Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call at (804)562-2028.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   
   Our hospital is open Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturdays we are open from 8::30 am until 12:30 pm. The clinic is closed on Sunday.
   
   
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment. However, if you have an emergency or urgent situation, please let us know and we will do all we can to accommodate your pets needs.
   
   
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
   
   Cash, Check, Mastercard and Visa, and Care Credit.
   
   
4. Can I make payments?
   
   Payment is required at the time of service.
   
   
5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   
   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
   
   
6. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
   
   This is a blood test that is run here in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery
   
   
7. How long do the sutures/skin staples stay in after my pet's surgery?
   
   Procedures involving sutures or skin staples require them to be removed in 12-14 days following the surgery.
   
   
8. Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?
   
   No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate cancer later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
   
   
9. Do you board pets?
   
   Yes, we do boarding for our clients. We have boarding space for both dogs and cats. We also can board birds and other small animals, but you will be required to bring your own cage and food for your pet.
   
   
10. What are your kennels like?
    
    Our dog kennels are all indoor. The dogs are walked 3-4 times daily while they are boarding. The cat boarders are housed in cat condominiums in a separate room away from the dogs. Blankets and food are provided for our boarders, but you are always welcome to bring your own.
    
    
11. What's the deal with the annual heartworm test?
    
    The American Heartworm Society has a good read on this issue. This one sentence alone makes the case for testing being in the best interest of the pet AND the owner:
    
    "Annual testing is an integral part of ensuring that prophylaxis is achieved and maintained, and should an infection be diagnosed, more timely treatment can be provided to minimize  pathology."  
    
    http://www.heartwormsociety.org/veterinary-resources/canine-guidelines.html#5 has loads of info on this issue, including how important the newer tests are in diagnosing heartworms as the consistent use of the preventative makes testing based on direct slide evaluation defunct.