Patient Center
Hodes Veterinary Group welcomes owners to be with their animals during their entire appointment. We believe it helps relieve the anxiety of both the pet patient and the pet owner and makes the visit a more comfortable experience. We give you ample time with our doctors who will answer all your questions about your pet’s health and wellness.
We’ll also make sure that you’re always well-informed on the suggested care or course of treatment. In addition to sitting with you to answer any questions you may have about your pet’s treatment, we’ll also provide veterinary literature and handouts when necessary so that you feel equipped and ready to care for your pet.
We also make it easy for you to communicate with us via text message. You can text the practice at any time using the main number, 973-328-7112. If you want to send us a picture or records from a previous vet, text us or email us.
New Patient Visit
For your first visit, you’ll need to fill out the new patient form prior to your appointment which you can complete online by clicking on the chat icon in the bottom right and using the online widget. If you’ve been using another veterinarian’s service, please contact them a few weeks before your appointment and ask them to transfer your pet's records to us to make sure we have them prior to your arrival.
If the pet patient we are seeing is a new puppy or kitten, make your appointment soon after bringing them home. Make sure you bring any records from the breeder, shelter, or other veterinarian that has examined your new puppy or kitten so we can compare those notes to what we find when we perform our comprehensive physical exam.
Your First Visit—What to Expect:
We are committed to providing top-notch care for your furry family members. Your pet's first visit to our hospital is an important step in ensuring their ongoing health and well-being. Here's what you can expect:
BRINGING RECORDS
If your pet has received veterinary care elsewhere, please bring any relevant medical records, including vaccination history, prior treatments, and any ongoing health concerns. This helps us get a comprehensive understanding of your pet's health and tailor our care to their specific needs.
BRINGing a Stool Sample
For wellness check-ups or any GI issue visits, we may ask you to bring a fresh stool sample from your pet. This allows us to check for parasites and other gastrointestinal issues that may not be immediately apparent. We suggest you collect a sample the night before, but bring us the freshest sample you can. The sample should not be older than 24 hours to ensure we can successfully test it.
USE A LEASH OR CARRIER
For the safety and comfort of all our patients, we require that dogs be on a leash and cats be in a secure carrier when arriving at our hospital. This helps prevent accidents and ensures a calm environment for all pets in our waiting area. If you need assistance with a nervous or difficult-to-handle pet, please let us know in advance so we can make accommodations. If you prefer to wait in the car till the doctor is ready for you, we are happy to oblige.
Avoiding Stress for Your Pet
We understand that veterinary visits can be stressful for pets, so we strive to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Here are a few tips to help reduce stress for your furry friend:
Familiarize them with the carrier or leash: If your pet isn't used to being in a carrier or on a leash, spend some time getting them comfortable with it at home before the visit.
Stay calm: Pets often pick up on their owner's emotions, so try to stay calm and relaxed during the visit.
Bring familiar items: If your pet has a favorite toy or blanket, feel free to bring it along to provide comfort.
Positive reinforcement: Reward your pet with treats and praise for good behavior during the visit.
Speak to our staff: If you have concerns about your pet's anxiety or behavior, let us know. We can offer additional support and guidance to make the visit as stress-free as possible.
We're here to partner with you in keeping your pet happy and healthy. If you have any questions or concerns before your first visit, don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to meeting you and your furry companion soon.
Payment Options
Payment is expected when services are rendered. In general we do not bill. We accept cash, debit cards, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and Amex) and CareCredit. All cards must be signed by the owner of the card. If the card is not signed, you must show two forms of ID.
CareCredit Program
When unexpected illness strikes a pet, unexpected expense strikes as well. Hodes Veterinary Group understands this. That’s why we offer the option of paying monthly installments through the CareCredit program.
It takes just five minutes to complete an application and will allow you to break down your payment into six monthly installments.
You can apply online at CareCredit.com
Highlights of the CareCredit program:
Interest Free For Six Months
Determine Approval in a Few Minutes
No Annual Fee
Pet Insurance
Another popular option among pet owners is pet health insurance. Our staff members will be happy to walk you through the different options that are available or you can visit: