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 (519)527-1760.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   
   Hospital hours are posted on the front door and do change somewhat seasonally.  Generally our hospital is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.  Tuesday and Thursday from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm. We also offer extended hours for appointments on Thursday evenings (weather permitting).  We are open every other Saturday from 9:00 am until 12:00 noon. The clinic is closed on Sunday.
   
   
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment.
   
   
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
   
   Cash, Debit (Interac), Mastercard and Visa.  We accept cheques from established clients with a good credit history only.
   
4. Can I make payments?
   
   Payment is required at the time of service.  If your budget requires you to spread the cost of your pet's medical care out over several months you will need to make arrangements for third party financing (Pet Card) ahead of time.  For routine and preventative care, consider Wellness Plans which allow you to make monthly payments on your credit card.
   
   
5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   
   We recommend spaying or neutering between 4 and 6 months of age.  It's never too late though and we're happy to discuss the pros and cons of these surgeries in older pets with you.  Your pet is examined prior to surgery and a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended to help determine that your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and the surgical procedure. Current rabies vaccination is required at the time of 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 liver & kidney functions and white & red blood cell counts of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during anesthesia and the ability to heal following surgery.
   
7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?
   
   Some procedures involve absorbable sutures that don't need to be removed.  But some procedures involve non-absorbable sutures that will need be removed 10-14 days following the surgery.  There is no charge for suture removal for our surgical patients but please call the clinic to make an appointment.
   
   
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 disease later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and of course decreasing the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
   
9. Do you board pets?
   
   Yes, we do boarding for our clients, particularly those with special-needs pets who might be on medication or need extra care that they can't receive at a regular boarding kennel.  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 exotic or pocket pets.