About Unity
was founded by experienced veterinarians and animal lovers in search of a new way to provide excellent veterinary care to animals in the greater Philadelphia area. It is our passion to make care accessible to all animals, whether or not they have owners, and whether or not those owners are able to afford the cost of traditional veterinary care. In addition to medicine, we are committed to teaching, not only clients but also students and one another. We feel it is vitally important to create a work environment where employees, clients, and the environment are treated with respect.
To achieve these goals, we created Unity: a non-traditional veterinary practice whose emphasis on fairness enhances the level of care provided to all types of animals.
The Unity Story
The Unity Model
The veterinary profession is currently facing several challenges.
Unity Animal Hospital is committed to addressing these challenges and has created a unique business structure that will enable us to do so. Below are the challenges we face and Unity’s proposed solutions below:
The cost of veterinary care is rising, and it is becoming increasingly difficult for the average family to afford.
Unity’s Solution:
We encourage clients to become members of the hospital, which allows them to pay for all well-care in small, monthly installments. When emergency or sick care is required, it is provided at a reasonable cost. This helps ensure that pets receive all necessary preventative care, and it also makes paying for emergency and sick care less of a financial burden. We are also happy to provide care for clients who choose not to be members of the hospital.
Millions of animals enter shelters every year, and most of them are euthanized due to lack of resources. Many of these animals are family pets that were surrendered for financial reasons.
Unity’s Solution:
We provide the same high-quality, comprehensive care to rescue and shelter animals that we provide to client-owned pets. We donate a portion of our profits to our rescue clients to fund care for their animals, keeping the cost of their veterinary care as low as possible. Additionally, our Pet Retention Fund helps fund emergency treatment for animals whose owners would otherwise have to surrender them to shelters.
Today’s veterinary students graduate with little exposure to primary care and little hands-on experience with general veterinary medicine. Clients often find that appointments are rushed and instructions from their veterinarian aren’t clear.
Unity’s Solution:
We are committed to educating the whole pet care team: clients, staff, and students. A well-informed team makes for healthier animals. Additionally, we have an externship program for pre-vet and vet students to provide experience in general practice and shelter medicine.
The role of companion animals in our society has never been more prominent, yet veterinarians have little formal training in promoting and encouraging these relationships.
Unity’s Solution:
We have significant experience managing many of the behavior and medical problems that can strain the loving relationship between pets and their human companions. We take the time to develop a plan that meets the needs of each individual patient and client. We also have relationships with trainers and behaviorists and can make referrals for pets who need a more comprehensive plan than we are able to provide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does Membership Work?
To become a member of Unity Animal Hospital, each family pays a one-time membership initiation fee and an annual fee for each animal (payable in monthly installments). In exchange for membership fees, members’ animals will receive all routine well care. For more details, please visit our Membership page.
Do I have to be a member to receive veterinary care from Unity?
No. We are happy to serve clients who choose not to be members. However, members do receive services at lower prices than non-members.
Do I have to pay the initial membership fee for each animal?
No. The membership initiation fee is a one-time, per-household fee.
What do I get in exchange for my membership dues?
All necessary, core well-care is provided in exchange for membership dues. For more details, please see our Membership page.
If I use your hospital as a non-member and then decide that I want to become a member, can I apply previous appointment fees to my membership?
Yes. We don’t want to rush or pressure anyone into membership, so you are welcome to try out our hospital as a non-member and then convert to a member if you’d like. If you choose to become a member within a week of your visit as a non-member, the fees from your appointment will be adjusted to reflect member rates, and any credit will be applied to your account.
How can I help animals in need?
There are many different ways to help animals in need. If you’re looking for a new pet, there are many local rescues working to place wonderful animals in homes. Additionally, these local rescues are often in need of volunteers to work with the animals, and they often collect donations such as newspaper and towels. If you’re looking to provide financial help, we have a fund that helps animals in need. Our Rescue and Pet Retention Fund is used to finance care for rescue animals as well as client-owned animals experiencing unforeseen but treatable illnesses.
If I donate to your Pet Retention Fund, can I find out which animals were helped?
We regularly post pictures and stories of animals benefited by our funds to our website and Facebook page. Unfortunately, it is not possible for us to track which animal is benefited by each individual donation.
Is my donation to your Pet Retention Fund tax deductible?
No. Unfortunately, because our funds are not maintained by a nonprofit organization, donations are not tax deductible.
Do you accept pet insurance?
Almost all pet insurance plans are structured such that clients pay for veterinary care and are later reimbursed by the insurance company. We are always happy to sign any forms that require a veterinarian’s signature or description of treatments, but we do not take payment directly from insurance companies.
If my animal gets sick while your office is closed, what should I do?
We recommend visiting one of the emergency centers listed on our Emergency page.