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 912-262-6851.
1. What are the Hospital hours?
Monday-Thursday: 7:30am – 5:30pm and Friday: 7:30 – 5:00 pm. We have an admit to the clinic service from 7:30am to 11:00am with pick-up service from 3:00pm to 5:30pm. The clinic is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
While appointments are preferred, we do see “work-in’s.” Please understand that our goal is to see our appointments as efficiently as possible, which, at times, will mean that those without appointments may have to wait a little longer to be seen. If at all possible it is best to make an appointment. Obviously if your pet needs emergency care it will take priority in our schedule. You can also admit your furry family member to the hospital for the day if that makes things easier for you. Leave your kid (pet) with us between 7:30AM and 11:00AM, and pick them up between 3:00PM and 5:30PM.
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and CareCredit
4. Can I make payments?
Payment in full is required at the time of service. We recommend CareCredit for those who need to take a little longer to pay. Our receptionists can help you with an application if you don’t already have a CareCredit card and you can be approved in as little as 10 minutes. CareCredit also has some extended “same as cash” terms that vary with the amount charged. Ask our receptionists for more details.
5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
Spaying or neutering is done around six months of age in most situations, before the first heat cycle in females, and before the hormone related behaviors start in males. However, in some large breed dogs spaying and neutering may be done later than six months of age. Your pet will be examined 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 performed 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. These blood tests are run at our Hospital to make sure your furry friend is healthy enough for surgery.
7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet’s surgery?
Many of our surgeries are closed with subcuticular sutures (sutures that are underneath the skin) and do not need to be removed. With procedures that do involve skin sutures we usually have you return in 10 days to have them removed. This will be discussed with you and a take home sheet with specific instructions will be given to you when you come to pick up your pet.
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 uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the likelihood of fighting with other animals, decreasing the incidence of prostate cancer later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreasing the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
