Payment for Equine Care

Payment policy

The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital requires full payment at the time of service for outpatient services rendered. Emergency and inpatient cases require deposits and payments as outlined below. We accept cash, checks, Mastercard, VISA and Discover.

Emergency cases

All equine emergency cases must pay a minimum $600 deposit.  

Hospital cases

All equine inpatient cases (animals staying overnight at least one night) are required to pay a deposit at the time the animal is admitted to the hospital. An estimate will be provided for the proposed course of treatment. For estimates up to $1,000, a deposit of $300 will be collected. Any estimate of $1,500 to $2,500 will require a deposit of $600, an estimate of $2,500 or more, such as colic, orthopedic or major medical procedures, will require a minimum $1,000 deposit. The required deposit may be higher based on past credit history.

Payment is due upon release of an inpatient from the hospital. Account balances less than $300 must be paid in full. For accounts over $300 at least half of the balance must be paid at the time of release. The remaining balance can be paid over a 90 day period upon completion and approval of our credit application. Interest of 1.5% per month (18% APR) is assessed on all accounts with balances over 30 days.

We understand that many times your horse is brought in and picked up by a trainer or transport. Payment must be sent with the transport driver or the trainer, or you may call in advance to provide your credit card number. We must have a deposit before your horse will be admitted. We must have payment for half the outstanding balance before your horse will be released. The remaining balance can be paid over a 90-day period upon completion and approval of our credit application. 

It is possible that some of the charges will not be posted to the hospital billing system at the time your animal is released from the hospital.  In such instances, you will be billed for the charges incurred during treatment of the animal but posted in the billing system after release.  Payment for these additional charges is due 30 days after billing.

Clients with poor credit histories will not be extended credit. All previous debts with the Veterinary Teaching Hospital must be paid in full before any new care is provided.

For billing questions, please contact the Equine Accounting Department at (614) 292-6661, extension 2.