1 February 2012

   We are undoubtedly living in tough economic times.  Many families have been feeling the pressures of a protracted recession for many years.  These times of job instability, forclosures and higher food and gas prices affect all aspects of our lives.  As such, many people are seeking ways to conserve their incomes for necessities and often times that involves making difficult decisons regarding pet care. 

    All of us at Coastal Animal Hospital feel the same pressures and understand you love your pets and want them to be happy and healthy.  We also recognize that often times you have to set budgets for your pet care and prioritize what procedures your pet receives.  Some of our clients express guilt or shame when they find themselves in the position of having to decline certain procedures for the sake of keeping their household budget in line; many people who have never had to do so before.  I just want to reassure you that it is perfectly fine.  We understand the times we live in and strive to help you make the best pet care plan for your loved one while keeping within your budget.  We understand how much you love your pet and we are here to help.  For example, if your pet is due for their annual wellness exam and vaccinations and you only have X amount to spend, we will sit down with you to determine which procedures are the most important to your pet based on their age and lifestyle while keeping within your budget.  In some cases if your pet has an illness and you are undergoing economic hardships we can help you apply for financial assistance in the form of grants from various local nonprofit organizations.

    In our continuing quest to provide more value for our clients we have begun working with a national compounding pharmacy which enables us to provide affordable heartworm and flea and tick prevention at a price much lower than the large national pet pharmaceutical companies, while maintaining the same level of safety and effectiveness.  We have had an overwhelmingly positive response to this new program.

   All of us at Coastal realize we treat more than just pets, we treat families.  It is our desire to foster a deep and close relatioship with all of our clients.  If you have any concerns or questions regarding your pets care, please feel free to call one our compassionate staff members or doctors to help guide you.  That is why we are involved in this wonderful profession.

                                                                               God Bless,

                                                                                    Dr. Stephen Samson