How to Become a New Client or Book an Appointment at Palmetto Animal Hospital
Updated
Palmetto Animal Hospital in Florence, SC, welcomes new clients and offers two ways to book: online booking through its website or by phone. Before your first visit, review the New Client Information page and, if you want records and appointments in one place, download the free PetDesk app. The practice cares for dogs and cats, is open six days a week, and asks clients to call to book an appointment.
Before You Book
The hospital serves dogs and cats only. Its services cover wellness and preventative care, surgical care, and puppy and kitten care, so a first visit can be framed as a wellness appointment unless your pet has a specific concern.
Two preparation steps make the first visit smoother:
- Check the New Client Information page. The site links a dedicated new-client section from its "Welcoming New Clients Every Day" area. Use it to confirm what the practice expects from first-time visitors before you call or book online.
- Gather your pet's history. Have prior vaccination records and any records from a previous veterinarian ready. The PetDesk app is designed to store vaccination records and appointment schedules, which helps if you are switching practices.
Booking Your Appointment
Online booking
The homepage displays a "Book Online" option near the top. Use it when you already know your pet needs a standard visit and want to pick a time without waiting on the phone.
Phone booking
The site's own instruction is to call to book your pet's appointment. Call when you are a new client with questions, when you need a same-week slot, or when your pet's situation does not fit a routine wellness visit. Because the practice is open six days a week, phone booking is also the way to confirm Saturday availability.
| Method | Best for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Online booking | Routine visits, clients comfortable with self-scheduling | Select a time through the website's booking link |
| Phone call | New clients, urgent questions, confirming hours | Staff confirm the appointment and answer intake questions |
Managing Records and Visits With PetDesk
Palmetto Animal Hospital offers the PetDesk app free to clients. According to the site, the app links directly to the hospital's systems and lets you store vaccination records and appointment schedules on your smartphone. Download it after your first visit is scheduled so your pet's record is tied to your account. This is useful for boarding, travel, or visits to another vet, where proof of vaccination is often requested.
Ordering Pet Products Safely
The hospital warns that counterfeit and scam products are a real risk when ordering pet supplies online. It urges clients to use its trusted online store for pet products rather than third-party marketplaces. If you need flea, tick, or prescription items after your visit, start from the hospital's online store link.
Common Snags for New Clients
- Booking before checking the new-client page. Read the New Client Information section first so you arrive with the right records and expectations.
- Assuming walk-in availability. The site directs clients to book by phone or online; confirm before driving over.
- Buying preventatives elsewhere. The practice explicitly recommends its own online store to avoid counterfeit products.
- Losing track of vaccine dates. The free PetDesk app solves this if you set it up early.
Quick Answer
To become a new client, review the New Client Information page, then book online or call the hospital to schedule. Download PetDesk for records and appointments, and use the hospital's online store for pet products. For current hours, availability, and any intake requirements, call the practice directly, since the site does not publish a full appointment policy.