Frequently Asked Questions
At La Cumbre Animal Hospital, we want you to feel confident about your pet’s care from the very first call. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often from Santa Barbara pet owners.
How do I become a new client?
We are always glad to welcome new cats and dogs. To get started, complete our New Client Form before your first visit, then request an appointment online or give us a call — we will take care of the rest.
Where are you located?
How do I schedule an appointment?
What types of animals do you treat?
Do you see cats?
Yes — cats are a big part of our practice. We have a separate cat entrance and a cat-only room to help feline patients feel calm, plus a Cat Friendly certified practitioner on our team. You can learn more on our Cat-Friendly Care page.
What should I expect at my pet's first visit?
We take time to get to know you and your pet, review their history, and answer your questions — our goal is for you to leave more informed than when you arrived. Completing your new client paperwork ahead of time helps your first visit go smoothly.
What is Fear Free, and how does it help my pet?
Fear Free is an approach that reduces stress and anxiety during veterinary visits. We designed our hospital around Fear Free principles, and all of our doctors are Fear Free certified, so your pet's comfort is part of every visit.
Do you handle emergencies?
We provide urgent care for our patients during our regular hours — if your pet has an emergency while we are open, call us right away at (805) 967-0121. Because we are not a 24-hour hospital, we recommend contacting a local emergency veterinary hospital for after-hours emergencies.
Can you help with pet travel and health certificates?
Yes — we are one of the few Santa Barbara practices that handle pet travel, including health certificates for domestic and international trips. Travel requirements take time, sometimes up to a year, so please plan well ahead. Health certificates are available to current clients whose pets are up to date on their care. See our Pet Travel Services page for details.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, personal checks, and all major credit cards, with payment due at the time of service. We also accept CareCredit and Scratch Pay financing. Full details are on our Payment Options page.
Do you accept pet insurance?
Pet insurance can help make care more manageable, though plans vary in what they cover. We are glad to provide the records your insurer needs, and we recommend comparing plans to find the right fit for your pet and budget.
Do you offer at-home end-of-life care?
For our current clients, we offer compassionate end-of-life support, including at-home euthanasia when time allows, so beloved pets can say goodbye in the comfort of home. Our End-of-Life Care page explains how we can help.