Articles

What to Expect During Your First Visit

March 13, 2026

Pet Wellness

Walking into a new veterinary clinic for the first time can feel intimidating—especially when you're worried about your pet. Whether you're dealing with an urgent care situation at 8 PM on a Saturday or bringing your new puppy for a wellness exam, knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and ensures you're prepared.

At Utah Veterinary Emergency Center in Herriman, we want your first visit to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here's a detailed walk-through of what happens from the moment you decide to visit us until you head home with your pet.

Before You Arrive

Deciding to Visit UVEC

When to come in:

Urgent care concerns that need same-day attention (vomiting, diarrhea, limping, wounds, suspected poisoning)
After-hours needs when your regular vet is closed
Evening or weekend care (we're open 9 AM - 9 PM daily)
General wellness exams and preventive care
Situations where you're unsure if it's an emergency You don't need an appointment: We're a walk-in practice with zero wait times. If your pet needs care, just come in.

Not sure if you should come? Call us at (801) 218-2227. We're happy to discuss your pet's symptoms and help you determine if a visit is warranted. We'd rather talk through concerns and have you decide not to come than have you wait while a treatable condition worsens.

What to Bring

Being prepared makes the process smoother. Here's what to gather before heading to UVEC:

Essential Items:

Your pet (secured in a carrier for cats and small animals, leashed for dogs)
Photo ID for the person financially responsible
Payment method (we'll discuss this more below) Helpful but Not Required:
Previous veterinary records if you have them (we can often request these electronically)
Current medications or a list of what your pet takes
Sample of vomit or diarrhea if applicable (in a sealed plastic bag)
Photos or video of concerning symptoms if they're intermittent
Package or container if your pet ingested something toxic
Recent changes to diet, environment, or routine written down For new pets or rescued animals:

If you've just adopted your pet or found a stray, don't worry about not having records. We'll start fresh and help you establish baseline care.

Don't Have Everything? Come anyway. We'll work with what we have and can always follow up later for additional information.

Making the Decision to Come In

Many pet owners hesitate to seek veterinary care because they worry about:

"Is this serious enough to bother them?"
"What if it's nothing and I wasted their time?"
"What will this cost?" Let's address these concerns directly:

On "bothering" us: You're not bothering us—this is literally what we're here for. We'd rather see your pet for something minor than have you wait while it becomes serious. Veterinarians chose this profession because we care about animals. We genuinely want to help.

On "wasting our time": Even if your pet's issue turns out to be minor, you're not wasting anyone's time. Peace of mind has value, and sometimes the most important thing we provide is reassurance that everything is okay.

On costs: We understand cost concerns are real. We'll always discuss pricing before proceeding with treatment so you can make informed decisions. We'll cover this more below.

Arriving at Utah Veterinary Emergency Center

Finding Us

Location:

Utah Veterinary Emergency Center, 5089 West 11800 South, Suite 102 Herriman, Utah 84096

We're conveniently located in Herriman, easily accessible from South Jordan, Riverton, West Jordan, and throughout South Salt Lake County.

Parking:

We have ample parking directly in front of our clinic. If you're dealing with a large dog who's difficult to walk or an urgent situation, you can park close to the entrance.

Entering the Clinic

What the facility looks like:

Our clinic is designed to be welcoming and calming—not sterile or intimidating. You'll immediately notice we prioritize cleanliness while maintaining a warm atmosphere.

First impressions matter: Our team understands that many pets arrive stressed, scared, or in pain. We work hard to create an environment that reduces anxiety for both pets and their people.

Separate waiting areas: We have designated areas to keep anxious or reactive pets comfortable while waiting. If your dog doesn't do well with other dogs, or your cat is stressed, let us know immediately and we'll accommodate.

Check-In Process (Usually Takes 5-10 Minutes)

When you arrive, you'll be greeted by our front desk team. Here's what happens:

Initial Greeting:

"Hi, welcome to Utah Veterinary Emergency Center. Is this your first visit with us?"

We'll want to know:

Your pet's name and your name
Why you're visiting today (brief description)
Whether this is urgent or routine care

Paperwork (First Visit Only):For new clients, we'll need about 5-10 minutes to gather basic information:

Your contact information
Your pet's basic information (age, breed, sex)
Brief medical history
Consent for treatment We keep paperwork minimal. We know you're here because your pet needs care, not because you want to fill out forms. Most practices can do this electronically on a tablet while you're seated comfortably.

Payment Discussion:We discuss payment expectations upfront:

We require payment at time of service
We accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash
We can provide detailed estimates before proceeding with treatment
We'll discuss CareCredit and other financing options if needed Transparency is important to us: We never want finances to be a surprise or a barrier to needed care.

The Walk-In Advantage: Zero Wait Times

Here's where UVEC differs significantly from traditional emergency hospitals:

At corporate emergency hospitals: You might wait 1-4 hours depending on the severity of cases ahead of you. More critical cases are seen first (appropriate medical triage), but this means non-life-threatening urgent care can involve very long waits.

At UVEC: Our model is designed around zero wait times. When you walk in, we're ready to see your pet. No sitting in a waiting room for hours wondering when you'll be called back.

How we achieve this:

Appropriate staffing for our patient volume
Efficient systems that keep care moving
Focus on urgent care rather than 24-hour critical care requiring intensive monitoring
Walk-in model that allows us to predict and manage flow What "zero wait time" means practically:From check-in to being in an exam room with a veterinarian is typically 10-15 minutes—just long enough to complete paperwork and triage your pet's condition.

The Examination Room Experience

Meeting Your Veterinary Team

You'll meet two types of team members:

Veterinary Technician or Assistant:Often the first person to spend time with you and your pet in the exam room. They'll:

Take your pet's vital signs (temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate)
Get a detailed history of what's been happening
Ask specific questions about symptoms, timeline, and changes
Weigh your pet
Begin building rapport with your pet Veterinarian:The doctor who will examine your pet, discuss findings, and recommend a treatment plan. At UVEC, our veterinarians are experienced professionals who take time to listen to your concerns and answer questions.

The Medical History Discussion

The veterinary team will ask detailed questions. This isn't bureaucracy—it's detective work. Small details often matter significantly in diagnosis. Be prepared to discuss:

Timeline Questions:

When did symptoms start?
How have they progressed?
Are symptoms constant or intermittent?
What makes them better or worse? Specific Symptom Questions:
Frequency (vomiting 3 times vs. 12 times matters)
Appearance (color, consistency of vomit or diarrhea)
Associated symptoms (lethargy, appetite changes)
Changes in behavior or routine Background Questions:
Current medications or supplements
Diet and recent diet changes
Exposure to toxins, garbage, or unusual substances
Recent travel or boarding
Contact with other animals
Previous medical history Pro tip: The more specific you can be, the better. "He threw up a few times" is less helpful than "He vomited three times between 2 PM and 5 PM, and the vomit was yellow liquid." Photos or videos of symptoms are incredibly helpful.

The Physical Examination

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical exam. Here's what's typically included:

General Observation:

Overall demeanor and behavior
Body condition (weight assessment)
Posture and movement Systematic Exam:
Eyes, ears, nose, throat
Mouth and teeth (checking for dental issues, foreign objects, gum color)
Lymph nodes
Heart and lungs (listening with stethoscope)
Abdomen (palpating for pain, masses, or abnormalities)
Skin and coat
Musculoskeletal system (checking for pain, swelling, range of motion)
Temperature During the exam:We encourage you to ask questions. If you notice something about your pet, mention it. You know your pet better than anyone—your observations are valuable.

Handling anxious or aggressive pets:We're experienced with fearful or reactive animals. We use gentle handling techniques, take breaks when needed, and prioritize everyone's safety. If your pet becomes too stressed, we'll discuss options like sedation to complete the exam safely and humanely.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan Discussion

How We Communicate Findings

After examining your pet, your veterinarian will sit down with you to discuss:

What we found:Clear explanation of physical exam findings, using plain language rather than excessive medical jargon. If we use medical terms, we'll explain what they mean.

What we think is happening:Our medical assessment. Sometimes this is definitive ("Your dog has an ear infection"). Sometimes we have a differential diagnosis list ("This could be X, Y, or Z—here's how we can narrow it down").

What we recommend:Diagnostic tests, treatments, medications, or next steps. This is where the conversation becomes collaborative.

The Estimate Conversation

Before we do anything beyond the basic exam, we'll discuss costs:

What the estimate includes:

Itemized breakdown of recommended diagnostics
Treatment costs
Medications
Any additional services We'll present options when possible:
"The gold standard approach is X, which costs [amount]"
"A more conservative approach is Y, which costs [amount]"
"Here are the tradeoffs between these options" We understand finances are real:Veterinary care costs money, and we know families have budgets. We won't judge you for cost concerns. We'll work with you to provide the best care within your constraints.

Our philosophy: We'd rather you tell us your budget constraints upfront so we can work within them, rather than approve a plan you later regret or can't afford.

What if you need to decline recommended care?Sometimes the recommended plan isn't financially feasible. We understand. We'll discuss:

What's essential vs. what's ideal
Risks of not proceeding with recommendations
Alternative approaches
What to monitor at home We're here to help you make informed decisions, not to make you feel guilty.

Diagnostic Testing (If Recommended)

Common diagnostics we may recommend:

In-House Laboratory:

Blood work (checking organ function, infection, anemia)
Urinalysis
Fecal testing
Results typically available within 15-30 minutes Imaging:
X-rays (for fractures, foreign objects, organ size)
Ultrasound (for soft tissue examination) Other Tests:
Skin scrapings for parasites
Cytology (examining cells under microscope)
Cultures for bacterial infections While tests are running:You're welcome to wait in the exam room or our comfortable waiting area. We'll keep you updated on timing. Most diagnostics are completed on-site within 20-45 minutes.

Treatment and Care

In-Clinic Treatment

Depending on your pet's condition, we may provide:

Immediate Treatments:

Injectable medications (antibiotics, pain relief, anti-nausea)
Fluid therapy (subcutaneous or intravenous)
Wound cleaning and bandaging
Emergency stabilization Minor Procedures:
Abscess drainage
Foreign object removal (fishing hooks, splinters)
Nail trimming or nail bed treatment
Ear cleaning Surgical Procedures:If your pet needs surgery, we have general surgery capabilities on-site. We'll discuss:
What the procedure involves
Why it's necessary
Anesthesia protocols
Recovery expectations
Costs Monitoring:If your pet needs observation after treatment, we'll keep them comfortable in our monitoring area. You're welcome to wait or we can call you when they're ready to go home.

Take-Home Medications

If we prescribe medications, we'll thoroughly explain:

What each medication does:Not just "This is an antibiotic" but "This antibiotic treats the bacterial infection we identified. It works by..."

How to administer:

Exact dosing
With food or without
Frequency and duration
What to do if you miss a dose What to expect:
When you should see improvement
Potential side effects
What would warrant calling us We'll provide written instructions so you're not trying to remember everything we said.

Going Home

Discharge Instructions

Before you leave, we'll ensure you understand:

Care instructions:

Activity restrictions
Diet recommendations
Wound care if applicable
When to give medications Warning signs:
What symptoms would warrant calling us or seeking emergency care
What's normal vs. concerning during recovery Follow-up plan:
Do you need to return for a recheck?
Should you follow up with your regular vet?
When should you expect resolution of symptoms? Questions before leaving:We'll make sure all your questions are answered before you walk out the door. Don't be shy—if you're confused about anything, ask.

Payment

Payment is processed at checkout. We'll provide:

Itemized invoice
Medical records for your files
Prescriptions and medications
Follow-up instructions in writing CareCredit and Financing:If costs exceed what you budgeted, we can discuss CareCredit (healthcare financing) or other options. We want to help you provide care for your pet.

After You Leave

You can call us with questions:If you get home and realize you're unsure about something, or if your pet isn't improving as expected, call us at (801) 218-2227. We're here to help.

Follow-up:Depending on your pet's condition, we may call to check in 24-48 hours after your visit. This follow-up is part of our care—we want to know your pet is improving.

Medical Records:We'll maintain complete records of your visit. If you need copies sent to your regular vet or for your own records, just ask.

Special Considerations

First Wellness Visit (Non-Urgent)

If you're coming for a routine wellness exam rather than urgent care:

The process is less intense:

More relaxed timeline
Focus on preventive care discussion
Opportunity to ask questions about nutrition, behavior, training
Establishing baseline health metrics We'll discuss:
Vaccination schedule
Parasite prevention (flea, tick, heartworm)
Spay/neuter if not already done
Dental health
Nutrition and weight management
Any concerns you have about your pet's health or behavior Building a relationship:Wellness visits are perfect for establishing care before urgent issues arise. When we know your pet's baseline health, we're better equipped to identify problems later.

Bringing Multiple Pets

If you're bringing more than one pet (for wellness exams or if multiple pets are ill):

Let us know when you call or arrive
We'll accommodate with appropriate exam room space
May see pets sequentially or simultaneously depending on situation
Bring carriers or separate leashes to keep everyone safe

Reactive or Fearful Pets

We work with anxious, fearful, or reactive pets regularly:

For fearful pets:

We use low-stress handling techniques
Can provide treats and positive reinforcement
Take breaks as needed
May recommend sedation for extremely anxious pets For reactive/aggressive pets:
Safety is our priority
We use appropriate handling equipment
Won't judge you or your pet
May recommend sedation for safe examination Pro tip: If your pet has reactivity issues, call ahead so we can prepare and ensure we have appropriate space and staffing.

Language and Cultural Considerations

We serve a diverse community in South Salt Lake County. While our primary language is English, we'll do our best to accommodate language needs and can utilize translation services if needed.

What Makes UVEC Different

As you go through your first visit, you'll notice some differences from other veterinary experiences:

Personal Attention:We're not rushing you through. As a locally-owned practice, we're not optimizing for volume metrics—we're focused on quality care and ensuring you feel heard.

Medical Autonomy:Our veterinarians have freedom to recommend what they genuinely believe is best for your pet, without corporate protocols or pressure to upsell unnecessary services.

Transparent Communication:We explain our reasoning. If you ask "Why do you recommend this test?" you'll get a genuine medical answer, not a scripted response.

Zero Wait Times:We've committed to this because we know waiting while your pet suffers is agonizing. Our entire operational model is built around seeing patients promptly.

Community Focus:We're your neighbors. We live in Herriman and South Jordan. Your pet's wellbeing matters to us beyond the transaction.

No Judgment:We understand that life happens. Maybe you waited longer than you should have to bring your pet in. Maybe you can't afford everything we recommend. We won't judge you. We'll work with where you are and help however we can.

Common First-Visit Questions

Q: How long does a typical visit take?A: For urgent care: 45-90 minutes total including check-in, exam, diagnostics, and treatment. For wellness exams: 30-45 minutes.

Q: Do I need to call ahead?A: No appointment necessary, but calling ahead helps us prepare, especially for emergencies.

Q: What if I can't afford the recommended treatment?A: Tell us your constraints. We'll discuss essential vs. ideal care and work within your budget.

Q: Can I stay with my pet the whole time?A: For most procedures, yes. For some diagnostics or treatments, brief separation may be necessary, but we'll explain why.

Q: What if you're not sure what's wrong with my pet?A: We'll explain what we're ruling in or out and discuss further diagnostic options. Sometimes definitive diagnosis requires monitoring or additional tests.

Q: Do you accept pet insurance?A: We provide detailed invoices that you can submit to your pet insurance company for reimbursement. Payment is required at time of service, and you'll file the claim.

Q: What if my pet needs care outside your hours?A: We're open 9 AM - 9 PM daily. For true middle-of-the-night emergencies (midnight to 6 AM), we can refer you to 24-hour emergency hospitals.

Preparing for Your First Visit: Checklist

[ ] Call if you have questions about whether to come in: (801) 218-2227
[ ] Secure your pet in carrier (cats/small animals) or on leash (dogs)
[ ] Bring photo ID
[ ] Bring payment method
[ ] Gather any previous vet records if available
[ ] List current medications
[ ] Take photos/videos of symptoms if intermittent
[ ] Note when symptoms started and any progression
[ ] Write down questions you want to ask
[ ] Take a deep breath—we've got this