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Client Resources

Here you will find pertinent information that will help you as a client of our practice. To the right you will find a variety of forms that you can download, print out and bring in with you if it applies to the reason of your visit. Below is useful information like payment options and other logistical aspects of taking care of your pet.

Patient and Client Forms

New Client Form - This information allows us to record owners and their pets into our management software so we can effectively and efficiently provide the service you deserve!

Patient Drop-Off Form - A drop-off allows you to bring your pet at the time that works best for you, leave your pet for all or part of the day, and pick up your pet when it is most convenient. We ask that you take just a minute to fill out a drop-off form so we will have a contact number for you, as well as information regarding the nature of your pet's visit.

Surgical Forms and Information

Our greatest concern is the well being of your pet. Before putting your pet under anesthesia, we routinely perform a pre-surgical physical examination. The Authorization for Professional Services Form you will sign on your pet's surgery date will offer pre-anesthetic blood work and microchip placement choices for you to accept or decline, and the Authorization for Professional Services Description will explain the pre-anesthetic options to you. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the four documents below before you and your pet visit our animal hospital.

Authorization For Professional Services Form - Please bring this form when you and your pet first visit our animal hospital

Pet Insurance

Finding the right pet insurance can be overwhelming, but you are not alone.

There are many factors to be weighed when determining whether to purchase a pet health insurance policy. What's most important is learning the facts about pet insurance and the modern dynamics of veterinary care. Ultimately, there are no wrong answers as long as each individual recognizes the responsibility to his or her pet's health and has a feasible plan in the event of an accident or illness.

One of the biggest reasons many people pass on pet health insurance is because it's yet another monthly bill to add the pile of expenses. However, it's important to ask yourself: In the case of a sudden emergency or illness, would I be able to come up with the money to treat or save my pet's life? Pet health insurance can limit the risk of hefty out-of-pocket expenditures that might otherwise cripple your financial flexibility and allow you to make medical decisions that represent what is best for your pet.

In addition, some plans also offer Routine and Wellness coverage (reimbursement for vaccinations, dentals, annual exams, annual blood work, spaying/neutering, etc.) saving you on the routine year-to-year costs as well.

For additional information and a complete list of available insurance companies and how they rate, visit www.topconsumerreview.com.

Payment Policy

For the convenience of our clients, our Bakersfield veterinary locations accept payment in the form of cash, personal check, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, and CareCredit. Full payment is due at the time services are rendered and in some cases a deposit may be required. For information on Pet Insurance options, click here.

Discount Eligibility

We offer a 10% discount to senior clients 65 years or older and on the cost of vaccinations when administered to three or more family pets.

Veterinary Information Network

Both Stiern and Southwest Veterinary Hospitals are members of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), because we choose to provide the best current health care available for your pet.

Like all health care professionals, we face rapid change - new diseases, new technologies, new drugs, and new treatments emerge every month. Remaining up-to-date with these changes is important, so we can offer the best care for your pets and best serve you. We also face new challenges such as monitoring emerging and exotic diseases - like avian flu and West Nile virus - and the threat of bioterrorism.

As a member of VIN, we have constant access to a vast veterinary medical library and access to an online worldwide community of over 50,000 veterinarians, including hundreds of specialists.

Useful Links

Dog-Related Sites

Basic Dog Care from Purina.

The Senior Dogs Project. A website devoted to looking out for older dogs.

Dogs For Kids Resource Guide - Provided By Bump Reveal.

The American Kennel Club's list of dog breeds from A to Z.

Learn About Heartworm Disease in Dogs.

Cat-Related Sites

The Cat Fancier's Association has information on cat shows, cat breeds, cat care, as well as a showcase of top winning cats.

Cat care tips from Purina

Cornell University Veterinary School's Feline Health Center website contains information on medical topics relating to cat health care.

Ohio State University's Indoor Cat Initiative provides information related to enriching the lives of indoor cats.

Information about Feline Hyperthyroidism

Heartworm is not only a disease for dogs; cats can get Heartworm, too. Learn more by visiting The Feline Heartworm Society.

General Pet Sites

The ASPCA exists to promote humane principles, prevent cruelty and alleviate fear, pain and suffering in animals.

Visit the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center website for any animal poison-related emergency.

If animals were able to talk, you would find their voices at The Humane Society of the United States. The Humane Society promotes the protection of all animals. Here you will find many wonderful animal-related stories and lots of valuable information on pet care, pet adoption and animal welfare issues.

Learn more about the human-animal health connection at the Pet Partners.

A Source of Information for You and Your Pet.

Solutions to your Pet's Behavior Problems provided to you by the ASPCA.

Are you looking to adopt a pet? Are you looking for a lost pet? You can do both at PetFinder.com.

Recommendations for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of parasite infections.

Are you worried your that your pet consumed something dangerous? The Pet Poison Helpline can help.

Visit Great Pets for expert pet advice.

For information on West Nile Virus, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Pet Adoption for Seniors: Benefits, Care, and Risks

Pet Loss Information

The University of Florida offers a Grief Support Hotline plus some articles on coping with pet loss.

Tufts University offers a Grief Support Hotline and articles regarding the loss of a pet.

Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine's Pet Loss Support Hotline

The University of Illinois Grief Support Hotline

Traveling With Your Pet

Visit DogFriendly before you plan your trip.

Basic information on domestic and international travel of pets by the US Department of Agriculture