Clinic Policies/FAQs
We see patients by appointment.
We ask that when bringing your pet to the hospital you restrain them in a carrier or on a leash. All pets staying at our hospital and cats that are boarding are required to be current with rabies and distemper vaccinations unless exempted by a qualified veterinarian. Parasite control is vital to the health of your pet and others at the hospital. We will treat and bill for fleas, ear mites, skin mites and intestinal parasites found on any pets in our hospital.
All pets hospitalized, in for examination, grooming, or boarding are required to have up-to-date vaccinations. Parasite control is vital to the health of your pet and others at the clinic. We will treat and bill for fleas, ear mites, skin mites, and intestinal parasites found on any pets in for observation, grooming, or boarding. Furthermore, for your pets protection, we ask that when bringing them to the clinic you restrain them in a carrier or on a leash.
Our credit policy requires payment at time of service. We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit cards. A deposit may be required if we have no prior relationship and your pet needs extensive hospitalization.
Does Willow Ridge see dogs too?
Yes! We love our canine patients just as much as our feline patients!
Where are you located?
We are located at 4901 N. Perryville Rd. in Loves Park, IL, approximately one mile north of Riverside Blvd., just north of the Peak Fitness. We are on the northeast corner of Perryville Rd. and Nimtz Rd. Unfortunately many GPS devices will give the wrong directions to our facility.
Do you take walk-ins?
We go by appointments only at Willow Ridge to assure that each patient is seen in a timely manner. It can be stressful for pets to leave their home, so we don’t like to make them wait longer than necessary.
What payment options do you offer? Do you accept payment plans?
We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, and Care Credit. At this time we do not offer payment plans. Payment is expected at the time of service.
What is Care Credit?
Care Credit is a revolving line of credit that works like any major credit card, but also has some no interest plans. Please visit www.carecredit.com for more information or click here to apply online.
My cat is an indoor cat. Does she really need vaccines?
Vaccines are recommended not only for the health of the feline patient, but also for the health of her owners and the rest of the cat population. In Winnebago County, it is required by law to have your cat vaccinated for rabies and registered with the County. We also recommend the feline distemper vaccination which protects your cat from serious airborne viruses.
How do I transport my pet to your facility?
We recommend containing your cat in a carrier for the safety of your pet and other patients. Dogs must be on a leash. If your dog becomes aggressive at the vet, please muzzle him before arriving at our facility.
I think my pet has fleas. Can I still bring them to your facility?
Yes, we will still see your pet. Any pet who comes to our facility will be treated and billed for any fleas, mites, or intestinal parasites found during their visit.
Do you have a boarding facility?
Yes, however, we only board cats. Cats who need medications are welcome. If you would like a tour of our boarding facility, please call to arrange an appointment! All cats who visit our boarding facility are required to be current on vaccinations. If they are not current, we would be more than happy to administer a wellness exam and vaccinations while they are here for a separate fee.
My cat is coughing/sneezing. Should I bring him in to see the vet?
If your cat is still eating, drinking and acting normally otherwise, it is not necessary to bring him in for an exam for coughing/sneezing. Most cats will overcome a virus like this without treatment in a few days. If your pet stops eating or drinking for more than a day, is hiding, is not wanting to get up, or has green/yellow discharge from the eyes or nose, he should be examined by a veterinarian.
Can I catch a cold from my cat?
No, cold viruses are species-specific.
Is pet advice I read on the internet accurate?
As a pet owner, you want to be educated so that you can best care for your pet, but with the wealth of information on the internet these days, it’s difficult to decipher which sites are trustworthy. Please take a look at these recommended sites. Also check out our blog! If you have any questions about information you have read online, don’t hesitate to contact us.
What should I do if I have an emergency when Willow Ridge is closed?
Contact the Animal Emergency Clinic of Rockford on 7145 Spring Creek Road at 815.229.7791. Or you may wish to contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888.426.4435.
Do you take in stray cats?
Willow Ridge is a veterinary clinic and is not accepting cats for adoption at this time. However, we would be happy to scan any stray pet for a microchip at no charge. We would also post any photos/adoption information on our Facebook page if requested. You may send photos to mcvc@mostlycats.com.
Are you hiring?
We always accept resumes/applications and keep them on file for six months for reference if we have an opening. You may fill out an application online by clicking here.
Do you accept volunteers?
We do not accept volunteers, but we appreciate your interest! If you are looking for a charitable organization to serve, please consider contacting Paws Humane Society, Winnebago County Auxiliary, or Noah’s Ark.
