1. Acceptance of Terms
By accessing, browsing, or using the PawsFirst Veterinary website (“Website”) and our veterinary services (“Services”), you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree to these Terms, you must discontinue use of our Website and Services immediately. These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you (“Client,” “you,” or “your”) and PawsFirst Veterinary (“we,” “our,” or “us”).
2. Description of Services
PawsFirst Veterinary provides veterinary medical services for companion animals, including but not limited to wellness examinations, vaccinations, surgical procedures, dental care, emergency and critical care services, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and pet grooming. All veterinary services are provided by licensed veterinarians and trained veterinary staff in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations governing veterinary medicine.
3. Appointment Scheduling and Cancellation
- Scheduling: Appointments may be scheduled through our Website, by phone, or in person. Online appointment requests are subject to confirmation by our staff and do not guarantee a specific date or time until confirmed.
- Cancellation Policy: We request at least 24 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations may result in a cancellation fee of up to $50 and may affect your ability to schedule future appointments.
- Late Arrivals: If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your scheduled appointment, we may need to reschedule to accommodate other patients.
- Emergency Walk-Ins: Emergency cases are accepted at all times. Wait times may vary based on the severity of cases being treated.
4. Client Responsibilities
- You must provide accurate and complete information about your pet’s medical history, current medications, allergies, and behavioral concerns.
- All dogs must be on a leash and all cats must be in a carrier when entering our facility, unless otherwise directed by our staff.
- You are responsible for informing us of any changes in your pet’s health status between visits.
- You must ensure your pet is current on rabies vaccination as required by state law or inform us if vaccination is needed.
- You are responsible for following post-treatment care instructions provided by our veterinary team.
- You must notify us immediately if your pet shows adverse reactions to any treatments or medications.
5. Consent to Treatment
By bringing your pet to PawsFirst Veterinary, you consent to examination and diagnostic procedures deemed necessary by our veterinarians. For surgical procedures, anesthesia, and certain diagnostic tests, we will obtain separate written consent. In emergency situations where you cannot be reached and your pet’s life is at risk, you authorize us to provide necessary emergency treatment up to a reasonable cost to stabilize your pet, and we will make every effort to contact you as soon as possible.
6. Payment Terms
- Payment Due: Full payment is due at the time services are rendered unless prior arrangements have been made. We accept cash, credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and approved pet insurance.
- Estimates: We provide treatment estimates before procedures. Actual costs may vary based on findings during treatment. We will contact you if costs are expected to exceed the estimate by more than 15%.
- Insurance: We can provide documentation for pet insurance claims. However, payment is your responsibility regardless of insurance coverage. We are not responsible for claim denials.
- Outstanding Balances: Accounts unpaid for more than 30 days may be subject to a 1.5% monthly finance charge and may be referred to a collection agency. You will be responsible for any collection costs and legal fees incurred.
- Returned Payments: A $35 fee will be assessed for any returned checks or declined payment methods.
7. Medical Records
We maintain medical records for all patients in accordance with veterinary regulations. You may request copies of your pet’s medical records at any time. A reasonable administrative fee may apply for extensive record requests. We may share medical records with other veterinary professionals involved in your pet’s care with your consent, or as required by law.
8. Limitation of Liability
While we strive to provide the highest quality veterinary care, medicine involves inherent risks and uncertainties. PawsFirst Veterinary, its veterinarians, staff, and affiliates shall not be held liable for:
- Adverse reactions to medications, vaccines, or anesthetic agents that occur despite proper administration and protocols.
- Complications arising from pre-existing conditions, whether known or unknown at the time of treatment.
- Outcomes of surgical procedures where risks were disclosed and consent was obtained.
- Consequences of a client’s failure to follow prescribed treatment plans or post-operative care instructions.
- Any indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising from the use of our services or website.
Our total liability for any claim related to our services shall not exceed the amount you paid for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
9. Website Use
- The content on our Website is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute veterinary medical advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian for your pet’s specific health needs.
- You agree not to use our Website for any unlawful purpose, to transmit harmful code, or to attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems.
- All content on our Website, including text, images, logos, and graphics, is protected by copyright and trademark laws. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution is prohibited.
- We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of our Website at any time without prior notice.
10. Indemnification
You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless PawsFirst Veterinary, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or related to your use of our Website or Services, your violation of these Terms, or your violation of any rights of a third party.
11. Dispute Resolution
Any disputes arising from these Terms or our Services shall first be addressed through good-faith negotiation. If a resolution cannot be reached within 30 days, the dispute shall be submitted to binding arbitration in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Association, conducted in Springfield, Illinois. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees unless the arbitrator determines otherwise.
12. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to its conflict of law provisions. Any legal action arising from these Terms must be filed in the courts of Sangamon County, Illinois.
13. Severability
If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. The invalid provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable while preserving its original intent.
14. Changes to These Terms
We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our Website. Your continued use of our Website and Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms. We encourage you to review these Terms periodically.
15. Contact Information
For questions about these Terms and Conditions, please contact us at:
PawsFirst Veterinary
1234 Paw Boulevard, Suite 100
Springfield, IL 62704
Email: legal@pawsfirstvet.com
Phone: (000) 000-0000
