Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime client, it’s natural to have questions about your pet’s care. At Tri-County Veterinary Clinic, we want you to feel informed and confident every step of the way, so we’re sharing some of the most common questions we hear about our services to help you be better informed.

Appointments

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes. We’d love to meet you and your pet. Don’t forget to mention our $75 new client discount when you book your first wellness exam.

We care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and a variety of small mammals, including guinea pigs, rabbits, and ferrets.

We proudly care for pets from Sevierville, Seymour, South Knoxville, Pigeon Forge, Boyd’s Creek, and the surrounding region.
We do not provide urgent or emergency care, but we’re happy to refer you to trusted local resources if your pet needs immediate attention.
Yes, we offer both domestic and international health certificates to ensure your pet’s travel meets all requirements.
Yes. Health certificates require a scheduled visit, and international travel often has specific timelines. Contact us well before your departure date.

Financing

No, applying is completely free. You’ll only make payments based on the financing plan you choose.

Pre-approval only requires a soft credit check, which doesn’t impact your score. If you decide to open an account, a hard inquiry will appear on your credit report.

Yes. CareCredit is accepted at a wide network of veterinary practices, specialty clinics, and even human healthcare providers nationwide.

Typically no, though some providers may cover certain conditions if your pet has been symptom-free for a set period.

Yes, many companies insure senior pets, but premiums may be higher and benefits may be more limited.

Some plans offer wellness coverage or add-ons for routine care like exams, vaccines, and dental cleanings, while others focus only on accidents and illness.

The ideal plan depends on factors like your pet’s age, breed, lifestyle, and medical history. A good policy balances affordability with comprehensive coverage and minimal exclusions. Pawlicy Advisor simplifies finding the perfect match for you and your furry friend.

Services

Most pets should be seen annually, but puppies, kittens, senior pets, and some exotic species may need more frequent visits.

Birds, reptiles, and small mammals are experts at hiding signs of illness. Exams allow us to detect problems early and provide care tailored to their species.

Not necessarily. Vaccine schedules depend on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and previous history. We’ll review the best plan for your pet at each exam.

Absolutely. Our team is happy to provide guidance on diet, enrichment, training, and overall wellness, whether for a dog, cat, or exotic pet.

Most pets should not eat after midnight before surgery, but they may have water until the morning. We’ll provide specific instructions tailored to your pet.

Recovery depends on the type of surgery. Spays and neuters typically require 10–14 days of rest, while orthopedic procedures may require a longer healing period.

We strive to make anesthetic events and surgery as safe as possible, with modern monitoring equipment, customized anesthetic protocols, and close supervision before, during, and after surgery.

We take pain management seriously. Your pet will receive medications before, during, and after their procedure to keep them as comfortable as possible.

Yes. We’re experienced in providing surgical care for many exotic species, tailoring anesthesia and recovery protocols to their unique needs.

Most pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, though some may require more frequent care depending on their breed, age, and oral health.

Yes. Anesthesia allows us to thoroughly clean below the gumline, take X-rays, and ensure your pet remains stress-free and safe during the procedure.

Bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on teeth, red gums, difficulty eating, drooling, or pawing at the mouth can all signal dental problems.

Absolutely. Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and impact major organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Yes. We provide specialized dental services for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals, addressing common concerns like tooth overgrowth and malocclusion.

Most exotic pets should be seen at least once a year. Rapidly aging pocket pets and birds and reptiles with complex care may benefit from exams every 6 months.

Bring recent diet information, pictures of their enclosure, any supplements or medications, and details about temperature or humidity settings. This helps us evaluate husbandry and overall health.

Yes, our team can safely perform routine grooming during your visit and provide guidance on proper maintenance at home.

Changes in appetite, lethargy, weight loss, abnormal droppings, shedding issues, vocal changes, or behavior shifts can all indicate illness. Exotics often hide symptoms, so early evaluation is important.

Yes, when appropriate. Bloodwork, fecal testing, imaging, and other diagnostics help uncover issues that may not be visible during a physical exam.