hospital. If you designate a referring veterinarian, a letter will automatically be sent to notify your veterinarian of the care your animal received at our hospital following each visit/hospital stay.

As the animal ‘owner of record’ you may request a copy of your animal’s records by phone or email. Basic medical records are provided free of charge.

Small Animal Clinic Medical Records (217.333.5363)

Large Animal Clinic Medical Records (217.333.8100)

Email (medrec@vetmed.illinois.edu)

Original records are the property of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.