As your pet will be undergoing a general anesthetic or sedation, please restrict food from 8pm the night before. Fresh clean water should be available until one hour before your admit appointment. If your pet is on medication, please let us know.
Surgery and Anesthetic
What happens when I bring my pet to the hospital?
All surgical patients should arrive at the hospital between 8am and 8.30am. Please allow at least 15 minutes for surgical check-in. A nurse will ask you to read and sign a consent form and answer any questions you may have.
What happens after I leave my pet in the hospital?
After your pet has been admitted to the hospital, the doctor performing the surgery will carry out a pre-surgical exam. A blood sample will be taken painlessly from your pet’s neck and a pre-anesthetic blood panel will be processed in our in-house laboratory. An intravenous catheter will then be placed in your pet’s front leg. This is to allow the administration of the anesthetic and to provide your pet with fluids throughout their procedure. A nurse will call you after your pets procedure to let you know how they are and to arrange a discharge appointment.
Why is blood work done before having surgery or anesthesia?
Blood work is a very important for any pet undergoing anesthesia, but is especially critical for patients over 7 years of age. Animals can suffer from disease or illness without showing any outward signs. A blood panel helps minimize the risk of anesthesia by checking for pre-existing liver disease, kidney disease, electrolyte disturbances, anemia, infection and other conditions. Pre- operative blood work can also aid the doctor in selecting what drugs are best suited for your pet, and which medications should be avoided.
What should I expect when picking my pet up from the hospital?
When you arrive at the hospital, one of our Veterinary Nurses will explain your pet’s medications, discharge instructions, and answer any questions you may have.
How should I care for my pet after anesthesia?
Pets discharged the night of surgery are expected to be a little groggy. Please keep your pet in a quiet, warm, indoor environment away from other animals. Do not allow your pet to lick at their incision. An Elizabethan collar may be used to prevent injury to the incision areas. Please monitor any incisions for redness, swelling, or discharge. A post-operative appointment will have been arranged for a doctor or nurse to look at the surgical site but please call anytime if there are concerns.
Should I limit my pet’s activities?
Pets should be allowed out to the bathroom on short leash walks only and exercise and play should be limited until your pet has been examined at their re-check appointment (Normally 5 – 10 days after surgery) This ensures that your pet is fully recovered. Allowing your pet to do too much after surgery can put pressure on their incision site, increasing the risk of post-operative complications. Please also keep your pet away from stairs and swimming pools until they have fully recovered from the anesthetic.
Emergencies
How do I know if my pet is an emergency?
It is not always easy to know if what your pet is experiencing is an emergency. If you are concerned at all about your pet, please call and one of our medical team will be happy to assist you.
What symptoms should I be concerned about?
If your pet displays any of the following symptoms, please call us immediately.
- Straining or inability to pass urine (Especially in male cats)
- Difficulty breathing, open mouth breathing (in cats)
- Inability to stand, walk or sudden disorientation
- Seizures
- Vomiting, bloody vomit or retching with no vomit being produced
- Sudden swollen abdomen
- Pacing, seems painful or uncomfortable
- Broken bones
- Has been in contact with poisons
- Has eaten chocolate, chewing gum, raisins, grapes
- Has swallowed an edible object (toy, clothes item)
- Is having difficulty or is unable to deliver puppies or kittens or the puppy/kitten is visibly stuck
End of Life and Euthansia
Why should I euthanize my pets?
When your pet’s quality of life is such that they are no longer able to enjoy the things they once loved, euthanasia allows us to minimize your pets suffering and allows them to pass away with dignity.
Can I stay with my pet during euthanasia?
Yes, we welcome and encourage owners to stay with their pet for their last moments. However, if you are not comfortable staying please be assured that your pet will pass peacefully with two members of our team comforting them. Choosing to stay or not is very personal and there is no right or wrong decision.
What happens during the euthanasia procedure? Will my pet feel pain?
When you are ready, we will administer a sedative via a small needle. This is not painful. Once your pet is comfortable and relaxed, we will place an IV catheter in one of their front legs. Your pet will not be aware of this. The euthanasia solution will be administered through this IV only when you are ready. Your pet will then pass away quickly and painlessly. You are more than welcome to spend some time with your pet after they have passed away.
Can I keep hair clippings or paw prints to remember my pet?
Yes, we are able to provide this. Please ask one of our staff
What do I do after my pet has passed away?
This can be a difficult decision. You may take your pet to bury at home or we are able to arrange for your pet to be buried with other pets. You can also arrange for your pet to be cremated but please note that this may take some time. If you do not feel able to make a decision straight away, we are able to keep your pet with us until a decision has been made.
Boarding
Is there a minimum age for my pet to board?
We are happy to accept puppies and kittens once they have completed their vaccination schedule.
I have two dogs can they board together?
Yes. We are happy for family members to board together. They must be able to eat/drink in the same kennel for their own safety and comfort. For larger breed dogs, we may recommend separate kennels for their comfort and to allow them to have more space. They will still be able to spend time together throughout the day.
My pet is on a special diet. Can I bring this with them?
Yes, we actively encourage pets that are on a special diet to continue with this throughout their stay. We ask that you bring this with your pet and leave instructions for their feeding requirements on their boarding form.
My pet is on medication, will they be able to have this?
Yes, any animal who requires medication will still receive this during boarding. We ask that you bring any medication in the original packaging, with the original prescription label and fill out the medication section on the boarding form.
Do you accept all breeds of dogs?
Yes, we do not discriminant against any breed. We welcome all breeds and sizes. If your dog has a nervous disposition we ask that, you please inform us. We will not automatically refuse boarding but we may ask that you bring your dog in for a trial day. This is to ensure your dog’s comfort and the safety of our staff. We do not accept any dogs that have a history of biting.
Do the boarding kennels/cattery have air conditioning?
Yes, your pets comfort and wellbeing is our top priority. All pets have access to a raised bed, fluffy blanket and water at all times. Depending on the time of year/weather, the temperature will be kept to a comfortable level.
Will my pets be allowed to mix with others?
No. We do not allow animals to mix with others that are not from the same household. This is to ensure the safety of all animals in our care. Animals that are from the same household but are boarding separately can be walked together.
My dog is in heat/has gone into season, can I still board her?
We do not routinely board dogs that are in season. When a female dog goes into season, they emit a strong chemical scent that is picked up by other dogs. This can cause great distress to other animals that are boarding. However, during quieter boarding times, we may be able to accommodate your dog so please do ask one of our experienced team.
Can my pet pick up any diseases while boarding?
Your pet can be exposed to diseases regardless of where they are. This is why we insist that all animals in our care be fully vaccinated and up to date with parasite protection. Our boarding facilities are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every morning, lunchtime and evening as well as throughout the day.
Do I have to pay a Boarding Deposit?
Yes. We require a 50% deposit to be paid at the time of booking and the balance to be paid at the time of collection. Please note, that deposits are only refundable if we receive a week’s cancellation notice and during holidays/busier times, all deposits are non-refundable.
*Due to COVID, all deposits are currently refundable*
What are the drop off/pick up times for boarding?
We ask that if possible you drop off/collect your pet at the following times. This allows us to ensure that your pet’s accommodation is ready for them and that your pet is ready to go home.
Drop off – Monday to Saturday, 9am – 11am
Collection – Monday to Saturday, 3pm -5pm
General Information
What are the hospital hours?
We are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. The hospital is closed on a Sunday. Appointments are available between 9am and 11.45am and 3pm and 5.45pm.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, we work on an appointment basis. This allows us to work more efficiently. If you have an emergency, you do not need an appointment but we would ask that you let us know that you are on your way if possible. This allows our team to be prepared for your pet’s arrival.
What payment methods do you accept?
We are happy to accept credit cards, cash or cheque.