Frequently Asked Questions
All puppies and kittens will receive a series of distemper vaccines, a rabies vaccine, deworming, and a fecal test. Your veterinarian will assess your pet’s vaccination schedule and lifestyle to recommend the appropriate vaccines. In some cases, we may suggest spacing out vaccinations to reduce the risk of reactions.
Puppies and kittens should visit every 3–4 weeks for booster vaccinations and check-ups. Just like human babies, young pets need regular monitoring to ensure proper growth and development. These visits also help your pet build a positive relationship with us, making future appointments less stressful for both of you.
During these visits, your veterinarian will discuss wellness, training, and answer any questions you have. We know this stage is filled with excitement, but it can also be overwhelming. Our team is here to support you with the guidance and information needed for your pet to thrive.
Puppies and kittens need to be dewormed multiple times, especially after leaving the breeder’s environment, where littermates may pass parasites back and forth. Some parasites can also be transmitted to humans, so taking the right precautions is essential. Additionally, the monthly heartworm preventative your pet will receive acts as an intestinal dewormer, providing ongoing protection.
Although dewormers are effective, no single treatment eliminates all intestinal parasites. A fecal test helps identify any parasites that may not be covered by standard deworming. In some cases, multiple tests may be needed to ensure proper treatment.
Having a physical exam is a great opportunity for us to meet you and your pet, discuss their vaccination schedule, and plan for future visits. Even if no vaccines or treatments are needed during this appointment, it helps establish a positive relationship with your pet, making future visits less stressful. Our goal is to provide a comfortable experience for your pet with plenty of affection, treats, and gentle care.
Many breeders and rescue groups require a physical exam shortly after adoption to address any health concerns early on, which can be crucial in deciding to keep the pet.
Bringing a new pet home can bring up many questions, and this initial visit is the perfect time to address them with your veterinarian.
It is recommended to start parasite preventatives for pets between 6-8 weeks of age, and they are safe for pets weighing as little as 1-2 pounds. The specific age and weight requirements may vary depending on the product chosen by you and your veterinarian. It is important to establish a routine of giving monthly preventatives to your pet and family members as early as possible to ensure their effectiveness. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to protecting your pet from parasites.
There is a wide variety of flea and tick preventative medications on the market today, with differences in price, application method, and coverage. Visit this link to learn more about the various options and factors to consider when selecting the best product for your pet.
If your pet is venturing into the outside world for the first time, it is crucial to introduce them to a collar/leash or pet carrier. Ensuring a proper fit for your pet's collar is essential to prevent them from slipping out. A good rule of thumb is to be able to fit two fingers underneath the collar. When bringing your pet in, we ask that owners keep a close eye on them to ensure everyone's safety and comfort.
If your breeder, rescue group, or animal shelter has provided you with any health information up to the day you brought your pet home, please remember to bring this with you. This information can help us determine the appropriate vaccines needed for your pet, potentially saving you money by avoiding unnecessary vaccinations.
For pets that have visited other animal hospitals, we will request this information when you schedule your appointment so that we can obtain their records beforehand. This will reduce your wait time and ensure that we have all the necessary information prior to your visit.
We are pleased to offer estimates for all visits. While we may be able to provide an estimate before the appointment, a more accurate assessment is typically made during the appointment. This is particularly crucial if your pet is unwell, as we may need to conduct a physical exam and consult with the doctor before determining appropriate treatment. Pet Insurance can be a helpful tool in managing the expenses of pet care.
Pet health insurance operates differently from human health insurance in that any licensed veterinarian will be accepted by the insurance company. To learn more about pet insurance, please click here.
When you visit us for an appointment, you will pay upfront and then submit a claim form to your pet insurance company for reimbursement. To expedite the reimbursement process, we recommend printing and bringing your claim form with you to your appointment.
We are happy to assist you in completing insurance claim forms, ideally on the day of service but up to 30 days after your visit. Our Client Care Specialists can provide more information as each policy is unique. We will provide you with the necessary forms for your final review and submission to your insurance company. Feel free to use our fax machine for this purpose.
We are unable to administer vaccines that we do not order and store ourselves as we cannot guarantee their efficacy.
Our doctors are comfortable with both large and small breed dogs, as well as all breeds of cats. Each doctor has their own favorite breeds that they have chosen as family pets, so don't hesitate to ask!
Before the surgery, we must conduct a thorough physical examination of your pet to confirm that the surgery is necessary, identify any potential complications, discuss the treatment plan with you, and perform pre-anesthetic blood work to adjust the surgical plan or anesthetics if needed.
Of course! We strongly encourage you, as a pet parent, to actively participate in your pet's care. We appreciate the special bond you share with your pet and aim to support and enhance that bond, rather than hinder it.
Yes, we truly value transparency in our environment. If you are interested, please talk to your veterinarian and we will make the necessary arrangements.
Please check with your nearest location to see if they are able to accommodate your boarding request, as some of our clinics may not have enough space to accommodate boarding due to prioritizing room for hospitalized patients.
At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we do not have groomers on staff, but we do offer some grooming services. Please contact your nearest location for more information.
We can provide house calls for our existing clients when our schedule permits. Typically, this service is available for euthanasia, but we also strive to accommodate physical exam appointments in your home if it is in the best interest of your pet.
We understand that you have options when it comes to choosing a veterinary clinic for your pet, and we recognize that pricing differences between clinics can be confusing. At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for your beloved pet. When comparing prices, especially for surgical procedures, it is important to consider the factors that can impact pricing so that you can make an informed decision about where to have your pet's surgery. The services listed below are all part of our Standards of Care and are essential for ensuring a successful and comfortable surgery for your pet.
- The Importance of IV Catheters - Having an IV catheter in place provides immediate access to a patient's vein in case of an emergency, allowing for quick administration of medication when time is of the essence. While sedative medications can sometimes make it challenging to place a catheter effectively, not having one in place could be a matter of life or death. Additionally, IV catheters allow for the administration of fluids during surgery, helping to maintain the patient's blood pressure and hydration levels.
- Hands-On Monitoring - At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, a Licensed Veterinary Technician closely monitors your pet's vital signs throughout surgery, alerting the doctor to any changes immediately. While anesthesia monitoring machines are used, having a trained professional present ensures a higher level of accuracy and care.
- Comprehensive Pain Management - Pain medication is always included in our estimates, with post-operative medication provided to ease discomfort. Additional pain medication is sent home for continued relief for up to 5 days after surgery.
- Importance of Blood Work - In addition to a physical exam, pre-operative blood work is essential to assess your pet's overall health and ensure they can safely undergo anesthesia. This testing can uncover underlying issues that may impact the procedure, potentially altering the type of anesthesia used or leading to a postponement of surgery. Blood work should be done within 30 days of the scheduled surgery date.
Yes. Caring Hands Animal Hospital - Alexandria welcomes patients from Alexandria and the surrounding communities of Arlington, Springfield, Falls Church, and Annandale. We are located at 295 S Van Dorn St, Alexandria, VA 22304, and are accepting new patients. Call 703-778-2500 or book online.