New clients
Welcome to the Sweetgum family
Moving to Asheville, new pet, or just looking for a vet who has time to talk? Here’s how your first visit works and how to get ready.
Your first visit in three steps
- 1
Request a visit
Pick a time online or call us. We confirm by phone or email within one working day.
Request a visit - 2
Send previous records
Use the form below and we’ll ask your old vet for them, so vaccines aren’t repeated.
Transfer records - 3
Arrive 10 minutes early
Time to sign in, weigh your pet and let them sniff around before the exam.
Directions & parking
Checklist
What to bring
Tick things off as you pack. This list isn’t saved: it’s just here to help on the day.
0 of 6 packed
Records
Transfer records from your old vet
Tell us who to ask and we’ll request your pet’s vaccine history, test results and notes. It usually takes two or three working days.
Prefer to do it yourself? Ask your old clinic to email records to hello@sweetgumvet.example.
Are you taking new patients?
Yes, for dogs, cats, rabbits and most small exotic pets. Exotic appointments fill up faster, so request a visit a week or two ahead if you can.
How long is a first visit?
Plan for 45 minutes in total: about 10 minutes of check-in, a 30-minute exam and time to talk through a plan and an estimate.
When do I pay?
At the end of each visit. We take cards, cash and phone payments. For surgery and dental cleanings we ask for a deposit of half the low end of the estimate on the day.
Do you take pet insurance?
Most US pet insurance pays you back after the visit. You pay us, then claim; we fill in the vet section of the claim form for free and can send records straight to your insurer.
Can I stay with my pet?
For exams, almost always. For X-rays, dental cleanings and surgery, your pet goes to our treatment area with a technician, and we call you with updates.
My pet gets very anxious at the vet. What can I do?
Tell us when you book. We can schedule a quiet time, meet you in the parking lot, skip the scale and, for some pets, prescribe a calming medicine to give at home before the visit.
What happens in an emergency when you’re closed?
Call the nearest 24-hour emergency vet right away. They send us a report, and we follow up the next day we’re open. Our phone message also has after-hours advice.