We accept cash, credit card, All Pet Card, and Care Credit.
WHAT TYPE OF ANIMALS DO YOU TREAT?
We treat dogs, cats, small mammals (rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs, hedgehogs, and so on), birds (including chickens and ducks), and reptiles (snakes, lizards, turtles, and so on). If you have a different kind of pet, just call and ask – we’ve even treated kangaroos!
HOW MUCH DOES A SPAY/NEUTER COST?
A spay (ovariohysterectomy) or neuter is as invasive and potentially serious for an animal as it is for a human. This procedure is not something that is the same for every pet. Factors include the pet’s age and weight at time of surgery, as well as other health conditions of the pet. For these reasons, we must examine the pet before providing a treatment plan with estimated cost. If you are calling around for quotes, please keep in mind that our protocols provide the best medical care for your pet. We recommend pre-anesthetic blood testing to be sure your pet can handle the procedure. We include medication to calm the pet and ease her into anesthesia; patient monitoring of blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature, carbon dioxide, EKG, and respiration during the entire procedure; pain medication before and after the procedure; a heated surgical table to maintain the pet’s temperature; antibiotics; cold laser therapy to promote healing at the incision site; and an overnight stay so we can continue monitoring and administration of pain medication.
WHEN SHOULD I SPAY/NEUTER MY PET?
We recommend spaying and neutering puppies and kittens at six months of age. Research shows there are proven medical benefits to spaying and neutering at this age including reduced incidence of some types of cancer and infection. There has been some discussion about waiting until pets are more mature for a variety of reasons, but at this time there are no definitive scientific studies demonstrating a medical benefit to waiting longer for these procedures.
DO YOU ISSUE HEALTH CERTIFICATES FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL?
Every country has its own rules and guidelines for accepting animals. We will refer you to an expert in our area so you have the most up-to-date guidance.
HOW MUCH IS AN ANNUAL VISIT?
First of all, once a pet reaches 3 years of age, it is best for the “annual” visit to happen every 6 months. At this point the pet is equivalent in age to 20-26 human years, so visiting once every calendar year is like a human going 6 or 7 years between doctor visits. That’s why we prefer to call these “wellness visits.” We can’t put a cost on a wellness visit, however, because a wellness visit for one pet may be very different from that of another pet. Our doctors and technicians will discuss your and your pet’s lifestyles to determine which vaccines and blood tests are appropriate. We will also ensure your pet receives parasite prevention that best fits your lifestyles.
DO YOU SEND PRESCRIPTIONS TO OUTSIDE PHARMACIES?
We have a fully-stocked pharmacy and are able to send most medications home with your pet when discharged. We also have an online pharmacy if you prefer to receive medications by mail. Otherwise, we can provide you with a written prescription that you can take to the pharmacy of your choosing. We do not recommend other pharmacies because human pharmacies sometimes misinterpret our notations, thinking that the strength or dose should be like a human’s instead of an animal’s; and many online pharmacies don’t get their products directly from the manufacturer or don’t guarantee that it was stored in proper conditions throughout its life. In fact, manufacturers frequently won’t guarantee product that was purchased through an online pharmacy. Keep in mind that many of our preventative manufacturers provide rebates for us to offer when you purchase through us. We do charge a fee for these prescriptions, to account for staff time in determining the appropriate prescription and documenting it in your pet’s record.
HOW DO I MAKE A GROOMING APPOINTMENT?
Because we have pets visit us from all over, we need to know their health status to protect everyone. We require rabies, distemper/parvo, canine influenza, and Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccinations to be up to date before a pet can be groomed in our facility. Pets must also be on a parasite preventative. Once those conditions are met, you can simply call our main number to schedule your pet’s grooming appointment.
WHEN WILL MY NEW PUPPY/KITTEN NEED TO BE VACCINATED?
Pets should start vaccinations at 6 weeks of age. They will need to return at 9, 12, and 16 weeks of age for boosters. This may vary somewhat depending on your and your pet’s lifestyles. We also follow CDC guidelines for deworming pets to prevent transmission of parasites to the humans in your family. We also believe that heartworm preventative should be started at 6 weeks of age, whether the pet is a puppy or kitten. As important as the vaccines themselves is the social interaction your pet receives while at our clinic. We work hard to establish a comfortable environment and relationship with your pet so they learn that the vet’s office isn’t a scary place.
WHAT DAYS DO YOU PERFORM SURGERY?
At this time, surgeries are performed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
MY PET IS HAVING SURGERY TOMORROW. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
We will have already made sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and will have performed a full physical to be sure your pet can handle the surgery. Your pet should be fasting for at least 8 hours before your check-in appointment. The pet should not have water after midnight. A responsible adult over the age of 18 must bring the pet for check-in. Once the procedure is completed, a technician will call you to let you know your pet’s status. Some procedures are day surgeries, while others require an overnight stay so we can continue to monitor the pet’s recovery. We will send you detailed instructions to ensure your pet has the safest experience. We also offer check-in the afternoon before the surgery at no additional cost. Your pet will stay overnight with us and be ready for surgery in the morning without you having to worry about proper feeding and watering.
DO YOU BOARD PETS?
We do not have facilities for general boarding, but we may board pets who have medical conditions requiring frequent treatment or medication.