1. Home
  2. Patient Resources

Your Pet's First Visit

A pet's first visit to the vet can seem a bit daunting, so we've put together a list of info and resources to help you prepare. 

At your first appointment, we will gather information about your pet’s background, health, diet, and training. We can also address any questions or concerns you might have.

Your veterinarian will examine your pet from nose-to-tail, looking for things like heart murmurs, ear infections, and/or parasites. Your vet can also provide pet-proofing tips, training assistance, and parasite protection recommendations. 

Before Your First Appointment
  1. Complete the New Client Form prior to your first visit.
  2. Assemble and be sure to bring all the proper items with you:
    • Your pet's adoption or purchase records
    • Any existing medical history
    • A list of current medications and supplements
    • Current feeding schedule and the brand of food you use
    • A list of questions you have for your veterinarian
  3. Collect any necessary stool or urine samples, if requested.
  4. If you're bringing in your dog, be sure he or she is accustomed to being on a short leash. If you're bringing a cat, be sure to have an appropriate carrier.
  5. Feel free to bring your pet's favorite treats to keep them happy and distracted!

Appointment Policies

​Please arrive 5 minutes prior to your pet's appointment for check-in. If you have not filled out all relevant patient forms yet, plan to arrive 10 minutes ahead of your appointment.

While we do our best to make sure all of our patients are seen on time, there will be times of occasional unexpected delay due to an emergency or because we are providing care for a patient that needs a little more time. Please accept our apologies should this occur, and understand that the same dedication and courtesy will be provided to your pet should they ever need it.

Book Appointment (847) 885-3344

"I can't recommend Golf Rose enough; they saved my dog's life twice and treated her and me with compassion throughout a very difficult experience. My dog was a repeat offender, having ingested a foreign body and needing surgery to remove it. The costs are considerable for this type of surgery - but understandably so. They took her in quickly, assessed the problem and came up with a plan of treatment and an estimate quickly. The estimate and invoice itemized everything and the costs were all very reasonable. When they gave me my options, they gave them all to me - including the heartbreaking option of putting her down - without any judgement or pressure. I've read about so many Emergency Vets being"money grabbers"- I truly did not feel that way at Golf Rose. Emergency vet care IS expensive. It sucks. But they certainly did not nickel and dime me, and they did everything they could to make her treatment as inexpensive as possible. I called around to multiple"emergency"vets before taking her back to Golf Rose this time - and in the end, the only place that COULD see her was Golf Rose. Every other place had a skeleton crew and could not possibly treat her condition when I called. Golf Rose is truly a life saving facility, and I am so thankful that they were there for us in our time of need."

Tobey Z.

(847) 885-3344 Appointments
Arrow up icon Top