Bringing your pet in for a cancer consultation is a big step, and we want you to feel supported from the moment you walk through our door. Most first appointments last about 60 to 90 minutes, treatment can start that same day if you’re ready, and you may be overwhelmed by how quickly you’re able to make decisions.
A new diagnosis usually comes with a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. This visit is your chance to slow down, get real answers, and talk through what’s next with a specialist who has spent her career focused on cancer care in pets. At Veterinary Cancer Care, Dr. Jeannette M. Kelly takes the time to go through your pet’s history, answer every question you have, and build a treatment plan around your pet and your family. Our hope is that you leave feeling informed and supported, no matter what you decide.
Call 505-982-4492 or email info@vetcancercare.com to schedule a consultation. No referral is required.
Meet Dr. Kelly
A veterinary oncology consultation gives you access to care that goes a step beyond what a general practice veterinarian may have to offer. Your family veterinarian is an important partner in your pet’s care, and a board-certified veterinary oncologist has also completed years of additional training focused specifically on cancer. Board certification means years of extra study, hands-on residency training, and a series of specialty exams through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Dr. Jeannette Kelly earned her veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1994, completed her oncology residency at the University of Pennsylvania and the Veterinary Oncology Services and Research Center in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and became board-certified in 2009. She opened Veterinary Cancer Care in 2004 and has spent the years since caring for pets with cancer, and the families who love them, right here in Santa Fe.
Every treatment plan we build is personal. Dr. Kelly combines proven cancer treatments with thoughtfully chosen integrative therapies when they make sense, always with your pet’s comfort and quality of life in mind.
Getting Ready for Your Visit
A little preparation goes a long way. Bringing the right information helps us spend your appointment time on your pet’s diagnosis and care, rather than tracking down paperwork. Here’s the information we’ll request before your visit:
- Medical records from your regular vet, including lab results, imaging, biopsy or pathology reports, and notes on any previous treatment.
- A current list of medications, supplements, and any special diet, with dosages if you have them. Some supplements can interact with cancer treatments, so it helps us to see the full picture.
- Any questions or concerns written down ahead of time. It’s easy to forget things in the moment, so a written list can help. If you’d like, you can even email these questions before your appointment.
- A family member or friend, if you’d like the extra support. A second set of ears is always welcome, and they can help you remember the details afterward.
If your regular veterinarian already has your pet’s records, our team can usually request them for you before your visit. Filling out our new client form ahead of time helps things go smoothly at check-in, too.
Not sure if your pet should eat beforehand? Give us a call before your appointment. It depends on whether we may run additional tests that day.
What Happens During Your Appointment
Dr. Kelly reviews your pet’s records before you even walk into the exam room, so your appointment starts with a full picture of your pet’s history rather than from square one.
From there, she’ll get to know you and your pet with a thorough hands-on exam. Our open-concept clinic means you can stay with your pet through nearly every part of the visit, so you’re never separated from each other during the visit.
Once the exam is done, Dr. Kelly will walk you through what she’s found in plain, everyday language: what we know so far, whether more testing would help, and how the type and stage of cancer may shape the options ahead. She and her team welcome questions throughout, and she’ll make sure everything makes sense before any decisions need to be made.
Together, you’ll go over a treatment plan built specifically for your pet. Depending on the diagnosis, that might include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, supportive care, or integrative therapies aimed at keeping your pet comfortable. You’re welcome to look through our full range of oncology services before or after your visit.
Some families choose to start treatment that same day. Others prefer to take the plan home and talk it over first. Both are completely fine. Our team is here to explain, answer questions, and support whichever choice feels right for your family.
Understanding Your Pet’s Options
Your first visit is about helping you understand which paths might be right for your pet, not steering every patient toward the same plan. Because every diagnosis is different, Dr. Kelly builds each treatment plan around your pet’s specific cancer, overall health, lifestyle, and your family’s wishes.
Chemotherapy is a good fit for some pets. Veterinary dosing is designed with quality of life as the priority, and most pets keep up with their normal day-to-day routines during treatment. The most common side effects are stomach upset and mild lethargy, which can be managed with supplements and medications. Dr. Kelly will walk you through what to expect, what to watch for, and how your pet will be monitored along the way.
Depending on the diagnosis, immunotherapy or more detailed tumor testing may also be an option, and these can sometimes help identify a more targeted treatment approach.
We also take an integrative approach when it’s a good fit, using nutrition, herbal support, and other complementary therapies alongside standard care to help your pet feel as good as possible.
Some pets may qualify for a clinical trial. If one is a good match for your pet, Dr. Kelly will explain what’s involved so you can decide if it’s right for you.
We don’t offer radiation therapy on site. When it’s part of a recommended plan, we refer to trusted radiation oncology facilities and stay closely involved in coordinating that care.
Questions Worth Asking
It’s completely normal to feel like there’s a lot to take in during that first visit. Many families bring a written list of questions so they don’t have to rely on memory alone. Here are a few worth considering:
About the diagnosis
- What type of cancer does my pet have?
- Has it spread, or do we need more testing to know the stage?
- What does this diagnosis mean for my pet, day to day?
About treatment
- What treatment do you recommend, and why?
- What benefits and side effects should I expect?
- How often will we need to come in?
- Can we start today, or is it okay to take some time to decide?
About daily life
- How might treatment affect my pet’s appetite, energy, or routine?
- What should I watch for at home?
- How will you keep my regular vet in the loop?
- What’s the estimated cost, and what payment options are available?
There’s no such thing as a wrong question here. Our goal is simply for you to leave understanding the diagnosis, the options, and what comes next, so you can move forward with confidence. Our frequently asked questions page covers even more detail about appointments and treatment.
After Your Visit
If you start treatment that day, you’ll go home with clear instructions, anything your pet needs, what to watch for, and a plan for follow-up.
If you’d rather take some time to think it over, that’s completely fine too. You’ll leave with a written summary of Dr. Kelly’s recommendations to review with your family.
For families traveling in from Albuquerque, Taos, Las Cruces, and beyond, we work closely with your local veterinarian to coordinate care and cut down on travel while keeping everyone in the loop.
Our team is also available by phone from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, with weekend and holiday callbacks for our established patients.
Taking in a diagnosis like this takes time, and you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to answer questions and support your family every step of the way.
Call 505-982-4492 or schedule a consultation online. No referral is required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for my pet’s first oncology appointment?
Bring any medical records you have, including lab results, imaging, biopsy reports, and a current list of medications and supplements. Writing your questions down ahead of time helps you remember what matters most. If your regular vet already has your pet’s records, we can often request them before your visit, and you’re welcome to fill out our new client form ahead of time as well.
How long does a consultation take?
Most first visits run about 60 to 90 minutes. That gives us time to review your pet’s history, do a thorough exam, talk through the diagnosis, answer your questions, and put together a plan together. If we run additional tests or start treatment the same day, your visit may take a bit longer.
Can treatment start on the first visit, or do I have time to decide?
Both are completely fine. Some families are ready to start treatment right away, and others want time to think it over and talk it through at home. Dr. Kelly is here to help you understand your options, never to rush your decision.
Does my pet need a referral?
No, you’re welcome to schedule directly with us. Many families come to us on their own after receiving a diagnosis elsewhere. Throughout treatment, Dr. Kelly stays in close contact with your regular veterinarian so everyone stays informed.
What if I live far from Santa Fe?
We see families from all over New Mexico, West Texas, and Southern Colorado, and beyond. After your first in-person visit, we coordinate with your local veterinarian whenever we can to make ongoing care easier, and we stay just a phone call away between appointments