FAQs
You have questions, we have answers.
Thank you for choosing Frontier Veterinary Hospital in Hillsboro, Oregon. We are honored to be able to care for your pet.
What should I do in an emergency if Frontier is not open?
What types of payment do you accept?
Do you offer mail order prescription services?
My pet is coming in for boarding soon, what should I do in preparation?
1. Vaccinations: All pets boarding at FVH need to be up-to-date on required vaccinations. For dogs, Bordatella (kennel cough), DHP (Distemper, Hepatitis and Parvo), and Rabies vaccinations are required. For cats, we require FVRCP and Rabies vaccinations. Please provide proof of vaccination at the time of drop-off if your pet has not received his or her vaccines from us. Vaccinations can be given here at the hospital, but a physical exam is required for pets new to our clinic or those we have not seen in over a year.
2. Food: We will provide a basic, nutritionally sound kibble for all pets under our care. If your pet is on a medical diet or has special needs, please bring any required items and we will ensure their diet remains stable.
3. Medications: One of the benefits to boarding your pet at FVH is knowing that their medical needs can and will be taken care of. Our kennel staff is trained to give basic medication, and there is always a trained professional available to administer any needed injections, insulin or fluids. Please be sure to bring any medications your pet will need during their stay. Medications need to be in their original bottle, complete with the label detailing the doctor’s instructions.
4. Bedding/Toys: FVH can provide plenty of bedding for your pet, but you are welcome to bring any blanket, bed or pillow that will increase your pet’s comfort. Some animals enjoy having a familiar stuffed animal or toy with them. If the item is not machine washable, however, FVH reserves the right to subsitute our in-house bedding. Please note that some pets may become anxious and chew their bedding or toys during their stay, so you will be asked to sign a release form prior to FVH keeping these items in your pet’s kennel.
5. Check-in: It is our priority to make your pet’s stay as comfortable and easy as possible. With that in mind, we make sure to ask a variety of questions during the check-in procedure. Depending on the length of their stay and how many pets you’ll be boarding with us, checking in your pet(s) can take awhile. To shorten the check-in procedure, you are welcome to bring the completed boarding paperwork with you, click here to download the forms. Please allow at least 15 minutes to get your pet(s) completely checked in and settled, even if you are bringing in completed paperwork.
To schedule boarding or discuss your pet’s special requirements, please call 503-648-1643 or email cli[email protected].
Can I see the same vet at every visit?
Why is vet care so expensive?
The first factor is our experience as humans with our own health care providers. Since most of us have health insurance, we may be unfamiliar with the actual fees our doctors charge for exams and medical treatments. We often pay flat copays for our own medical services, and may never even see the actual billing statement from our doctor. This can definitely cause some “sticker shock” when we see our pet’s medical bills, since we have a limited frame of reference for what services normally cost. In fact, much of the medical equipment (x-rays, ultrasound, IV pumps, anesthesia monitors, etc.), pharmaceuticals (anesthesia, injections, medications, etc.), and supplies veterinarians use are exactly the same as our own human doctors use. Next time you receive an “Explanation of Benefits” from your insurance, take a quick look- it can be very surprising! A veterinarian in the Florida Keys recently wrote a newspaper article in which he compared his own medical treatment for an elbow injury to his dog’s treatment for the same injury. Click the photo on the right to view his article, it is quite interesting.

Another factor is the increased status pets have achieved within our families in recent years. It was not too long ago that most pets weren’t even allowed in the house, let alone allowed to sleep in our beds! Along with this strengthening of the human-animal bond came the demand for more advanced medical treatments and a higher expectation of service by pet owners from their veterinarians. Providing a higher standard of care and meeting pet owners’ service expectations have inevitably caused an increase in prices, due to an increase in veterinarians’ operational costs- in every area, from purchasing new equipment and providing advanced medical training to hiring additional staff to provide both medical and customer service. Our clients have expressed to us over and over again that they believe their pets are members of their family. Because of that, they expect the same level of medical care for their pets as they themselves receive, and we continually strive to meet or exceed our clients’ expectations.
We have an open door policy at Frontier, and invite you to tour the hospital next time you are in for a visit. We are happy to show you around and answer any questions you may have, and encourage you to ask any veterinary health care provider you are considering to do the same.
I want to give my pet the best care, but sometimes I can’t afford it. Are there any other choices?
Non-emergency or routine care- We are always happy to provide you with a cost estimate before proceeding with any treatment. If the estimate is beyond what you are comfortable with, simply let us know and we will provide an alternative. Your veterinarian will work with you to prioritize the treatments and come up with a plan that works for you.
Emergencies- It is an unfortunate reality of pet ownership that emergency situations arise. Often there are few alternate courses of treatment available in life-or-death situations, and emergency care is typically very costly. This is where pet insurance or an emergency pet fund can be invaluable. If you do not have either, we do accept Care Credit and can help you apply for this emergency line of credit if necessary. We are not affiliated with Care Credit, however, like Mastercard or Visa we do accept it.
Pet Insurance- Pet health insurance is quickly becoming a popular choice for pet owners. As advances in veterinary medicine have provided expanded treatment options, pet owners have sought out insurance as a way to make these treatments more affordable. There are now a range of plans available at most insurance providers, from basic catastrophic coverage to comprehensive plans that cover everything from routine exams and vaccines to dental cleanings.
Do you offer insurance?
Why aren’t you open 24 hours?
Where is Dr. Loepp? Can I get an appointment with him?
My pet was just there for his annual exam a couple of weeks ago and now he’s sick. Why do I need to do another exam?
It seems like there are always new faces at Frontier. Where are the staff members I used to know?
The front door is so heavy! Can you get an automatic door?
Can I be present for my pet’s treatments, like vaccines?
Why do I need a prescription for flea products and dewormers?
Why does my pet need to have an exam if he just needs vaccines or a refill of heartworm preventative?
If Frontier is closed, how do I know if my pet is having an emergency? When is it ok to wait vs. going to Dove Lewis?
Why are RX foods out of stock sometimes?
- Ordering days- Please place your order by 8am on Monday to ensure delivery that week.
- Don’t wait until the weekend! The weekends are the busiest days of the week for food sales but unfortunately also the end of the “ordering week,” so we are more likely to be sold out on the weekends.
- Think of it like a medication refill. Most people don’t wait until they are out of their medicine before calling for a refill, so think of your pet’s food the same way- call in advance and we can order or hold a bag for you.