Hospital Policies

Crossroads Veterinary Clinic is owned and operated by Dr. Elizabeth Wood.  She, Dr. Miller, and the staff are dedicated to providing you with competent, efficient, and complete medical care for your pets.  We strive to keep abreast of the latest developments in veterinary medicine without rejecting time tested procedures which have proven successful in managing health problems.  Our purpose is to keep your pet a healthy, happy, well-adjusted member of your family.  Please feel free to ask questions and discuss problems frankly.  We are here to serve you and thank you for placing your trust in CVC.

Hours and Scheduling

The hospital is open from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Monday through Friday and 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Saturday.  Exceptions to these hours are made regarding some holidays.  Please check with us for these hours.   Visits with the doctors are made by previous appointment only between 9:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. Monday through Saturday and 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday.   Please be prompt for appointments.  This avoids a crowded waiting room and allows us to give you and your pet adequate time and undivided attention.

Restraint

For the safety and security of all owners and pets, we require that your pet be on a leash or in a carrier at all times while in the waiting room. A leash will be provided if necessary. 

Payment Policies

Unlike a human hospital, this hospital is totally owned and operated as a private enterprise and represents a considerable investment by the veterinarian.  Fees charged must reflect all aspects of managing and operating a business including maintenance, taxes, inventories, staff and equipment costs.  We are proud to provide the best equipment and care at a fair price.  In order to avoid unpleasant surprises and misunderstandings, please discuss costs with the doctor or office manager before services are rendered.

Unless previous arrangements are made, hospital fees must be paid in full at the time of treatment or upon discharge of the patient.   There are also a number of companies that provide pet insurance and CARE Credit is also available.  Check with the staff for more information.

Emergencies

The hospital is closed after hours and on Sundays and some holidays, but is still attended for feeding, treating and caring for hospitalized animals.  Should you have an emergency outside of our regular hours, there are two clinics within easy driving distance that provide excellent, fully-staffed 24 hour care.  These are:

Cornell University's Hospital for Animals 607-253-3060

Animal Emergency Clinic in Syracuse  315-446-7933

Release Policies

Hospitalized animals are released only during hospital hours.  Whenever possible, one of the doctors or a veterinary technician will be present at this time to discuss questions you may have.  If this is not possible the doctor will call you at his/her earliest convenience.  Please follow directions carefully since recovery can be greatly affected by the care your pet receives after returning home.

Visiting

You are always welcome to inspect our hospital facilities.  However, when your pet is hospitalized, visiting can often cause detrimental excitement and disappointment.  Visitation is therefore discouraged unless the doctor feels that it will improve your pet’s recovery.  Inquiries concerning patients should be made between 8:15 A.M. and 8:45 A.M. and between 3:30 P.M. and 4:00 P.M.  Such calls at other times in the day often interrupt procedures requiring undivided attention.  In the event of an unexpected change of a critical nature, the staff or doctor will notify you.  Please verify updated contact information at each visit.

Hospitalization and Boarding

For your animal’s protection, as well as others in the hospital, we require that all necessary vaccinations be current.  If needed, these vaccinations will be given on admission provided that vaccination does not interfere with the current health condition of your pet.  Please consult with the staff before leaving personal belongings with your pet.  Compartment cleaning may be needed several times daily and some items interfere with sanitation procedures.  Dogs are exercised in separate, covered outdoor runs twice daily.  Cats are kept inside at all times.  The kennel area is equipped with heating and ventilating equipment capable of maintaining a comfortable, fresh environment at all times.

Boarding

We board animals as a service for our regular clients when space permits.  Since space is limited and as room must always be reserved for patients requiring hospitalization, we request that you make reservations as early as possible.  Boarded animals are released only during regular hours and exceptions will not be made.  If your pet is on special food or medication, please bring these with you, as well as an emergency contact number.  There may be an extra charge if we need to supply these items or for specialized care.  If you request medical examinations, or if your pet requires medical attention during the stay, an examination will be charged.  All boarded animals must have current vaccinations (distemper, rabies and bordetella).