Frequently Asked Questions
All puppies and kittens receive a series of distemper vaccines, a rabies vaccine, deworming, and a fecal test. Your veterinarian at Caring Hands Animal Hospital will evaluate where your pet is in the vaccination schedule and consider your pet’s lifestyle to determine the best vaccines. In some cases, we may recommend spacing out vaccines to reduce the risk of reactions.
Puppies and kittens should return every 3-4 weeks for booster vaccinations and checkups. Similar to human babies, young pets need to be closely monitored to ensure proper growth and development. These visits also help your pet build a positive bond with Caring Hands Animal Hospital, making future appointments less stressful. During these visits, your veterinarian will discuss wellness, training, and address any questions you may have. We know this stage of life brings both joy and challenges — and we’re here to guide you through it!
It’s essential to deworm puppies and kittens multiple times, especially after leaving their breeder environment where littermates may have passed parasites to one another. Since some parasites can be transmitted from pets to humans, we take every precaution to protect your family. Monthly heartworm preventatives prescribed by Caring Hands Animal Hospital also act as intestinal dewormers.
While most dewormers cover a broad range of parasites, no single medication eliminates all types. Fecal tests help detect any parasites that may not have been covered by previous deworming. In some cases, more than one fecal test may be required to ensure effective treatment.
A physical exam at Caring Hands Animal Hospital is a great opportunity to meet you and your pet while discussing the next steps in the vaccination schedule. If vaccines or treatments aren’t necessary during this visit, it’s a chance for your pet to have a stress-free, positive experience with us, complete with cuddles and treats!
Additionally, many breeders and rescue groups require a physical exam within a specific period after adoption. This initial check helps identify any health concerns early, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to make informed decisions about your new companion.
Parasite prevention should begin between 6-8 weeks of age and is safe for pets as small as 1-2 pounds. The specific age and weight requirements depend on the product you and your veterinarian at Caring Hands Animal Hospital decide is best for your pet. Starting prevention early helps protect your pet and makes administering monthly preventatives part of your routine.
With so many flea and tick preventatives available, it’s important to consider factors such as price, method of application, and coverage. Your veterinarian at Caring Hands Animal Hospital can help guide you in choosing the best option for your pet’s specific needs. for more information click here
If this is your pet’s first trip outside, it’s essential to get them accustomed to a collar, leash, or pet carrier. Ensuring a proper fit on your pet’s collar helps prevent them from slipping out. A good guideline for regular collars is to make sure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your pet’s neck.
When visiting Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we ask that pets remain under close supervision to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone.
If you received any medical information from a breeder, rescue group, or shelter regarding your pet’s health before adoption, please bring this documentation to the appointment. This information helps us determine where your pet is in the vaccination schedule and avoids administering unnecessary vaccines, which can save you money!
For pets that have visited other veterinary hospitals, we will request these records when you schedule your appointment. Obtaining these records in advance helps minimize wait times and ensures that we have all the information we need before your visit.
We are happy to provide cost estimates for all visits. In some cases, we can offer an estimate before your appointment, but we usually have a more accurate idea of the necessary services once we’ve conducted a physical exam and discussed your pet’s condition with the doctor. If your pet is sick, it’s often difficult to predict treatment costs without a thorough examination.
Pet insurance is an excellent way to help manage the costs of veterinary care.
Pet insurance works differently than human health insurance, where specific doctors accept only certain providers. As long as the veterinarian is licensed, your insurance provider will accept and process your claim. To learn more about available pet insurance options, please click here for additional information.
When you visit Caring Hands Animal Hospital, you will pay for services at the time of your appointment and then submit a claim form to your insurance company for reimbursement. To ensure a faster reimbursement process, we recommend printing and bringing your claim form to your appointment.
Our team at Caring Hands Animal Hospital is happy to assist you with completing insurance claim forms. Ideally, this should be done on the same day services are provided, but we can assist for up to 30 days after your pet’s visit. Feel free to ask one of our Client Care Specialists for assistance. Since each policy is unique, we will return the forms to you for any necessary edits before submission. You are also welcome to use our fax machine for this purpose.
Unfortunately, we cannot administer vaccines that were not ordered and stored by Caring Hands Animal Hospital. Since we cannot guarantee the efficacy or safety of these vaccines, we are unable to provide this service.
No, but our veterinarians at Caring Hands Animal Hospital are experienced in treating dogs of all sizes and breeds, as well as all breeds of cats. While our doctors may have personal favorites as family pets, they are skilled in providing care for a wide variety of breeds. Feel free to ask about their experiences with different breeds during your visit!
We require a comprehensive physical exam before the day of surgery to ensure that the procedure is necessary and to minimize any risks. This allows us to discuss the treatment plan with you, perform pre-anesthetic blood work, and address any findings that may require altering the surgical plan or anesthetic protocol.
Absolutely! We encourage you to be involved in your pet’s care. At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we value the bond between you and your pet and aim to strengthen that bond during every visit.
Yes! Our commitment to transparency means we welcome your interest in watching the surgery. If you’d like to observe, please speak with your veterinarian so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Some Caring Hands Animal Hospital locations may not be able to provide boarding services due to space limitations. Since the comfort and care of our hospitalized patients are our priority, we recommend checking with your nearest location to confirm availability.
While Caring Hands Animal Hospital does not offer full grooming services, we can provide basic grooming services. Please contact your nearest location to learn more about what services we offer.
We do offer house calls for established clients at Caring Hands Animal Hospital when scheduling allows. This service is often provided for euthanasia, but we also try to accommodate physical exams in your home when it’s in the best interest of your pet.
We understand that pricing can vary between clinics, and it may be confusing. At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we provide the highest standard of care, which includes:
- IV Catheter Placement: This provides immediate access to a vein in case of emergencies and allows for the administration of IV fluids, helping to maintain blood pressure and hydration during surgery.
- Continuous Monitoring: A Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) monitors your pet’s vitals throughout the procedure, ensuring any changes are addressed immediately. While machines provide valuable data, the experience and intuition of a trained professional are irreplaceable.
- Pain Management: We include pain medication in all surgical estimates. Your pet receives post-operative pain relief to ensure comfort, with additional medication provided for home care for 2-5 days after surgery.
- Pre-Anesthetic Blood Work: Blood work allows us to evaluate your pet’s organ function to ensure they can safely process the anesthesia. It also helps uncover any underlying conditions that may affect the procedure. Blood work should be performed within 30 days of the surgery for the most accurate results.
Yes. Caring Hands Animal Hospital - Merrifield welcomes patients from Alexandria and the surrounding communities of Falls Church, Fairfax, Annandale, Vienna, and Arlington. We are located at 8100B Arlington Blvd, Falls Church, VA 22042, and are accepting new patients. Call 703-942-8800 or book online.