What to Expect

At Westside Animal Hospital, we’ve worked tirelessly to assemble a dedicated team of caring, experienced veterinary professionals. Our goal, with each and every interaction, is to deliver the highest level of care possible to your animal family member. Our state-of-the-art facility is clean, comfortable and designed to facilitate efficient, effective and convenient care.

To provide your pet with the best chance at enjoying a long, happy and healthy life, we strongly recommend scheduling a wellness appointment at least once a year. This enables us to stay a step ahead of illness and identify the warning signs of a potential medical concern early. The more we are able to stay on top of your pet’s health, the more quality time you’ll both be able to enjoy together.

If this is the first time you’ll be bringing your pet to Westside Animal Hospital, please be sure to bring along any medical history or paperwork you have. We recommend keeping a journal of your companion’s health throughout his or her life. This can help us spot any changes quickly so they can be addressed in the most timely and effective manner possible.

Even if you don’t have any documentation to share, we encourage you to ask questions or bring up anything that you feel may be important. After all, we are a team with a shared goal of helping your loved one live an amazing life.

In most cases, our team will be able to assist with almost any healthcare need that may arise for your pet. In some instances, however, Dr. Shepherd may deem it necessary to refer you to a specialist, such as someone who has advanced expertise in areas such as internal medicine or surgery. Rest assured that even when another party is consulted, we will all work together to ensure that your pet receives the most appropriate, professional care available.

If you have questions or concerns about an upcoming visit or any of our services, please don’t hesitate to call. We are here to help and look forward to a long partnership with you!

In your search for a veterinary facility, we believe you should expect high quality care as well as great service. Our goal has been to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. Our commitment to you is to continue to offer our world class service and a state of the art veterinary facility.

Your pet's annual vet check-up will include a total physical exam, with a thorough investigation of your pet's head, body and tail, and all his assorted cavities. Because even the most cooperative pet may not readily go-along with a tooth and gum brushing, an annual cleaning by your veterinarian maybe in order. Like you, your pet can lose his teeth due to decay and neglect. It's a good idea to keep an accurate medical diary not only of the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives at the vet, but also of notes on things like your pet's elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences. Keep track of small shifts in your pet's behavior, including urinary marking habits and mood swings, along with diet and routine modifications. Take this notebook when you visit the vet. These seemingly unrelated occurrences may help explain results of your pet's medical tests. Also, if you need to change vets, it's good to have this journal to provide a complete medical history.

Choose a veterinarian who is calm, compassionate and willing to explain all the procedures your pet undergoes. Try to find a vet with whom both you and your pet feel comfortable. Try to have it convenient, choose a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to undertake surgery and perform procedures requiring anesthesia, such as teeth cleaning. Because of the general risks inherent to anesthesia, especially for very old, very young or very ill pets, your veterinarian will likely suggest a few exams, including a chest X-ray and lab work of blood and urine, before your pet is anesthetized. During the procedure he might need an IV drip; antibiotics may be necessary before and after.

Dr. Westside Animal Hospital may refer you to a specialist, veterinarians who have completed advanced studies in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care, if your pet must undergo a procedure that requires more precise knowledge and experience.