(858) 483-1573 | cheshirecatclinic@gmail.com | 4680 Clairemont Mesa Blvd | San Diego, California 92117

Hospital Policies

Appointment Policy

To allow ample time for all patients and scheduled procedures, we operate primarily by appointment. Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure a smooth check-in process. We respect your time and make every effort to stay on schedule; however, emergency cases always receive top priority, which may occasionally result in delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience. For your convenience, limited drop-off appointments are available. A drop-off allows you to bring your pet at a time that works best for you and leave them with us for a few hours. Typically, pets are dropped off in the morning so our doctors can examine them between appointments or during designated treatment times. Once the doctor has completed the exam, our team will contact you to review findings, discuss treatment recommendations, and provide discharge instructions.

Exam Questionnaire Requirement

To help us provide efficient and thorough care, we require that an Exam Questionnaire be completed prior to every appointment—including technician visits, doctor exams, and procedures. This form allows us to gather important history and concerns in advance so your pet can be seen more efficiently and your time with the doctor can be used effectively.

The questionnaire can be completed :

Online through our website cheshirecatclinic.com --> Forms--> Exam Questions
Via the link sent to you by email prior to your visit
In the clinic on paper or on your phone--> Please note that this time is included within your scheduled appointment slot. Late completion may reduce the time available with the doctor.

As appointment times are limited, completing this form in advance helps ensure a smoother visit for you, your pet, and our team.

Pre-Visit Medication Policy

For the safety and comfort of your cat, we may prescribe medications such as gabapentin, trazodone, or other calming agents prior to your visit. If these medications are prescribed, they must be given exactly as directed before the appointment. Cats who do not receive their prescribed pre-visit medication may be too stressed or fearful for safe handling. If your cat arrives without the recommended medication on board, we may be unable to perform the exam or treatment, and your appointment may need to be rescheduled. These medications help reduce stress, prevent fear-based reactions, and allow us to provide better, safer care—for your cat, you, and our staff.

Arrival & Safety Policy

1) For the safety of all animals in our care, we require that all vaccinations be kept up to date.

2) While we strive to make each visit as comfortable as possible, travel, unfamiliar environments, and new smells can cause even the calmest cat to become fearful or unpredictable. For everyone’s safety, especially your cat’s, all patients must arrive in a secure carrier and remain confined inside at all times while in the clinic. Carriers should be fully enclosed and escape-proof. If a proper carrier is not used, you may be asked to reschedule your appointment. If needed, we may be able to provide a donated carrier to borrow, depending on availability. These precautions are in place to prevent accidents, as unexpected escapes or injuries can occur.

Payment Policy

Full payment is required at the time services are rendered. For your convenience, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, cash, and personal checks. For those needing payment assistance, we offer financing options through CareCredit, a third-party service that allows you to apply for a line of credit for medical expenses. CareCredit is widely accepted at veterinary and human healthcare facilities and offers both no-interest and low-interest payment plans. Please visit their website for more details.