Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment?
We prefer that clients make appointments prior to visiting us, as walk-ins slow down the daily flow of business for everyone. However, walk-ins will not be turned away; clients with appointments will be seen first and emergencies will always receive first priority.
Can I make payments?
Payment in full, is required at the time of service. For emergency care, a 50% cash deposit is required prior to treatment.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, check (established clients only), and a convenient payment plan - Care Credit. In some Emergency Cases,we will require at least a 50% cash deposit and accept a local check for the balance with a deferred date to deposit . A Florida driver's license is required as well. Note: this payment option available only on a case by case basis.
What is Care Credit?
Care Credit is a personal line of credit for healthcare treatments for your pets. For more information visit Veterinary Care Credit.
How old should my pet be when spayed or neutered?
We recommend waiting till approximately 6 months of age to spay or neuter your pet. We also recommend that your pet be up to date on vaccinations at the time of surgery (these can be given at the time of surgery). Pre-anesthetic blood work is highly recommended prior to surgery. This allows us to check liver and kidney values along with blood sugar levels and hydration status. This also can be done the day of surgery.
Should I allow my pet to have at least one litter before spaying?
No. In fact, we highly recommend spaying your pet prior to having the first litter. Spaying prior to the first litter helps to prevent mammary, uterine and ovarian cancer, cystic ovaries, uterine infections and other diseases later in life.
Why should I neuter my pet?
Neutering your pet will help prevent testicular cancer, prostatic diseases, roaming behavior, spraying and marking, and aggression around female animals. Neutering your pet will also help prevent unwanted puppies and kittens.
What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
This is involves drawing a small sample of blood on the day of surgery to evaluate liver and kidney values, along with hydration status and blood sugar level. The tests are done in-house and will help assure the safety of your pet during anesthesia and after surgery.
When should the sutures be removed following surgery?
The majority of surgeries we perform require the sutures to be removed in 14 days time, free of charge. In some situations and for some surgeries, suture removal is not necessary, as certain types of sutures will be reabsorbed by the body. Ask us if your pet is a candidate for these absorbable sutures.
Can I give my pet over the counter medications?
In general, we do not recommend giving your pet any over the counter medications. Always ask your veterinarian before giving any human over the counter medication, as some common human drugs can cause severe liver or kidney damage, gastrointestinal upset or ulcers, seizures, and possibly death.
Why is it bad for my pets to get table scraps or eat people food?
Dogs and cats have very different nutritional requirements than people do. Most commercially prepared dog and cat foods are specifically balanced to match your pets nutritional needs. Feeding your pet table scraps and/or people food diets can lead to heart disease, bad breath with severe gingivitis and other dental problems, diabetes, pancreatitis (which can be fatal), obesity (as people foods are generally very high in fat), chronic indigestion with vomiting and/or diarrhea, and many other health issues. In addition, some people foods can be very toxic to pets, including (but not limited to) grapes, onions, avocados, macadamia nuts, and chewing gum.
How can I treat my pets obesity?
Unfortunately, obesity is very common in dogs and cats today, and treatment can be difficult and frustrating at times. However, reducing your pet's weight will help to prevent arthritis, self-grooming problems, urinary tract infections (females) and will often help to improve overall attitude. Treatment includes gradually reducing the amount of food your pet eats and potentially changing to a high fiber diet, while incorporating exercise into the daily routine. Ask us about our high quality Hill's Science Diet foods for dogs and cats. Note that some diseases (such as hypothyroidism and Cushing's) can cause your pet to gain weight despite how little they eat. If you are concerned, simple blood tests can be performed to screen for these diseases. Treatment for these diseases generally helps with weight loss.
Can my cat get heartworms?
Yes, cats can get heartworms. Even if your cat doesn't go outside, he or she can still contract heartworms. These parasites are transmitted by mosquitos, so if even one mosquito gets into your house, it could transmit heartworms to your cat. For more information on heartworms, visit our Pet Care Links page.
Why does my pet need a heartworm test if already on a heartworm preventative?
Although heartworm preventative medications are very effective, they are not always 100% guaranteed to prevent infection. Because of this, dogs need to have heartworm testing every year, even if your dog is on heartworm medication regularly. Heartworm disease is much easier and cheaper to prevent and treat if caught early, than to treat at a later stage. A heartworm test is also required prior to starting heartworm preventative.
