Bucyrus Veterinary Services
Legal Policies & Patient Communications
Privacy Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2025 | Last Updated: April 2025
Bucyrus Veterinary Services (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy of our clients and their animal companions. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your personal information when you visit our clinic or use our services.
Your trust matters. We will never sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
1. Information We Collect
We collect information you provide directly to us, including:
- Personal identifiers: Name, mailing address, email address, phone number
- Pet information: Pet name, species, breed, age, weight, and medical history
- Billing information: Payment card details, insurance information
- Communications: Records of your inquiries, appointment requests, and correspondence with our staff
- Website usage data: IP address, browser type, pages visited (collected via cookies)
2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect to:
- Schedule and manage veterinary appointments
- Provide medical care and maintain accurate pet health records
- Process billing and insurance claims
- Send appointment reminders, vaccination alerts, and follow-up care instructions
- Communicate important health or safety notices via phone, email, or SMS (with your consent)
- Improve our services and website experience
- Comply with applicable laws and professional regulations
3. Sharing of Information
We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:
- Referral providers: Veterinary specialists or emergency clinics involved in your pet’s care
- Service providers: Third-party vendors who assist us with scheduling software, payment processing, or communication tools — all bound by confidentiality agreements
- Legal compliance: When required by law, court order, or to protect the rights and safety of our staff or clients
- Business transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your information may be transferred with written notice to you
4. Data Retention
We retain your personal information and your pet’s medical records for a minimum of seven (7) years in accordance with state veterinary practice regulations, or longer if required by law.
5. Your Rights & Choices
You have the right to:
- Access and review the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate information
- Request deletion of your information, subject to legal retention obligations
- Opt out of marketing communications at any time
- Opt out of SMS messages at any time (see our SMS Policy)
To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the information at the bottom of this page.
6. Security
We implement industry-standard administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. Cookies
Our website may use cookies to enhance your browsing experience and analyze site traffic. You may disable cookies through your browser settings; however, doing so may limit certain website features.
8. Children’s Privacy
Our services are directed to adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 13 years of age. If you believe we have inadvertently collected such information, please contact us immediately.
9. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes by posting the revised policy on our website with an updated effective date. Continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.
Privacy Questions?
Bucyrus Veterinary Services
222 W. Mary St. Bucyrus, OH 44820
Terms of Service
Effective Date: January 1, 2025 | Last Updated: April 2025
These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your use of the services provided by Bucyrus Veterinary Services. By scheduling an appointment, visiting our clinic, or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. Veterinary Services
Bucyrus Veterinary Services provides general veterinary care, wellness examinations, vaccinations, diagnostic services, and minor surgical procedures. We reserve the right to refer complex cases to specialist facilities when it is in the best interest of the patient.
Veterinary recommendations are made solely on the basis of professional medical judgment. We do not guarantee specific treatment outcomes.
2. Appointments & Cancellations
- Appointments are required for all non-emergency services.
- Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice for cancellations to avoid a late-cancellation fee.
- Clients who miss three (3) or more appointments without notice may be required to prepay for future visits.
- True veterinary emergencies are seen on a triage basis regardless of scheduling.
3. Payment Terms
Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, major credit/debit cards, and approved pet insurance. For clients using third-party financing, approval must be confirmed prior to services being rendered.
Returned checks are subject to a $35 processing fee. Accounts overdue by more than 60 days may be referred to a collections agency.
4. Pet Owner Responsibilities
As the owner or authorized agent of an animal receiving care, you agree to:
- Provide accurate and complete medical history for your pet
- Ensure your pet is properly restrained or leashed upon arrival
- Disclose known aggressive behavior so our staff can take appropriate precautions
- Authorize emergency treatment if you cannot be reached and your pet’s life is at risk
- Assume financial responsibility for all services rendered to your pet
5. Informed Consent
All procedures beyond a routine wellness exam require your informed written consent. Our veterinarians will explain proposed treatments, associated risks, and estimated costs before proceeding. In genuine life-threatening emergencies where you are unreachable, we will act in the best interest of the animal and notify you as soon as possible.
6. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, Bucyrus Veterinary Services’s liability for any claim arising from services provided shall not exceed the total amount paid for those services. We are not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages.
Note: Nothing in these Terms limits liability for gross negligence, fraud, or claims that cannot be limited by law.
7. Medical Records
Bucyrus Veterinary Services maintains ownership of all original medical records. You are entitled to receive a copy of your pet’s records upon written request. A nominal administrative fee may apply for reproduction and transfer.
8. Website Use
Our website is provided for informational purposes only. Content on the website does not constitute veterinary advice and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. You may not use the site for any unlawful purpose or attempt to gain unauthorized access to any portion of our systems.
9. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the state in which our clinic is located, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any disputes shall be resolved in the courts of that jurisdiction.
10. Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to update these Terms at any time. Continued use of our services following notification of changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated Terms.
Questions about our Terms?
Bucyrus Veterinary Services
222 W. Mary St. Bucyrus, OH 44820
SMS Communication Policy
Effective Date: January 1, 2025 | Last Updated: April 2025
Bucyrus Veterinary Services offers SMS (text message) communications to provide timely appointment reminders, health alerts, and care updates for your pets. This policy describes how we use SMS messaging and your rights regarding these communications.
Message & Data Rates May Apply. Please check with your mobile carrier regarding any applicable charges for receiving text messages.
1. Types of SMS Messages We Send
🗓 Appointment Reminders
We send text reminders 48 hours and 2 hours before your scheduled appointment. These messages include the date, time, and location of your visit.
💉 Vaccination & Wellness Alerts
We notify you when your pet is due for scheduled vaccinations, parasite prevention refills, or annual wellness exams.
🔬 Test Results & Follow-Up
When diagnostic results are available, we may send a brief notification asking you to call us or check your patient portal. We will never transmit sensitive medical details via SMS.
🏥 Urgent Clinic Notices
In rare circumstances (e.g., clinic closures, emergency service changes), we may send informational notices to active clients.
2. How to Opt In
You may consent to receive SMS messages from us by:
- Checking the SMS opt-in box on your new client intake form
- Providing your mobile number and verbal consent at check-in
- Texting JOIN to 419-562-2224
By opting in, you confirm that you are the account holder or authorized user of the mobile number provided, and you consent to receive text messages from Bucyrus Veterinary Services at that number.
3. How to Opt Out (STOP)
You may opt out of SMS messages at any time by:
- Replying STOP to any text message you receive from us
- Calling our front desk at 419-562-2224
- Updating your preferences in your online client account
- Sending a written request to our clinic address
After opting out: You will receive one final confirmation message. No further SMS messages will be sent except as required by law. Opting out of SMS does not affect your ability to receive emails or phone calls from our clinic.
4. Help
At any time, you may reply HELP to any of our messages to receive instructions on how to manage your communication preferences, or contact us directly at 419-562-2224.
5. Message Frequency
Message frequency varies based on your appointment schedule and your pet’s care needs. On average, clients receive between 2–6 messages per month. You will never receive unsolicited promotional SMS messages.
6. Privacy & Data Use
Your mobile phone number is used solely for the purposes described in this policy. We will never sell, share, or rent your phone number to third parties for marketing purposes. For full details, please review our Privacy Policy.
7. Supported Carriers
Our SMS service is compatible with all major U.S. carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and regional carriers. Carrier support may vary. We are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages due to carrier issues.
8. No Mobile Information Sharing
Mobile opt-in data and consent will not be shared with any third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. This information is used exclusively to deliver the communications described in this policy.
SMS Support
Bucyrus Veterinary Services
222 W. Mary St. Bucyrus, OH 44820
