Before Your Visit

What to Expect.

Everything you need to know before, during, and after your pet's dental appointment.

Our Commitments

Four things we promise.

I
No exam rooms. Full transparency.

Everything is open and visible. There is nothing to hide.

II
We will never exceed an estimate without your approval.

You set your communication preference at drop-off. We confirm by phone or email. You can pre-authorize a range or ask us to call for any change.

III
Anxiety is managed — at no additional cost.

If your pet is anxious, ask about a pre-visit medication. If they need extra care after procedures, we prescribe at no charge. This improves everyone's life. Non-refundable procedure deposits are necessary for pre-visit meds.

IV
Convenient drop-off and pickup.

Drop-off in the morning, pick up when finished. No prolonged visits, upselling, or unnecessary time used. You can check-in, check-out, and read all the material necessary online if you like, or we can take time to connect more thoroughly in person. We value your time.

A Day at a Glance

The shape of the day.

A quick overview before the detail. Most patients follow this rhythm. We'll text along the way.

Times are typical. Adjustments are possible as we understand the needs of those we support — many patients are ready for pickup before 3 PM once they've recovered comfortably. We'll text you when the procedure begins, when it's complete, and when your pet is ready to go home.

Step 1

Before Your Appointment

a
Online registration
Complete your patient registration online before you arrive. Keeps the morning smooth.
b
Pre-anesthetic bloodwork
Available here or through your primary vet. Your doctor will recommend what makes clinical sense based on your pet's age and health — a young, healthy patient may need only a basic screen, an older patient or one with health concerns benefits from a broader panel. Coming in for a free exam first gives us time to review any recent labs and decide what's actually needed.
c
Anti-anxiety medication
If your pet is anxious in clinical settings, ask us about a pre-visit medication. Prescribed at no additional cost.
d
Fasting
No breakfast the morning of the dental. Water is fine up until drop-off. We know — they'll look at you like you've betrayed them. It passes.
e
Vaccines
If your pet is due or overdue for vaccines, let us know when you schedule. We offer all core and non-core vaccines for dogs and cats, and can take care of them during the same visit. Without records we cannot guarantee effectiveness or duration. Boosters require a primary care veterinarian.
Step 2

The Day Of

a
Drop-off: 8:30 – 10:00 AM
Bring your pet in during the drop-off window. We'll settle them in and review the plan.
b
Consent and estimate
You'll receive a written estimate before anything begins. Nothing proceeds beyond it without your approval.
c
Communication during the procedure
Once under anesthesia, we share findings and the recommended plan. You set your preference: pre-authorize a range and let us proceed, or ask us to call for any change. Both approaches are valid.

Text is the fastest channel. Calls may go to voicemail when we're with patients, but in-clinic families are prioritized. We return everything as soon as we're able.

Step 3

While Your Pet Is Under

a
Full-mouth radiographs
Every patient. Every time. Digital radiographs before any treatment begins.
b
Complete oral exam
Probing depths, tooth-by-tooth assessment, documentation. Under anesthesia we examine what can't be assessed in a conscious patient.
c
Treatment as approved
Once confirmed, treatment proceeds. Everything is documented with photos and notes that come home with your pet.
d
Continuous monitoring
Heart rate, oxygen, temperature, blood pressure — throughout. Our workflow minimizes anesthesia time without compromising care.
Step 4

What goes home with your pet.

📋
Written visit notes

Complete summary of findings, treatment, and follow-up.

📷
Clinical photos

Before and after images from the procedure.

🔬
Radiology links

Full-mouth radiographs for your records and your primary vet.

💊
Medication handouts

Dosing schedule and what to watch for.

🏠
Home care guide

Post-procedure and long-term care instructions.

Open Door Policy
"Questions don't stop at discharge. If something comes up at home — a weird smell, a funny chew, a 2am worry — reach out. That's what we're here for."
— VDA, Fort Collins