What to Expect at Thrive

Honest Answers. Compassionate Guidance.

Clear Communication at Every Step

At Thrive, we’ll always be honest about what to expect when it comes to your pet’s care. From explaining the diagnostic tests we recommend, to walking you through the benefits and risks of the treatment options available to your pet, to being upfront about the costs involved — you can count on us to communicate with candor, compassion and respect.

How to Schedule a Consultation at Thrive

You can contact Thrive directly to schedule an initial consultation — no veterinarian’s referral is necessary, although we enjoy collaborating with primary care veterinarians who send us their patients for surgical care. Simply call us at (907) 931-8139 or email us.

What to Expect at the Initial Consultation

At this essential first visit, which takes about an hour, you’ll meet one-on-one with Dr. Serratore who will:

Review your pet’s medical history and diagnostics (it’s helpful if your primary care veterinarian can send us your pet’s medical records prior to your consultation)
Perform a full physical exam of your pet
Outline surgical treatment options and her recommendations
Explain risks, recovery, and aftercare
Answer any questions you may have
If a key family member is unable to attend, we can include them on speakerphone during the visit

After the consultation, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate so you know exactly what’s involved. Once you review the estimate and decide to move forward, we will schedule your pet’s surgery. All pre-operative instructions, including drop-off time, fasting, and medications, will be discussed with you prior to the day of surgery.

For more information about what happens next, please visit our FAQs page.

Paying for Your Pet’s Care

Payment is due in full when services are rendered. For your convenience, Thrive accepts the following methods of payment and financing:

Please note that we’re unable to accept cash or checks.

How Pet Insurance Works

Unlike human health insurance, which relies on complicated provider networks and co-pays at the front desk, pet insurance operates on a straightforward upfront payment and reimbursement model.

Visit Any Licensed Vet: Because there are no “in-network” restrictions, you can take your pet to your regular family veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or a specialized practice like Thrive.
Pay Upfront: You handle the veterinary bill at the time of service just as you normally would.
Submit a Claim: You upload your receipt and medical notes to your insurance provider’s app or website.
Get Reimbursed: The insurance company processes the claim and sends a direct deposit or check right to your bank account based on your plan’s parameters.

Understanding Pet Insurance Terms

When customizing a policy, you will typically choose three things that dictate your monthly premium:

The Deductible: The annual amount you must pay out-of-pocket before your insurance begins to pay (typically ranges from $100 to $500).
The Reimbursement Rate: The percentage of the bill the insurance company will cover after your deductible is met (usually 70%, 80%, or 90%).
The Annual Limit: The maximum amount the insurance company will pay out in a single year (options range from $5,000 to unlimited).

What Does It Cover?

Most standard policies are Accident & Illness plans. They are designed specifically for the unexpected, making them incredibly valuable for the advanced procedures we perform at Thrive.

Please Note: Thrive Veterinary Surgical Services does not endorse, prefer, or partner with any specific pet insurance provider, nor do we maintain exhaustive details on individual policies or program changes. Selecting a policy is a highly personal decision, and it is entirely up to the pet owner to research, compare, and choose the insurance plan that best fits their unique budget and their pet’s specific medical needs.