Terms and Conditions Of Business
Thank you for entrusting your pet’s care to Edgemont Veterinary Clinic. This document details our terms and conditions of business. We reserve the right to alter these terms and conditions.
Appointments
We operate on an appointment basis but we will always try to accommodate you in an urgent or emergency situation. Please call ahead to advise us of your emergency so we can assess our schedule and prevent delays in getting urgent care for your pet. Pending current caseload, we may need to refer you directly to an emergency clinic. Rest assured our first concern is ensuring your pet receives timely care, with a minimum of wait time. We may offer alternate appointment times for walk-in cases which are non-urgent or elective if we are already fully booked or dealing with an emergency. House call visits may be available (for an additional fee).
Arriving late for your appointment
Arriving late for your scheduled appointment may result in a shortened treatment time, as appointments are booked sequentially. Please familiarize yourself with our location and all parking options so that you and your pet get the most out of your scheduled treatment. Please note; your appointment may be rescheduled if you are more than 10 minutes late.
Cancelling and Rescheduling
24 hours advanced notice is required for all appointment changes (cancellations and rescheduling) and 48 hours’ notice for surgery appointments. Should 24-48 hours’ notice not be given, or should you fail to show for your scheduled appointment, you will be charged 100% of the consultation fee.
Fees & Payments
All fees for goods and services are subject to taxes at the current rate. A list of prices for routine procedures is available on request. We will provide a written estimate on request as to the probable costs of a course of treatment. Any estimate given can only be approximate as each case is individual and health circumstances and needs do change. You may settle an account using cash, debit card, VISA or MasterCard. **Please let us know if proposed costs are a concern so we can work with you to find a solution**
Invoices are due for settlement at the time goods and services are provided. We cannot offer account facilities. All unpaid accounts will be subject to monthly finance charges and if necessary, referred to a debt collection agency. Further charges will be levied in respect of costs incurred in recovering the debt. Any credit card payment not honoured or cash found to be counterfeit will result in your account being restored to the original sum and further charges added in respect of bank fees and administration costs. If for any reason you are unable to settle your bill as specified, please discuss the matter with the doctor in advance of authorizing your pet’s treatment.
Ownership of Records & Documentation
Case records, radiographs, ultrasound scans and other medical records are the property of, and ownership of the resulting record is retained by, Edgemont Veterinary Clinic by legal dictate. A case history will passed, on request, to another veterinarian taking over the case. We reserve the right to charge an administration fee for providing such copies.
Returns & Refunds
Edgemont Veterinary Clinic is unable to accept medications and other certain products for return for refund under any circumstance. Donation of unused medication may be accepted to pass along for use by a local rescue charity.
Data Protection
We are obligated under the Personal Information Protection Act 2004, to keep your personal information for record and accounting purposes. We will not divulge your details to other agencies without your consent except for debt collection purposes. We will use the data that we have on file to contact you with information beneficial to your animal’s health, for reminders, food and drug recall information, clinic newsletters and other data which we believe would be relevant to you. If you do not wish to receive such information, please advise us in writing or click to unsubscribe from our emails.
Pet Insurance
We absolutely advocate pet insurance. We will endeavour to assist you with every insurance claim, irrespective of the company, but it is your responsibility to understand the terms and conditions of your individual policy. Payment of your account is due in full at the time of treatment and reimbursement will be made directly to you after your paperwork is submitted.
Complaints
We certainly hope that you never have cause to complain about the standards of service received through us at the Edgemont Veterinary Clinic. However, if you feel that there is something you wish addressed, please direct your comments in writing to the Practice Manager.
Referrals to Our Clinic
We are always happy to accept new clients and patients. We consider a referral from you a true compliment and a gesture that you want other pets to receive the best care possible.
Variation of Terms of Business
No addition or variation of these conditions will bind the clinic unless it is specifically agreed in writing and signed by the clinic owner. No agent or person employed by, or under contract with, the clinic has the authority to alter or vary these terms and conditions in any way. We reserve the right to alter these terms and conditions.