Visits & Fees
New patients: At this time, Dr. Kassell is only taking new patients in Northwest Philadelphia: Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Germantown, Roxborough, Manayunk, and East Falls. In addition, due to high demand it may take a couple of weeks for potential new clients to receive a call back. If you have an emergency, please call any of the recommended emergency vets.
The first visit
Dr. Kassell’s goal is to support you in making the best decisions regarding the healthcare of your pets at all stages of their lives. She strives to establish unique preventive health care plans for all dogs and cats. In treating her patients for acute or chronic conditions, her goal is to achieve the same individualized care.
During your first appointment, she takes a thorough history, performs a physical exam, and discusses everything from nutrition and vaccinations to parasite control to behavioral issues. If there are specific health concerns, she addresses those in detail, creating a plan tailored to meet the individualized needs of your pet. If needed, she will perform lab work such as annual Heartworm/Lyme testing, blood work, urinalysis and fecal exams.
Because much of the time is educational in nature, each additional pet typically requires an additional half hour. Thus, a two-pet initial appointment is two hours, a three-pet appointment is two and a half hours, etc.
Follow-ups and routine care
For specific conditions, some of the follow-up work following the initial exam can be done over the phone. That said, Dr. Kassell is available to make repeat house calls whenever necessary! Dr. Kassell also likes to see her patients in person at least once a year for annual physicals and paw shakes.
Fees
As of January 2023
Payment is due at the time of the visit. Dr. Kassell accepts cash, personal checks and Venmo.
House call fees
- Physical exam and consultation: $90
- Each additional pet: $80
- House call fees:
- $90 – Mt. Airy, Germantown, Chestnut Hill
- $100 – Manayunk, East Falls, Wyndmoor and other areas within a 15 minute drive from Mt. Airy
- $120 – Center City, West Philly, Wynnewood and other areas within 1/2 hour of Mt. Airy.
Phone consult fees (existing clients only)
- $40 per 15 minutes (phone consults typically take 15 to 60 minutes)
- Quick question or check-in (10 minutes or less): no charge
If need be, Dr. Kassell can work on a sliding scale, as she does not wish to deny treatment to any pet based on cost.