What to Expect When You Visit Prairie Hills Animal Hospital

A visit to Prairie Hills Animal Hospital is designed to feel calm and supportive for both pets and their people. When Dr. Amanda Staples Hartman and Dr. Taylor Barker opened the hospital, they intentionally structured the space and appointment flow to reduce stress while keeping pet owners informed at every step.

Whether you're visiting for a wellness exam, medical care, a procedure, or boarding, our team works to make the experience clear, comfortable, and centered on your pet's well-being.

Your Pet's Appointment

Here's what you can expect when you and your pet arrive for an appointment.

Arrival and Check-In

Patient Intake

Examination with the Veterinarian

Your veterinarian will perform a full physical exam and discuss recommendations based on your pet's needs and your concerns. Whenever possible, tests and treatments are completed in the exam room. If your pet needs to be taken briefly to the treatment area, our team will discuss this with you first.

Before leaving, a technician will review medications and care instructions. Checkout and future appointment scheduling are often completed in the exam room to reduce your animal's stress. If outside lab testing is needed, results are typically available within 2-3 business days.

Procedure Drop-Off and Pick-Up

For procedures, please arrive at your scheduled drop-off time to meet with a technician who will review consent forms, anesthesia paperwork, and answer any questions.

Procedures are generally performed between 8:00 am and 2:00 pm. Afterward, our team will contact you with an update and schedule a pick-up time. During discharge, a technician will review medications and aftercare instructions before your pet goes home.

Boarding Check-In and Check-Out

Boarding guests check in through the boarding entrance on the southwest side of the building. A kennel technician will review paperwork, confirm vaccination requirements, and discuss your pet's care routine.

Standard boarding check-in and check-out hours are:

9:00 am - 11:00 am

2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The check-in process typically takes 10-15 minutes. When your pet goes home, our team will review their boarding report card and any recommendations for future stays.