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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Answers to the questions we hear most from Rome, GA pet owners. Don’t see yours? Call us at (706) 413-2737 and we’ll be happy to help.

What should I expect at my pet's first visit?

Plan for a relaxed, unhurried visit. We'll review your pet's history, do a nose-to-tail physical exam, and talk through any questions you have about diet, behavior, vaccines, or parasite prevention. Bring any prior medical records and a list of current medications. If it's easier, your previous clinic can send records ahead using our records transfer form. Dogs should arrive on a leash and cats in a carrier.

What are your hours?

Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Friday 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM. We are closed Saturday and Sunday.

Do you see both dogs and cats?

Yes. We care for dogs and cats at every stage of life, from puppy and kitten visits through senior wellness.

What should I do if my pet has an emergency?

During business hours, call us right away at (706) 413-2737. While we are open we handle urgent and emergency cases, with in-house bloodwork, digital X-rays and ultrasound read during the visit and surgery on site. We are not a 24-hour hospital: after hours, seek out the nearest emergency veterinary clinic. If your pet may have ingested something toxic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control hotline at (888) 426-4435 is available 24/7.

What payment and financing options do you offer?

We offer flexible financing through our trusted partners Cherry and CareCredit, so unexpected care doesn't have to wait. See our payment and financing options page for details or ask our team at your visit.

Do you accept pet insurance?

Pet insurance in the U.S. works by reimbursement: you pay for care at the time of service, then submit the claim to your insurer, who reimburses you directly. We're happy to provide the itemized invoices and medical records your insurer needs for any claim.

What is the Paw Plan?

Our Paw Plan is a wellness plan that bundles your pet's routine preventive care into predictable payments instead of one large annual bill. It's an easy way to stay on top of exams, vaccines, and screenings.

What vaccines does my pet need?

Core vaccines for dogs are rabies and distemper/parvo (DAPP), with leptospirosis commonly recommended in our area; bordetella is required by most boarding, grooming, and daycare facilities. Core vaccines for cats are rabies and FVRCP. Beyond the core, your pet's lifestyle determines what makes sense, and we'll build the right schedule together at a preventive care visit.

Does my pet really need heartworm prevention year-round in Georgia?

Yes. North Georgia's long mosquito season and mild winters mean heartworm risk never truly goes away, so the American Heartworm Society recommends 12-month prevention here. Treating an infected dog is expensive and hard on the pet, while prevention is a fraction of the cost. We test annually and can dispense prevention in-clinic.

How do I get my pet ready for boarding?

Boarding facilities, including our trusted partner Bestland Dog Boarding, generally require current rabies, DAPP, and bordetella vaccines. Schedule any needed vaccines at least two weeks before boarding so they have time to take effect.

Do I need an appointment, or do you take walk-ins?

Appointments are recommended so we can give your pet unhurried attention. Book online or call (706) 413-2737. We do our best to accommodate same-day sick visits and urgent cases during business hours.

How do I transfer my pet's records from another clinic?

Fill out our records transfer consent form and we'll request your pet's history from your previous veterinarian, so there's no need to track down paperwork yourself.

Where are you located?

We're at 1401 Kingston Rd NE, Rome, GA 30161, in the beautifully renovated historic Homestead Restaurant building. We proudly serve pet families across Rome, Floyd County, and Northwest Georgia. Find directions on our contact page.

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