In the last few months we’ve experienced a dramatic increase in last minute cancellations and no-shows. I get it, stuff happens, and we can’t always control life. However, every time a person cancels last minute, or doesn’t show at all, it means one less pet got the help it needed that day. We often have sick pets we are squeezing in, or sending elsewhere if we just don’t have a spot that day. And then for someone to not show up means another pet missed out.
So, as much as I hate policies (I hate even typing that word!) we now have a cancellation/ no-show policy. This applies to house calls as well as clinic appointments. Hopefully we don’t use it!
Anyone cancelling less than 24 hours prior to their appointment may potentially incur a $40 cancellation fee.
Anyone not showing for their appointment, or cancelling last minute, may be charged a $80 no-show fee.
Anyone who has no-showed, or repeatedly cancelled last-minute, may be required to pay a non-refundable deposit when scheduling future appointments. Repeat offenders will find vet care elsewhere.
My wish is to never have to use any of this. And as you know, we’re pretty agreeable folks. These fees are not written in stone, because we get it, life happens. But we want to eliminate last minute cancellations and no shows, so we can help as many pets as possible!