Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare for my pet's annual appointment?
An annual exam maintains a good standard of care for your pet and helps ensure optimal health. Our comprehensive physical exam includes examination of your pet's eyes, ears, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and teeth. Together, we work with you to design a healthcare plan specific to your pet's needs. This may include recommendations for heartworm prevention, flea control, tips on increasing your pet's activity, or nutritional counseling. These preventative measures help detect any underlying issues, but we also rely on you to bring any notes you have taken about your pet's ongoing health and behavior. You might also like to ask for a demonstration on how to brush your pet's teeth at home, clean their ears, or administer medications. Please bring any questions with you to your appointment so the doctor can go thoroughly go over any concerns you might have.
What is the process for having my pet spayed or neutered?
Spaying for female pets and neutering for male pets are typically performed once they reach six months of age or older. Before the procedure, your pet will receive an examination to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery. Current vaccinations are required at the time of the appointment, and we recommend a pre‑anesthetic blood screen prior to anesthesia. After surgery, our team works closely with you to manage any pain or discomfort your pet may experience.
How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?
Most routine surgical procedures done at our hospital will not require suture removal. Depending on the surgical procedure, suture or staple removal is required approximately 14 days after the surgery. We will go over post-surgical care instructions with you at the time you pick up your pet.
How often does my pet need to have their teeth cleaned? Is there anything I should be doing at home?
We will examine your pet's teeth during their annual exam to determine the best course of action to maintain your pet's dental health. Just like people, individual pets develop tartar and dental disease at different rates. Many large dogs can go for one to three years without a cleaning. However, most smaller breeds need a professional cleaning more frequently. Most cats don't require dental cleaning until three years of age unless they develop root resorptive lesions that shorten the life of the tooth. However, by brushing your pet’s teeth at home, using dental treats, prescription dental diets, or water additives, you can minimize the frequency at which your pet's teeth need to be professionally cleaned.
Can my pet catch a cold or flu?
Your pet can easily develop an upper respiratory infection from being exposed to a virus, or experience digestive disruptions. Coughing, sneezing, vomiting and/or diarrhea can all be debilitating for your pet. If you've noticed any of these symptoms, we urge your to schedule an urgent care appointment for a thorough exam and treatment so your pet is feeling back to normal as soon as possible.
How often do you recommend performing blood work on my pets?
In addition to having an annual physical exam for your pet, we also recommend performing a yearly blood test to check your pet's liver and kidney function, and the levels of blood sugar and blood protein to help detect any underlying problems. We simply collect blood at the same time we collect blood to perform your pet's annual heartworm test. Additional bloodwork may be recommended for senior pets ages eight and up.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment in full is required at the time of service. We accept major credit and debit cards, cash, and checks, and we partner with CareCredit, All Pet Card, and Scratch Pay to help you manage your pet’s medical expenses.
What is your cancellation policy?
We appreciate notice of cancellation. Please be sure to contact us if you will not be able to make your scheduled appointment.
Do you allow urgent or same day appointments?
Yes, we allow same-day walk-ins for emergency or urgent care visits. Please call to schedule an urgent care visit, or in case of critical emergency, simply call us on your way so we can be prepared for your arrival.
How do I choose a veterinarian?
When choosing your pet's healthcare provider, be sure to select a trustworthy, experienced, and knowledgeable animal doctor that makes you both and your pet feel comfortable and safe. It is also important to find a supportive, calm, and compassionate environment that both you and your pet are comfortable with. Choosing an animal hospital that has an array of additional in-house services can lessen any stress your pet might experience by the convenience of having those services available all in one place.
We strive to exceed your expectations regarding elevated quality service for you and your pet. We are committed to consistently providing quality pet healthcare, consisting of client education, compassion and respect. Be confident in knowing your pet is in good hands as we work closely with you to provide the best professional veterinary care available.
