09/04/2026
IMPORTANT POLICY UPDATES
As our practice continues to grow and evolve, we want to keep you informed about several upcoming changes to our pricing, payment procedures, vaccination requirements, and preventive care policies. Some changes will begin next week, while others will take effect October 1, 2026.
🐴 Pricing Updates – Effective October 1 🐴
Beginning October 1, there will be adjustments to the pricing of a number of our services, medications, supplies, and other products.
Like many businesses, we continue to see increases in the costs of medications, medical supplies, laboratory services, equipment, fuel, and other expenses associated with providing veterinary care. We have worked to absorb these increases where possible, but some pricing adjustments are necessary for us to continue providing the level of care and service our clients expect.
We understand that knowing the potential cost of veterinary care ahead of time can be important. If you would like an estimate for your appointment, please let our team know when scheduling. Our doctors will also make an effort to ask whether you would like an estimate before performing additional services or procedures during your appointment.
Please keep in mind that estimates are based on the anticipated services at the time they are prepared. If your horse's condition or treatment needs change during the appointment, the final cost may differ.
🐴 Payment at Time of Service – Beginning Next Week 🐴
Beginning next week, payment will be collected at the time services are provided.
If you are present for your horse's appointment, payment will be collected at the conclusion of the visit.
If you are unable to be present, our team will discuss payment arrangements with you when the appointment is scheduled. You may authorize us to charge the card on file up to the estimated amount for the scheduled services. If the veterinarian determines that additional services are recommended that would cause the total to exceed the authorized amount, we will contact you before proceeding whenever possible.
If you prefer not to authorize the card on file in advance, our office will contact you during the appointment to collect payment.
Updated client forms reflecting these policies will be distributed in the coming weeks.
🐴 Rabies Vaccination Requirement – Effective October 1 🐴
Due to the recent increase in reported rabies cases in North Georgia and the significant health and safety risks associated with rabies exposure, beginning October 1, horses must have a current rabies vaccination for our team to perform procedures involving the horse's head or mouth.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Nasogastric (NG) intubation, including for colic treatment
Dental examinations and dental procedures
Oral examinations
Ophthalmic examinations and procedures
Other procedures requiring close handling of the horse's head, face, or mouth
Because some of these procedures may be necessary during an emergency, we strongly encourage clients to ensure their horses are current on rabies vaccination before an emergency occurs.
🐴 Annual Comprehensive Wellness Examination – Effective October 1 🐴
Preventive veterinary care is about more than vaccinations and Coggins testing. Horses can develop subtle changes that may go unnoticed until they become larger and sometimes more expensive or difficult problems.
To help us identify early signs of disease, establish an accurate baseline for each patient, and provide more consistent veterinary care, beginning October 1, Allatoona Equine will require each patient to receive a comprehensive wellness examination at least once every 12 months.
The annual comprehensive wellness examination will include:
Heart, lung, and gastrointestinal auscultation
General physical examination and assessment of overall condition
Basic palpation and range-of-motion assessment of the limbs, back, and neck
Basic evaluation of the hooves
Unsedated oral examination
Basic examination of the eyes and ears
Evaluation of the skin and coat
Basic examination of the tail and sheath, when applicable
Observation of the horse walking, turning, and moving to identify obvious abnormalities
Discussion of any concerns you may have regarding your horse's health, condition, or behavior
The cost of the annual comprehensive wellness examination will be $65.
Our goal with this examination is to develop a better overall picture of your horse's health rather than only evaluating them when something is already wrong.
Please note that the annual wellness examination does not replace a sick, injury, lameness, emergency, or other problem-focused examination. If your horse develops a new medical concern, an appropriate examination and any necessary diagnostics will still be recommended based on that specific problem.
Thank you. We recognize that changes to pricing and practice policies can raise questions, and we appreciate your understanding as we continue working to provide safe, thorough, and sustainable veterinary care.
These changes are designed to create clearer expectations surrounding costs and payment while also allowing our veterinarians to be more proactive about the health and safety of our patients, clients, and veterinary team.
Thank you for trusting Allatoona Equine with the care of your horses. We truly appreciate the opportunity to be part of their healthcare team.
Warmly,
Allatoona Equine Team
William Walker, Owner & DVM
Raeshelle Strobel, DVM
Jill Epling, DVM
Amberley Martin, Manager and Veterinary Assistant
Ainzley Cross, Lead Receptionist
Anna Stooksbury, Veterinary Assistant & Receptionist
