New Client Information - Cole Veterinary Hospital in Saginaw, MI
Welcome to Cole Veterinary Hospital! If you’re a new pet owner—or simply new to our practice—we’re so glad you’re here. As a three-doctor small animal hospital serving the Mid-Michigan community since 1934, our team is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized care for dogs, cats, and pocket pets.
Whether you’re visiting us for the first time with a new puppy, a senior cat, or a beloved rabbit or guinea pig, our goal is to make your first experience smooth, welcoming, and stress-free.
About Our Practice
Since opening our doors more than 90 years ago, Cole Veterinary Hospital has grown with the Saginaw community while staying committed to one simple philosophy:
We treat every client and every patient with compassion, kindness, respect, and a shared commitment to excellent veterinary care.
Our team takes the time to listen, educate, and guide you—because great veterinary medicine works best when we partner with you to support your pet’s long-term health.
Species We Care For:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Pocket pets: rabbits, ferrets, rats, mice, guinea pigs
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your pet’s first appointment is a chance for us to get to know you both. We typically schedule one full hour so you never feel rushed and we have plenty of time for questions, education, and a thorough exam.
During your first visit, we’ll:
- Review your pet’s diet, husbandry, lifestyle, and prevention history
- Discuss any previous health concerns or ongoing conditions
- Perform a full nose-to-tail exam
- Review vaccine history and recommend species-appropriate vaccines
- Go over parasite prevention options
- Talk about preventive care, including routine lab work and annual exams
Vaccines & Tests We Commonly Recommend
- Rabies (required by Michigan law)
- Distemper/parvo and leptospirosis for dogs
- Annual fecal test for both dogs and cats
- Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention for dogs
- Spay or neuter recommendations
How to Prepare for Your First Appointment
Bringing a few items and following simple steps can make your visit easier and more productive.
Please bring:
- Your pet’s most recent medical records (if not already sent)
- A list of current medications or supplements
- A fresh stool sample (less than 24 hours old)
- Any questions or concerns you want to discuss
New Client Forms
We offer convenient digital new client forms, and we prefer they be completed before your appointment. You may submit forms:
Booking Deposit
To secure your appointment, we collect a $50 booking deposit, which will be applied as a credit on your account at your first visit.
If an appointment is missed or canceled with less than 24 hours’ notice, the deposit is forfeited.
Making Your Pet’s Visit Stress-Free
We understand that visiting a veterinary hospital can be stressful for pets—and sometimes for owners too. Our team takes several steps to make the experience calmer and more comfortable, including:
- Feliway diffusers in exam rooms
- Keeping cats away from overly vocal dogs
- Allowing owners to request an empty waiting room before entering
- Offering guidance on acclimating pets to carriers
- Recommending over-the-counter calming aids
We take extra time to welcome every client, ensuring you feel seen, supported, and cared for at every step.
Payment & Policies
Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- Checks
- CareCredit
- Scratch Pay
We do not offer payment plans or wellness plans.
Learn more about our financing options
Pet Insurance
We happily work with all pet insurance providers. Clients pay upfront and submit their own claims for reimbursement.
Cancellation & Late Arrivals
- Please allow 24 hours for cancellations.
- Clients may arrive up to 15 minutes late before needing to reschedule.
Estimates
We provide treatment and procedure estimates upon request.
Scheduling Your First Appointment
How to Schedule
The best way to schedule your first appointment is to call our office. Our team will walk you through the new client process and help you find a convenient appointment time.
You can also download the Otto App to book online
Location
We are located in Saginaw, MI, across from Blue Thumb, behind the Matrix Medical building, and near Fashion Square Mall and Towne Centre.
Our clinic has limited parking, so please allow a few minutes to find a spot during busier times.
Walk-ins & Emergencies
We do not accept walk-ins or emergency cases for new clients.
Our Commitment to Safety & Quality Care
Our doctors and staff stay current with veterinary medicine through ongoing continuing education and the use of trusted resources like VIN (Veterinary Information Network).
We emphasize:
- Species-specific preventive care
- Annual exams
- Parasite prevention
- Routine bloodwork
- Low-stress handling whenever possible
We’re also active supporters of local charities and community events, including golf outings and various fundraising initiatives.
What We Want Every New Pet Owner to Know
Yearly prevention and annual exams—including routine lab work—are the foundation of a long, healthy life for your pet.
Catching issues early makes treatment easier, less expensive, and more effective.
Why New Clients Choose Cole Veterinary Hospital
Clients tell us they appreciate our:
- Friendly, caring team
- Thorough education and communication
- Calm, welcoming environment
- Extra time and attention at each appointment
- Long-standing history in the Saginaw community
We’re proud of our reputation for going above and beyond—because your pet deserves nothing less.
Ready to Join the Cole Veterinary Hospital Family?
We’d love to welcome you and your pet.
The next step is simple:
Call our clinic to learn more about becoming a new client and to schedule your first visit.
We look forward to meeting you and helping your pet enjoy a lifetime of health and happiness.