That’s a really common question, and we completely understand why it might feel that way. The reason we recommend an annual heartworm test—even for dogs on consistent prevention—is because no prevention is 100% foolproof. Doses can occasionally be missed, delayed, spit out, or vomited up without anyone realizing. There’s also the rare chance of resistance or product failure.

At Paw Partners, our heartworm test also screens for more than just heartworm disease. We’re checking for serious tick-borne illnesses like ehrlichia, which is actually about 10 times more common than heartworm in the Phoenix metro area.

Ehrlichia can cause fever, lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, swollen lymph nodes, and bleeding disorders. However, these diseases can also live dormant and can be present even if your dog seems healthy, and early detection is key to keeping your pet healthy and thriving.

We completely understand how frustrating and stressful it can be when your pet isn’t feeling well and clear answers don’t come right away. Veterinary medicine is complex—our patients can’t tell us what they’re feeling, and many conditions can look very similar on the surface.

Interpreting diagnostic results is as much an art as it is a science. On bloodwork, there’s rarely one single number that points to a specific disease. Instead, it’s about recognizing subtle changes, combining those findings with your pet’s symptoms, and using the history you provide to build a bigger picture.

Sometimes, reaching a diagnosis means following a process of elimination, and results may not be immediate—especially when we’re catching something early or dealing with a rare or evolving condition.

Please know that at Paw Partners Veterinary Clinic, we’re dedicated to working with you every step of the way to uncover answers, support your pet’s comfort, and remain mindful of cost realities throughout the process.

We understand how urgent and stressful it can be when your pet needs immediate care. Please know that your pet’s health and well-being are always our top priority.

While we strive to accommodate every patient, there are times when our schedule may be full due to other emergencies, previously scheduled appointments, or surgical procedures.

If your pet is in critical condition, let us know right away— we will do everything we can to prioritize your visit or guide you to the nearest emergency clinic if needed. At Paw Partners Veterinary Clinic, we are here to partner with you and your pet through every step.

Surgery patients often stay with us for most of the day, and that’s to ensure their safety and comfort every step of the way. From pre-surgical exams and anesthesia preparation, to the surgical procedure itself and post-operative recovery, each phase requires close monitoring.

After surgery, we continue to observe your pet to make sure they’re waking up safely, responding well to pain management, and recovering smoothly. Some procedures may require extended care or follow-up before discharge, depending on the individual patient.

Please know that our top priority is your pet’s well-being. We’re dedicated to making sure they’re safe, comfortable, and ready to go home to you as soon as it’s appropriate.

We understand how important your pet is to you, and it’s completely natural to feel concerned when your pet is out of your sight. When we take your pet to our treatment area, it’s usually for procedures or treatments that require specialized equipment, a sterile environment, or more focused attention, such as diagnostic testing, blood draws, or surgical preparation.

We always ensure that your pet is in safe, caring hands with our experienced team, and we will keep you updated on their progress. If you have any concerns or would like to stay with your pet during certain procedures, please let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Veterinarians are deeply passionate about caring for animals, and that commitment is at the heart of everything we do at Paw Partners Veterinary Clinic. Like any professional service, veterinary care comes with operational costs—including medical equipment, supplies, staff wages, and facility maintenance.

These costs are essential to keeping the clinic running and ensuring we can continue to provide safe, high-quality care for your pet and others in the community. Our goal is always to offer the best possible treatment while being transparent and respectful of your investment in your pet’s health.

Some animal shelters, rescue organizations, and nonprofit veterinary clinics may provide free or discounted veterinary services, especially for low-income families or stray animals.

At Paw Partners, we practice with a spectrum of care philosophy—meaning we work with you to find treatment options that fit within your resources while still prioritizing your pet’s health. We also offer several financing options to help make veterinary care more manageable when unexpected costs arise.

We do require payment when services are rendered and offer several payment options to support your pet’s health needs. While we do not offer discounted services and our prices are not negotiable, our commitment is to provide compassionate, flexible, high-quality care that supports both you and your pet.

Advanced treatments, surgeries, and diagnostics can be costly because they require specialized equipment, medications, and extensive veterinary training. Veterinarians spend years studying and maintaining licenses to provide the best care for your pet. These factors all contribute to the overall cost of veterinary care.

We understand why you’d want a quick refill since the antibiotics worked before. However, at Paw Partners Veterinary Clinic, we have a strict no-refill policy for antibiotics without a recheck exam to help prevent antibiotic overuse and resistance. This isn’t just a veterinary concern—it’s also a major human health issue.

Antibiotic resistance happens when bacteria learn how to survive the medicine meant to kill them. If antibiotics are used too often, not taken correctly, or used for the wrong infections, some bacteria can become stronger and won’t respond to the usual treatment anymore. This makes infections harder—and sometimes impossible—to treat.

Infections can also change or new problems can develop, so a recheck ensures we prescribe the right medication and dosage to keep your pet safe and healthy, and to protect your family’s health as well."

Want to learn more about the realities of antibiotic resistance?
Warning – these videos aren't for the faint of heart!
https://youtu.be/EkyAuG9RSSU
https://youtu.be/zzKqEZmUGxY

Veterinarians cannot guarantee their work because medicine is not an exact science, and outcomes can vary based on factors beyond the veterinarian’s control. An animal’s overall health, genetics, underlying conditions, an individual response to treatment and their owner’s compliance all play a role in the success of medical procedures. Additionally, complications can arise even with the best care. While vets strive to provide the highest quality treatment, they cannot promise specific results or outcomes.

Unlike human dental cleanings, your pet’s dental procedures require general anesthesia to ensure the animal remains still and stress-free during the cleaning and any necessary extractions. This adds significant costs for anesthesia drugs, monitoring equipment, and trained veterinary staff. Additionally, pets cannot communicate dental pain, so X-rays are often needed to detect hidden issues. Veterinary clinics also don’t have the same insurance systems or government sponsored healthcare as humans, meaning costs are paid directly by the pet owner. While pet dental care may seem expensive, it is essential for preventing serious health issues like infections and tooth loss and other secondary complications such as heart, liver and kidney issues.