Accepting New Dog & Cat Patients
New Veterinary Clients in Cave Creek, AZ
Looking for a new veterinarian who takes the time to understand your pet, answer your questions, and explain your options?
Desert Forest Animal Hospital welcomes new dogs and cats from Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Mountain, Dove Valley Ranch, North Scottsdale and nearby communities.
Our independently owned veterinary practice has served the Cave Creek community since 1984, combining personalized care, diagnostic resources and continuity with a familiar local team.
Your First Appointment Made Easier
How to Become a New Client
Whether you recently moved to Cave Creek, adopted a new puppy or kitten, or would simply like a different veterinary relationship, getting started is straightforward.
Contact Our Hospital
Call (480) 488-2010 or submit an appointment request. Tell us your pet’s species, age and primary reason for visiting.
Gather Previous Medical Records
If your pet has seen another veterinarian, ask about transferring vaccination records, laboratory results, current medications and important medical history.
Prepare for the Visit
Bring your dog on a secure leash or your cat in a secure carrier. Write down any symptoms, medications and questions you want to discuss.
New Patients Are Welcome
We see puppies, kittens, adult dogs and cats, adopted pets, senior animals, and patients with existing medical conditions.
Previous records are helpful, but you do not need a perfect medical history to establish care.
If you have an urgent medical concern, call before traveling rather than waiting for an online appointment reply.
A Long-Term Veterinary Relationship
Why Families Choose Desert Forest Animal Hospital
Choosing a new veterinarian means choosing the team that may care for your pet over many years: through routine examinations, unexpected illness, dental disease, surgery and the decisions that accompany aging.
We believe good veterinary medicine begins with listening. Our recommendations are guided by your pet’s history, examination findings, medical needs and lifestyle.
Independent, Locally Owned Care
Desert Forest Animal Hospital remains independently owned. Medical decisions are made by the veterinary professionals responsible for evaluating your individual pet.
A Fear Free Certified Veterinarian
Quinn Bauer, DVM, is individually Fear Free Certified. She uses behavior-aware handling techniques intended to reduce fear, anxiety and stress whenever medically appropriate.
Diagnostic Resources When Needed
The hospital offers in-house blood work, digital X-rays and access to additional diagnostic testing based on the patient’s medical needs.
Care Across Life Stages
We care for new puppies and kittens, healthy adults and senior pets with changing medical needs.
Our Owner and Medical Director, Bryan Hayter, DVM, is a graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and provides medical leadership for the hospital.
Learn about Desert Forest Animal Hospital and our veterinary team →
Know What to Expect
What Happens at Your Pet’s First Veterinary Appointment?
Your first visit helps us understand your pet’s medical history, current health, individual needs and your concerns as an owner.
We Begin With Your Pet’s Story
Tell us about your pet’s previous diagnoses, diet, medications, allergies, surgeries, vaccination history, behavior and lifestyle.
Your veterinarian performs an examination and discusses the findings. Depending on the reason for the visit, recommendations may include preventive care, vaccination, parasite control, dentistry, laboratory testing, treatment or monitoring.
We aim to explain what each recommendation is intended to accomplish and whether there are reasonable alternatives.
Not every pet needs every available test or treatment.
Common Topics During a First Visit
- Physical examination findings
- Previous medical history
- Current medications and supplements
- Vaccination records and future needs
- Parasite prevention
- Weight and nutrition
- Teeth and oral health
- Skin, ears and coat
- Mobility and joint comfort
- Behavior and handling preferences
- Medical testing when indicated
- Questions about future care
An initial appointment for an urgent illness may focus first on the immediate problem rather than a complete preventive-care review.
First Appointment Checklist
What Should I Bring to My First Veterinary Visit?
You do not need to assemble every document perfectly, but the following information can help us make better-informed recommendations.
Helpful Things to Bring
- Previous veterinary records
- Vaccination history
- Recent laboratory results
- Imaging reports, if available
- Current medication names and doses
- Supplements and preventive products
- Food and treat information
- Previous allergies or reactions
- Pet insurance details, if applicable
- Videos of intermittent symptoms
- Behavioral triggers or handling concerns
- A written list of questions
A photo of a medication label or food package may be helpful when you do not know the exact product name.
Transporting Your Pet Safely
Bring dogs on a secure leash or harness. Cats should arrive inside secure carriers.
If your pet is very anxious during car travel or previously struggled at the veterinarian, please tell our team before the appointment.
Changing Veterinarians
How to Transfer Your Pet’s Records to a New Veterinarian
If you are transferring from another veterinary practice, your pet’s previous medical records are valuable.
They can help us understand diagnoses and treatment decisions, compare previous results and reduce unnecessary duplication of testing.
Records That Are Especially Useful
- Most recent examination notes
- Vaccination dates and certificates
- Prior blood and urine tests
- Radiology and ultrasound reports
- Chronic medical diagnoses
- Current prescription medications
- Previous surgical and dental records
- Medication or vaccine reactions
What If I Don’t Have the Records?
Contact the previous veterinary hospital and ask how the records may be transferred. Our team can explain the preferred process when you call to schedule.
If your pet’s medical history is incomplete, you can still establish care. We will review what is available and discuss any important unanswered questions.
Newly Adopted Pets
If you recently adopted a dog or cat, bring any shelter, rescue, breeder or previous owner records.
We can review the documented vaccine history, discuss parasite screening, evaluate your new pet’s overall health and develop a plan based on age and medical needs.
Comprehensive Dog and Cat Care
Veterinary Services Available to New Clients
We want your veterinarian to understand your pet over time, not simply respond to one isolated medical concern.
Wellness & Preventive Care
Physical exams, health screening, risk assessment, nutrition discussions and long-term preventive planning.
Puppy & Kitten Care
First-year examinations, vaccination planning, parasite prevention, development and reproductive-health decisions.
Individualized Vaccinations
Vaccine plans based on species, age, previous records, lifestyle, travel and realistic exposure risk.
Dental Care
Oral evaluation, professional dental procedures, dental X-rays and treatment for painful or diseased teeth.
Diagnostics & Blood Work
In-house blood testing, digital imaging and additional diagnostic evaluation when medically indicated.
Skin, Ear & Allergy Care
Assessment of itching, paw licking, ear inflammation, recurrent infection and hair loss.
Senior Pet Care
Monitoring age-related changes, chronic disease, mobility, nutrition, dental health and quality of life.
Surgery & Anesthesia
Routine and selected soft-tissue procedures with individualized surgical assessment, anesthesia planning and aftercare.
Pet Microchipping
Permanent identification to support reunion if a dog or cat becomes lost. Registration information should remain current.
View all veterinary services at Desert Forest Animal Hospital →
Nervous Pets Are Welcome
Have a Dog or Cat That Is Afraid of the Veterinarian?
Some pets find veterinary visits difficult because of unfamiliar sounds, smells, animals, handling or previous uncomfortable experiences.
A pet who hides, trembles, hisses, growls or freezes may be expressing fear or discomfort.
Quinn Bauer, DVM, is an individually Fear Free Certified veterinary professional. Her approach includes consideration of the patient’s body language, prior experiences and medical needs.
When appropriate, preparation may include positive reinforcement, modified handling, acclimation time or veterinarian-prescribed medication before a visit.
Please Tell Us Before the Appointment
If your pet has attempted to bite, escaped from an examination or previously required substantial restraint, advance notice helps our team consider an appropriate plan.
Dr. Bauer’s individual Fear Free certification is distinct from certification of the entire hospital as a Fear Free Practice.
Important Information for Arizona Pet Owners
Just Moved to Cave Creek or the Sonoran Desert?
New residents may not be familiar with the environmental risks associated with desert living.
Dogs and cats in Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Mountain and surrounding communities may encounter hazards that were uncommon in their previous homes.
Valley Fever
Valley Fever is caused by the soil-dwelling fungus Coccidioides. Dogs may develop coughing, lethargy, weight loss, fever or musculoskeletal signs.
Rattlesnake Exposure
Desert hiking, open washes, wildlife habitats and residential landscapes can create opportunities for rattlesnake encounters.
A suspected bite requires immediate veterinary attention.
Extreme Heat & Wildlife
High temperatures, hot pavement, cactus injuries, coyotes, scorpions and other desert hazards may affect outdoor pets.
Tell Us Where Your Pet Has Lived
Geographic history can influence recommendations about vaccination, parasite prevention, diagnostic testing and infectious diseases.
Tell our veterinarians whether your pet recently moved to Arizona, spends part of the year in another state, hikes desert trails or lives near open desert.
For independent information, the CDC’s Valley Fever overview explains the environmental source of this disease.
New Patients With Urgent Concerns
Can a New Client Get a Same-Day Urgent Veterinary Visit?
Yes, when availability and medical circumstances allow.
Desert Forest Animal Hospital offers same-day urgent veterinary evaluation during regular business hours for many stable sick or injured dogs and cats.
Concerns may include vomiting, diarrhea, wounds, eye or ear pain, sudden limping, urinary symptoms and other unexpected changes in health.
Call (480) 488-2010 before arriving. Same-day availability cannot be guaranteed.
When Your Pet Needs Emergency Care
Severe difficulty breathing, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, major trauma, repeated seizures, complete inability to urinate, suspected serious poisoning or other life-threatening conditions require immediate veterinary attention.
Desert Forest Animal Hospital is not a 24-hour emergency hospital and does not provide overnight intensive-care monitoring.
Certain critically ill or injured pets need immediate care at an emergency or specialty hospital.
Welcoming North Valley Families
A Veterinarian for Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Mountain and Dove Valley Ranch
Our hospital is located at 6554 E Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331.
We welcome pet owners from Cave Creek, Carefree, Desert Mountain, Tatum Ranch, Dove Valley Ranch, Terravita, Desert Hills, Anthem and North Scottsdale.
Families who recently moved to these communities, adopted a new pet, or want a different long-term veterinary relationship are welcome to schedule an initial examination.
We operate one hospital in Cave Creek. Our service-area descriptions identify communities whose residents we welcome; they do not imply separate clinic locations.
Learn more about veterinary care near Carefree and veterinary services for Desert Mountain and North Scottsdale.
Questions From New Pet Owners
New Veterinary Client FAQs
Is Desert Forest Animal Hospital accepting new clients?
Yes. We welcome new dog and cat patients. Call (480) 488-2010 or request an appointment through our website.
How do I make my pet’s first appointment?
Call our hospital or use the online appointment request. Tell us your pet’s species, age and reason for visiting. Scheduling availability depends on current appointment capacity.
Should I transfer records from my previous veterinarian?
Yes, when possible. Prior examination notes, vaccination history, laboratory tests, imaging results, medications and major diagnoses can help guide care. Call us to discuss the preferred transfer process.
Can my pet be seen if I do not have medical records?
Yes. We can begin with a current examination and review the medical history available. We will explain any information or testing that may be important.
Do you see newly adopted rescue dogs and cats?
Yes. Bring any available adoption, shelter, rescue or breeder records. Our veterinarians can evaluate current health and discuss appropriate preventive care.
Do you provide veterinary care for rabbits or exotic pets?
No. Desert Forest Animal Hospital currently focuses on veterinary care for dogs and cats.
Can I schedule with Dr. Quinn Bauer?
Call our hospital and ask about Dr. Bauer’s current appointment availability. Please mention any previous fear or handling concerns when scheduling.
Is the hospital Fear Free Certified?
Dr. Quinn Bauer is an individually Fear Free Certified veterinarian. That credential is different from certification of an entire practice.
Can new patients receive urgent veterinary care?
Yes, when medically appropriate and appointment capacity allows. Call before arriving with an urgent concern. We are not a 24-hour emergency hospital.
What are your regular hours?
Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Saturday and Sunday are closed. Confirm holiday or exceptional scheduling by phone.
Do you accept pet insurance or offer payment options?
Pet owners can discuss available payment arrangements and how pet insurance may apply to veterinary expenses. Ask our team about current options.
Where is Desert Forest Animal Hospital?
We are located at 6554 E Cave Creek Road, Cave Creek, AZ 85331. We welcome clients from Carefree, Desert Mountain, Dove Valley Ranch, Tatum Ranch, Terravita, Anthem, Desert Hills and North Scottsdale.
Helpful Next Steps
Resources for New Pet Owners
Trusted Veterinary Education
Independent Pet Health Resources
Our approach to preventive veterinary medicine emphasizes regular examinations, individualized risk assessment, clear communication and appropriate diagnostic testing.
We Look Forward to Meeting You
Ready to Become a New Client?
Whether you are new to Cave Creek, recently adopted a pet, or are looking for a new primary-care veterinary hospital, our team welcomes the opportunity to get to know your dog or cat.
Let us know what matters most to you and what your pet needs from veterinary care.
Desert Forest Animal Hospital
6554 E Cave Creek Road
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Monday–Friday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday: Closed
Medical & Practice Review
Previous medical and practice reviewer: Bryan Hayter, DVM, Owner and Medical Director, Desert Forest Animal Hospital.
Dr. Hayter graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. He provides medical and practice leadership for Desert Forest Animal Hospital.
Fear Free clinical content: Describes the approach and individual professional certification of Quinn Bauer, DVM. Dr. Bauer reviewed the prior version’s Fear Free content.
Last completed review: August 2026.
Editorial revision: October 22, 2026. This expanded revision awaits veterinary review and approval.
The updated article expands new-client appointment guidance, medical-record transfer information, preventive care, local pet safety, Fear Free preparation and access to veterinary services in Cave Creek.
This page provides general information about hospital services. Recommendations are individualized following appropriate veterinary assessment. For a potentially life-threatening emergency, seek immediate veterinary care.