Covid-19 has changed some of the policies below (curbside service, etc.). When you talk with us to make or confirm an appointment, the Client Services Representative will explain in detail our current policies.
When you choose Hoffman Animal Hospital as your veterinary hospital you will be able to count on superior care and excellent service. Hoffman Animal Hospital in Annapolis, MD has assembled an expert team of veterinary professionals and resources to bring you the best possible healthcare for your pet. We have a clean, comfortable and efficient state of the art veterinary facility.
Appointment Policy
Patients are seen by appointment only, this allows ample time for all patients and scheduled surgical procedures. Emergency cases receive top priority, which occasionally can delay our scheduled appointments. Please realize that we make a sincere attempt to see each patient on time.
Patient Arrival Policy
- For your protection and that of others, all dogs must be on a leash and properly controlled while in the reception area.
- All cats must be presented in an appropriate cat carrier or on a leash.
- We make every effort to make our patients comfortable during visits but occasionally they may become anxious about new people, new surroundings and other pets. This is one of the reasons we ask you to restrain your pet. We recommend that animals be placed on a leash or placed in a pet carrier while traveling in your vehicle and require your pet to be restrained before entering the hospital.
- During examination and treatment, your pet will be restrained by a qualified member of our veterinary team. Our team is trained to provide a comfortable, calm and safe restraint of your pet.
For the safety of all of the animals in our care, we require that all vaccinations be up to date unless the patient has a medical condition precluding vaccination
Exams, Wellness Evaluations, and Vaccinations
These are scheduled by appointment only. At least once a year your pet needs a physical examination and wellness evaluation. This will include a full physical exam, diagnostics and medications, if needed. Our veterinarians check the overall health of your pet from head to tail.
During your vaccine, wellness or new patient appointments, our doctors and staff become acquainted with the patient’s personality, general health, gather a complete history and perform a complete physical examination. We also like to get to know the client and their expectations.
- Existing patients should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in.
- New patients and new clients should arrive 15 – 20 minutes before the scheduled appointment time for the completion of paperwork and to allow time for check-in.
- For new patients and new clients, you may help expedite this process by completing our new client form (which is available online) prior to your pet’s first appointment.
- Bring the completed form with you to your pet’s appointment. You may also email or fax it back to us prior to the appointment if this is preferred. Email us at hoffman@hoffmanah.com or fax us at 410-757-6161. Please write the date and time of your appointment at the bottom of the form.
- When scheduling the first appointment please provide our client service representatives with your pet’s previous veterinarian’s information. We would be more than happy to contact them to obtain your pet’s medical records and then you don’t have to worry about it. Alternatively, you may also bring copies of your pet’s medical and vaccine history from your previous veterinarian or you can request that records be forwarded by your pets previous veterinary hospital via email or fax.
Geriatric and Ill patients
These patients are also given appointments that last for 40 minutes. This permits time for a thorough history and physical examination to establish a diagnostic protocol, treatment plan and alleviation of any pain.
Dogs and cats age much faster than we do. Their health can change rapidly and as they get older, changes can go unnoticed. That is why is it is so important to do regular wellness screening for our senior pets. Seeing the veterinarian for regular check-ups plus testing blood and urine can help detect illness in your pet, sometimes even before they show any signs. Early detection leads to early intervention which means healthier, longer lifespans for our pets.
Be sure to discuss any changes you’ve observed such as weight, appetite, water consumption, urination and defecation, skin and coat, behavior changes, mobility or changes in activity level. This information can be very helpful.
Drop-Off Appointments
For your convenience, we also offer “drop off” appointments. This is when you drop your pet off to stay with us. Your pet may stay with us for a couple of hours or all day. Typically, we ask you to drop off in the mornings so our doctors can examine each patient between appointments or when they have breaks throughout the day. You must contact us to request a drop off appointment and we will schedule a time that is convenient for you to leave your pet. After your pet is examined, the doctor may need to contact you to discuss diagnosis and treatment or if they have any questions. Please make your best effort to be reachable. When the pet is finished then we can schedule a time for your pet to be discharged. At discharge, a team member will discuss your pet’s diagnosis, review home care and any further instructions or recommendations.
Surgical Appointments
Surgeries are scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Surgical appointments include drop off radiology appointments, routine surgery (for example spay/neuter), dental prophylaxis and periodontal procedures, tumor removals and all anesthetic procedures, etc.
After your pet is finished with their procedure, we will call you to give you an update. Once your pet is ready to be discharged, we will set up a time for you to pick up your pet. At surgery discharge, a technician with discuss the discharge instructions and answer any questions you have before you take your pet home.
Pre-Surgical Care
Surgery intake appointment times are scheduled for each surgery patient. A technician will review the procedure, help complete authorization forms, obtain contact information and answer any questions.
We must be able to reach you while your pet is hospitalized for surgery. It is necessary for you to provide valid contact information and/or an alternate emergency contact that can make decisions regarding your pet’s care.
Follow up calls are made 24 to 72 hours after all visits, whether routine or surgical. A team member calls each client to obtain status reports on the patient’s health and well-being. We can also answer subsequent questions emerging since the appointment.
- A team member will call you to confirm your pet’s appointment the day before. At that time, be sure to ask any questions you might have about medications, pre-operative and/or post-operative care.
- Please do not feed your pet after 10:00pm the night before a surgical procedure.
- You can give water to your pet (even on the morning of the procedure).
Most medications should be given as usual. If your pet is on a cardiac or a blood pressure medication, please contact us at least two days prior to surgery to see what is recommended.
