Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Veterinary Dermatologist?
A veterinary dermatologist is a specialist veterinarian who has received specialized training on diseases of the skin and ears. All veterinarians go to undergraduate college and then to a four year veterinary school, just like human doctors do. After veterinary school, a specialist veterinarian will complete at least one yearlong internship, followed by a three-year residency in their chosen specialty. In order to officially call themselves a specialist, the veterinarian will then successfully complete a written examination on their specialty topics to earn the title “board certified” or a “diplomate”. A veterinary dermatologist is there to work with your primary veterinarian to treat your pet when more advanced diagnostic procedures and treatments are needed for your pet’s skin disease.
How will my Veterinary Dermatologist Work with my Pet’s Primary Veterinarian?
At Pet Dermatology Partners, we are committed to working with your pet’s primary veterinarian at all steps in your pet’s treatment process. After you make an appointment with us, we will call your primary veterinarian to ask for your pet’s complete medical records. We will review these records before your pet’s appointment and call your pet’s primary veterinarian with any questions. After your pet’s appointment, we will send your primary veterinarian a summary of your pet’s visit, along with the results of any tests we performed. If your veterinarian indicates on the referral form that they would like to speak to us as well, Dr. Gould will call your primary veterinarian directly about your pet’s case.
As your pet’s care continues with us, you will continue to see your primary veterinarian for all general wellness treatments, such as vaccines, dentals, or other non-skin related concerns. When you see us for your pet’s skin disease, we will always send visit summaries to your primary veterinarian and we will call them after each appointment if desired. If we need to check bloodwork for medications that we have prescribed, we would prefer to check this bloodwork ourselves to maintain consistency, but we can discuss alternatives with you if necessary. Otherwise, any maintenance labwork not related to your pet’s treatments with us should be performed by your primary veterinarian.
How do I contact Pet Dermatology Partners?
If you have any questions before or after your appointment, please contact us at (206) 539-2002. You may also email us at hello@petdermpartners.com. If you contact us during business hours, we will get back to you the same day. Otherwise, we will get back to you the next day that our office is open. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, please contact your primary veterinarian or bring them to an emergency or after-hours clinic.
When is Pet Dermatology Partners open?
Pet Dermatology Partners is accepting new patients. We are open from 9am to 6pm Monday through Thursday. Please call (206) 539-2002, email us at hello@petdermpartners.com or schedule online. We are unable to accommodate walk-in appointments.
How much does an appointment cost?
Our initial exam fee is $210. This covers the cost of your 1 hour long initial appointment, during which Dr. Gould will examine your pet, discuss any additional testing that she recommends, and work with you to formulate a treatment plan for your pet. Common additional tests include a cytology ($84.00) and skin scrape ($84.00). Written, itemized estimates will be provided and discussed with you in detail if more in-depth testing is required, such as allergy testing, biopsies, or video otoscopy. Fees for recheck examinations are at a lower cost than the initial examination, but depend on the services rendered.
Payment for all services and testing is due at the time it is performed. For your convenience, we accept Visa and Mastercard in addition to cash. We also accept Care Credit. We do not accept checks at this time.
What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
Please bring your pet (a leash or a carrier is required to transport your pet), any medications/supplements that your pet is taking, and your completed new client and patient information forms. If you cannot fill out these forms before your appointment, please arrive 30 minutes early to do so or you may be asked to reschedule. We will ask your primary veterinarian to send your pet’s medical records to us before your appointment so that we can review them.