Payments & Policies at East Bay Pet Hospital

We believe great veterinary care starts before you even walk through our door. From scheduling to payment options, we've designed our policies to be clear, flexible, and focused on making it easier for you to give your pet the best possible care. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for your visit and understand how we work together.

pet owner paying for his dog's appointment at the front desk

Preparing for Your Visit

At East Bay Pet Hospital, we want both you and your pet to feel comfortable and stress-free. Here are a few simple ways you can help make your visit a success:

New Clients & New Pets

Please send us your pet's records, or ask your previous veterinarian to send them, at least one day before your scheduled appointment. This helps us get up to speed on your pet's health history.

Before You Arrive

  • Skip the big meal. We love rewarding good behavior with treats! Limiting food before the appointment means our team can spoil your pet a little. You're also welcome to bring their favorite snacks from home.
  • Get them used to the carrier. If your pet uses a carrier, try setting it out in their favorite spot up to a week before the visit. Let them explore it on their own terms, as it makes the trip much less stressful.
  • Plan ahead for anxiety medication. If your pet needs a little extra help staying calm, give their anxiety medication two hours before the appointment. Some pets may need a second dose 10 hours prior. Just ask our team and we'll walk you through it.

Appointment Policy

We work hard to give every pet the time and attention they deserve, which is why we ask for your help in honoring scheduled appointments.

Cancellations & No-Shows

Life happens — we get it! But if you need to cancel or reschedule, please give us at least 24 hours' notice. Same-day cancellations or no-shows are subject to a $70 rescheduling fee so we can continue to serve all of our patients effectively.

Medication Policy

Need to refill your pet's medication? We offer convenient options including in-clinic pickup, online ordering through our partner Covetrus, or filling through your local pharmacy.

Please allow 24–48 hours for all prescription refills. By law, pets must have an annual exam before prescriptions can be renewed.

When you use our pharmacy, you're supporting a family-owned practice dedicated to personalized care for your pet, and we appreciate it so much!

Learn more about our prescription policy and how to request refills here.

Payment Options

At East Bay Pet Hospital, we accept cash, checks, and all major credit cards. We know veterinary care can sometimes be an unexpected expense, so we offer flexible payment plans and discounts to help.

Senior & Military Discount

We're proud to offer a 10% discount for seniors and active-duty or retired military personnel. Just let our front desk know you're eligible and show your ID, and we'll apply it to your current visit and all future appointments.

VetBilling

Through our partnership with VetBilling, you can spread out payments over time with automatic drafts from your checking, savings, or credit/debit card.

  • One-time, non-refundable enrollment fee of $25
  • No interest charges
  • Small $3 processing fee per payment
  • Payments are automatically drafted on your chosen date until the balance is paid in full

Learn More >

CareCredit

CareCredit is a health and wellness credit card that gives you the flexibility to pay over time through manageable monthly payments.

  • Promotional financing is available, with 0% interest if paid in full within 6 or 12 months on qualifying purchases
  • Great for both planned wellness visits and unexpected veterinary costs

Learn More >

woman at the front lobby with a black dog greeting her behind the desk

Pet Insurance

Pet insurance can be a lifesaver when unexpected veterinary costs arise, giving you peace of mind and financial flexibility when your pet needs care most. Pet insurance operates on a reimbursement basis. You pay your bill in full at the time of service, then submit your invoice to your insurance provider for reimbursement based on your policy coverage.

Top Pet Insurance Providers

Here's a quick look at some of the most trusted names in the industry:

Trupanion

Trupanion offers simple, comprehensive coverage with no payout limits. They pay your vet directly at checkout (at participating clinics) and cover 90% of eligible costs for accidents and illnesses. Policies have lifetime per-condition deductibles, which can help with chronic or recurring conditions.

Lemonade

Known for its easy-to-use app and fast claims process, Lemonade offers customizable plans for accidents and illnesses, plus optional wellness add-ons. A portion of unclaimed premiums is donated to causes you choose, making it a socially conscious option.

Embrace

Embrace covers accidents, illnesses, dental illness, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture and chiropractic care. They offer a Healthy Pet Deductible, which automatically reduces your deductible each year you don’t file a claim.

Pets Best Insurance

Pets Best offers flexible plans with accident-only or comprehensive accident-and-illness coverage, plus routine care add-ons. They have no upper age limit for enrollment and process many claims in just a few days.

Fetch by The Dodo

Fetch provides coverage for accidents, illnesses, dental injuries, breed-specific conditions, and even behavioral therapy. Their comprehensive plan includes exam fees for covered conditions and alternative therapies.

Pumpkin

Pumpkin’s plans cover accidents, illnesses, hereditary conditions, and dental illness, plus an option to add preventive care that includes vaccines and annual wellness exams. They offer 90% reimbursement on all covered vet bills.

Tip: Each insurance provider offers different benefits, deductibles, and reimbursement levels. It’s important to review each plan carefully to find the one that best fits your pet’s needs and your budget.