A little bit about Harbor Vets
We Before your visit
If you are a new client, please call your previous vet and authorize them to send over your dog or cat’s complete medical history, including the doctor’s notes. They can email the history to us at harborvets@gmail.com or fax them to us at 857-290-5064
Spend a few minutes thinking about how your pet’s health and demeanor have been recently, and make note of any concerns you may have. We’ll be happy to discuss any issues at your appointment to make sure your pet is happy and healthy!
If you have more than one pet, think about the best way to separate them during their appointments.
If the doorbell makes your pet nervous, let us know and we can call ahead instead of ringing!
Cats
• Have a large bath towel ready. If it smells like you, even better!
• Prepare a room we can use that doesn’t have hiding places - bathrooms work great.
• If your cat is particularly nervous or aggressive, put him or her in the bathroom or a carrier a few minutes prior to our arrival. We are also able to prescribe some sedative to use 3 hours prior to our visit to make it easier on everyone!
• Have a fecal sample that is less that 24 hours old on hand (store in the fridge)
• If you are concerned about urinary issues, isolate the cat in a room with a clean empty litter box (and no rugs on the floor!) for two hours prior to the appointment, as this will ensure we can get a urine sample if needed.
Dogs
• Get your pup’s favorite toys or treats ready
• Have a collar on your dog when we arrive, and a leash ready
• We are able to do exams outside (weather permitting) if this will make your dog more comfortable
• Have a fecal sample that is less than 24 hours old ready (store in the fridge)
What are house calls like?
We usually start every appointment by going over how your dog or cat has been doing and listening to any concerns you may have. We will come up with a plan, together, about what your pet may need in terms of vaccinations or tests. Dr. Curtis will then do a thorough physical exam. If blood draws or shots are needed, we will do these during the exam. Dr. Curtis will go over all her recommendations at the end of the appointment. You will get a receipt that has these recommendations repeated on it as well. If your pet requires any medications, we will leave them with you, write a prescription, or recommend an online pharmacy that you can use, depending on the medication required.
Is your dog or cat very shy, scared, nervous, or aggressive?
Don’t worry! We have many patients that require special handling. If needed, we will schedule our veterinary nurse to join us at your appointment to assist with handling, blood draws, or anything else that may be needed. Please note that the nurse only works on certain days of the week, so these appointment times are somewhat limited. If you have any specific concerns about your pet’s behavior, please let us know prior to your appointment. We can come up with a plan to make sure everyone is as comfortable and safe as possible!
Local Clinics
While we strive to provide you with the best veterinary care we can, there are some procedures that are impossible to do in a home setting. We recommend you keep or start a relationship with a local clinic for needs such as x-rays, surgeries, dentals, or if your pet needs a vet sooner than we are available. We will be able to refer you to a clinic we know and trust for these things if you do not have one already, and we will work with them to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Payment
We take cash or credit/debit cards at the time of your appointment. We accept all major credit cards including American Express. Existing clients may pay with a personal check.
Traffic
Traffic in Boston is sometimes unpredictable! We pride ourselves on being on-time to appointments, but if we are ever going to be more than 15 minutes late, we will call you to let you know. You will have the option of rescheduling, if needed.
Cancelations and Missed Appointments
There is a $50 fee for appointments canceled with less than 24 hours notice
If you are not at home when we arrive for your appointment, we charge the travel fee to your home. Travel fees vary based on location.
Emergency Needs
Harbor Vets is not an emergency practice. Please see the listings below for local 24 emergency clinics.
If you know your pet is having an emergency, take them to the nearest emergency clinic immediately. Do not wait! Emergency clinic information is listed at the bottom of this information sheet.
If you have a concern that is not an emergency, but you would like a response ASAP, please send us an email with the word URGENT in the subject line. We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
24 Hour Emergency Hospitals
Angell Animal Medical Center
350 South Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7282
VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) Boston
312 Stuart St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 762-0001
Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital
20 Cabot Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-5802
Blue Pearl Charlestown
56 Roland St
Boston, MA 02129
(617) 284-9777
If you are a new client, please call your previous vet and authorize them to send over your dog or cat’s complete medical history, including the doctor’s notes. They can email the history to us at harborvets@gmail.com or fax them to us at 857-290-5064
Spend a few minutes thinking about how your pet’s health and demeanor have been recently, and make note of any concerns you may have. We’ll be happy to discuss any issues at your appointment to make sure your pet is happy and healthy!
If you have more than one pet, think about the best way to separate them during their appointments.
If the doorbell makes your pet nervous, let us know and we can call ahead instead of ringing!
Cats
• Have a large bath towel ready. If it smells like you, even better!
• Prepare a room we can use that doesn’t have hiding places - bathrooms work great.
• If your cat is particularly nervous or aggressive, put him or her in the bathroom or a carrier a few minutes prior to our arrival. We are also able to prescribe some sedative to use 3 hours prior to our visit to make it easier on everyone!
• Have a fecal sample that is less that 24 hours old on hand (store in the fridge)
• If you are concerned about urinary issues, isolate the cat in a room with a clean empty litter box (and no rugs on the floor!) for two hours prior to the appointment, as this will ensure we can get a urine sample if needed.
Dogs
• Get your pup’s favorite toys or treats ready
• Have a collar on your dog when we arrive, and a leash ready
• We are able to do exams outside (weather permitting) if this will make your dog more comfortable
• Have a fecal sample that is less than 24 hours old ready (store in the fridge)
What are house calls like?
We usually start every appointment by going over how your dog or cat has been doing and listening to any concerns you may have. We will come up with a plan, together, about what your pet may need in terms of vaccinations or tests. Dr. Curtis will then do a thorough physical exam. If blood draws or shots are needed, we will do these during the exam. Dr. Curtis will go over all her recommendations at the end of the appointment. You will get a receipt that has these recommendations repeated on it as well. If your pet requires any medications, we will leave them with you, write a prescription, or recommend an online pharmacy that you can use, depending on the medication required.
Is your dog or cat very shy, scared, nervous, or aggressive?
Don’t worry! We have many patients that require special handling. If needed, we will schedule our veterinary nurse to join us at your appointment to assist with handling, blood draws, or anything else that may be needed. Please note that the nurse only works on certain days of the week, so these appointment times are somewhat limited. If you have any specific concerns about your pet’s behavior, please let us know prior to your appointment. We can come up with a plan to make sure everyone is as comfortable and safe as possible!
Local Clinics
While we strive to provide you with the best veterinary care we can, there are some procedures that are impossible to do in a home setting. We recommend you keep or start a relationship with a local clinic for needs such as x-rays, surgeries, dentals, or if your pet needs a vet sooner than we are available. We will be able to refer you to a clinic we know and trust for these things if you do not have one already, and we will work with them to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Payment
We take cash or credit/debit cards at the time of your appointment. We accept all major credit cards including American Express. Existing clients may pay with a personal check.
Traffic
Traffic in Boston is sometimes unpredictable! We pride ourselves on being on-time to appointments, but if we are ever going to be more than 15 minutes late, we will call you to let you know. You will have the option of rescheduling, if needed.
Cancelations and Missed Appointments
There is a $50 fee for appointments canceled with less than 24 hours notice
If you are not at home when we arrive for your appointment, we charge the travel fee to your home. Travel fees vary based on location.
Emergency Needs
Harbor Vets is not an emergency practice. Please see the listings below for local 24 emergency clinics.
If you know your pet is having an emergency, take them to the nearest emergency clinic immediately. Do not wait! Emergency clinic information is listed at the bottom of this information sheet.
If you have a concern that is not an emergency, but you would like a response ASAP, please send us an email with the word URGENT in the subject line. We will do our best to get back to you as soon as possible.
24 Hour Emergency Hospitals
Angell Animal Medical Center
350 South Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02130
(617) 522-7282
VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group) Boston
312 Stuart St
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 762-0001
Massachusetts Veterinary Referral Hospital
20 Cabot Road
Woburn, MA 01801
(781) 932-5802
Blue Pearl Charlestown
56 Roland St
Boston, MA 02129
(617) 284-9777