This page will be updated on a regular basis as our concierge program develops. Check back often for updates!
Do I have to pay the fee in order to be able to continue bringing my pet(s) to you for care?
Starting April 1st, we do require membership to continue integrative veterinary services for your family.
NOTE: RTVC Philanthropy Funding is in place to provide free or discounted patient memberships for those who are unable to afford the annual or monthly fee. (See Concierge Need-based Membership Support Form)
We will also evaluate on a case-by-case basis, temporarily extending our services past our Concierge deadline for patients with life-threatening issues that we are in the process of treating at the time, or for patients that are not yet stable and transfer to another vet would be too disruptive for their health.
This is a big step for all of us. We are not taking it lightly. We believe this Concierge Membership Model says that we are all invested in the health of your pet. As your Concierge healthcare team, we are comfortable being held accountable to a higher standard. It is the standard that we expected of ourselves when we started in this profession.
Because we know that this can be expensive for some clients, we have worked hard to develop and have donated to our RTVC Philanthropy Fund (above) to help those in need to continue with us.
With our integrative approach, our goal is to help foster the wild health of your pets, decrease your worry, save you money, and avoid unnecessary medication & illnesses in a meaningful way.
What are the Member Prices? What discounts, if any, are included?
The RTVC Concierge Membership benefits include a complimentary annual exam and wellness plan for the year per family membership, 10% off services and products for the primary pet and other benefits and discounts from our affiliates (see enrollment form).
All additional pets on your plan will also get 10% off services and products.
Regular fees will likely apply for most diagnostics, although we are working with several diagnostic providers to offer additional discounts for our concierge members.
What is included in the annual exam?
The annual exam includes a full physical examination and consultation on your pet’s health and wellness plan for the year.
My pet is young and has no health issues. What is the benefit of paying the concierge fee if I don’t anticipate bringing them in more than once a year?
We believe our integrative approach is of value for all life stages for all pets. We provide guidance, life planning and excellent care for any issues that may arise in all ages of a pet’s life. We hope to save you money with our focused healthcare approach. We feel the value gained by using our practice will more than pay for itself in the health of your pet.
NOTE: Please take advantage of our RTVC Philanthropy Fund which is in place to provide free or discounted patient memberships for those who are unable to afford our annual or monthly fee. (See Concierge Need-based Membership Support Form)
Is there a monthly or semi annual payment plan?
A monthly installment payment plan is available for membership. $185 is due on the first day of each month. If payment is missed two months in a row, membership is forfeited. Any late payments are also subject to an additional processing fee.
This year, if you pay your membership fee in full at the time of registration, you will receive an additional 2 months of membership for ALL of your pets – so renewal date will not be until May 31, 2025.
If you are on the monthly installment payment plan, or using Philanthropy Funding, your renewal date will be March 31st, 2025.
Am I able to fill out the form online?
An online enrollment form is now available, please click here!
Will my card be saved on file automatically, if I pay with a credit card?
Yes, unless you let us know in writing that you would prefer to not have the card on file.
We cannot accept monthly membership installment payments without a credit card on file.
We will always email any charges to you before processing your card for any payments.
Will my membership be automatically renewed next year on March 31st, 2025?
We will send a reminder email about membership renewal 4-6 weeks prior to your renewal date.
This year, if your membership fee is paid in full at the time of registration, you will receive an additional 2 months of membership for ALL of your pets – so renewal date will not be until May 31, 2025.
If you are on the monthly installment payment plan, yes, your renewal date will be March 31st, 2025.
What is the latest date I can make the payment for the membership?
Membership is not guaranteed until payment is received, and is dependent on availability. If you have submitted your completed form but would like to make the payment at a later date, please let us know. If we have availability, we will be accepting initial payments through March 15th to receive the 2025 Additional 2 months bonus membership for all pets. If you would like to delay or defer, your membership will be accepted at a later date depending on availability. If we do not have availability, we will place you on a waiting list.
Am I able to be added to a waitlist in the event that the membership capacity is reached before I can enroll?
Yes, if you enroll after we have reached our patient capacity, we will add you to a waitlist and will reach out as space becomes available.
When will the referral list be available, if I decide to defer from the program?
We currently offer a growing referral list for primary care, rehabilitation, and specialty practices in the area.
We will continue confirming that our referral list is an accurate listing of veterinary clinics and doctors who have space for new clients and that have at least some elements of an integrative model of practice. However, please note that there may not be practices in your area, as integrative veterinary practices are limited and may differ in care. This is an ongoing process and our referral list will continue to update over the next several weeks. You may also consider practices outside of our immediate area by visiting www.AHVMA.org and using their VetFinder tool to search their membership directory.
Am I able to add a pet to my membership that does not reside at my residence?
Yes, if they are immediate family members – this includes pets living with spouse, children or parents. These memberships are handled on a case-be-case basis.
All pets under your membership must remain under your invoice profile in our system, but contact information, address and relevant details on family members must be provided for all pets.
Pets owned by non-family members that do not reside with you, cannot be added to your membership.
How will client communication with the primary veterinarian be facilitated?
Enhanced and priority healthcare communication to Concierge Members will be available through email, new phone options, and appointments. Messages can be relayed to the vet during business days and where necessary, answered in real time.
We will still be running our veterinary center and will have to focus on patients in the clinic as our membership program allows us to carve out more time for client communication. We will address each member’s concerns with attentive and educated reception/nurse practitioner triage and direct communication with our vets.
We anticipate you will appreciate the less stressful, informed, triaged and planned daily options for any level of urgency.
Our availability for effective appointments, phone calls, tech appointments, email exchanges, and after hours communication is also increased.
Your veterinarian’s goal is to make sure they are successful in responding to your pet’s needs to maintain their best health through excellent communication and individual knowledge of their patients.
Are there specific hours designated for phone access and are these hours consistent monthly?
We will have consistent phone access business and after hours availability.
We may also, depending on availability and need, extend those hours.
Additional availability will be posted on our website calendar.
Will I still be able to get medications, supplements, and food from you if I am not a member?
Non-members may still be able to get medications/supplements from us for a limited time (no more than 1 year past their last physical exam due to Illinois licensing regulations) as long as the medication was prescribed by us and does not require a repeat blood work to be completed. Food will continue to be available to non-members as well.
Why are you making this change?
You may have noticed the industry’s trend is devaluing individual and focused care in favor of corporate chain practices. which are absorbing and eliminating smaller patient-focused practices. We are making this change in order to combat this trend and continue with the quality of medicine we expect of ourselves. We hope you feel you can support our practice and our community.