Welcome to Santa Monica Pet Medical Center (SMPMC)
Getting the most out of your pet’s first veterinary visit involves preparation and an understanding of the examination and treatment process. Safety for you, your pet and others around you are always top of mind for us as your veterinary provider.
Ideas to minimize stress for your pet include coming early and get some exposure. Make a trial run with loading your cat into a pet carrier and create positive associations like playing in/around the carrier and using treats.
Cats should always arrive in a secure pet carrier. Dogs should always be leashed or in a carrier, whichever makes the dog most comfortable. It’s not fair but dogs always seem to have fun in a lobby with other new dogs and cats not so much! We try to get cats put in an exam room as quickly as possible.
Pre-visit planning checklist:
- Obtain prior medical records, preferably emailed to us at least 1 day prior to the initial examination. Please send to records@petmedical. It is always best for you to request records from your prior veterinarian, adoption provider or breeder directly as you will get them faster than if you ask instead of us.
- Have a ready list of medications your pet is on or has been on.
- Bring a fresh fecal sample, about the size one index finger digit.
- Come a few minutes early to your appointment to complete a health survey. Parking is normally available in our front parking lot.
- Take a moment to reflect on your pet’s behavior and experiences leading up to the visit. Other pet or wildlife contact? Recent injuries? Behavior changes? Noted physical changes? Concerns? Unexpected wight gain or loss? A change in vitality? Your veterinarian is like a detective trying to piece together your observations with their physical examination findings.
- Ask questions. Get clarifications if necessary. We are here to help.