Frequently Asked Questions
At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, all puppies and kittens are given distemper vaccines, a rabies vaccine, deworming, and a fecal test. Our veterinarians will assess your pet's vaccination status and lifestyle to determine the most suitable vaccines. In certain situations, we may suggest spacing out vaccines to minimize the chance of adverse reactions.
Puppies and kittens should come back for booster vaccinations and checkups every 3-4 weeks. Just like human babies, young pets require close monitoring to ensure they are growing and developing properly. These visits also help your pet establish a positive relationship with Caring Hands Animal Hospital, making future appointments less daunting. Your veterinarian will discuss wellness, training, and address any concerns you may have during these visits. We understand that this stage of life can be both joyful and challenging, and we are here to support you every step of the way!
Ensuring puppies and kittens are dewormed multiple times is crucial, especially after they leave their breeder's environment where parasites may have been passed between littermates. To protect your family from potential transmission of parasites from pets to humans, we take all necessary precautions. Additionally, the monthly heartworm preventatives prescribed by Caring Hands Animal Hospital also serve as intestinal dewormers.
Most dewormers target a wide variety of parasites, but no single medication can eradicate all types. Fecal tests are useful for identifying any parasites that may have been missed by previous deworming treatments. In certain situations, multiple fecal tests may be necessary to guarantee successful treatment.
Coming to Caring Hands Animal Hospital for a physical exam is a great opportunity for us to get to know you and your pet, and to talk about their upcoming vaccination schedule. Even if your pet doesn't need any vaccines or treatments during this visit, it's a chance for them to have a relaxed and positive experience with us, including cuddles and treats!
Additionally, many breeders and rescue groups require a physical exam within a specific timeframe after adoption. This initial check can help identify any health issues early on, giving you peace of mind and allowing you to make informed decisions about your new furry friend.
It is recommended to start parasite prevention between 6-8 weeks of age, and it is safe for pets weighing as little as 1-2 pounds. The age and weight guidelines may vary depending on the specific product chosen in consultation with your veterinarian at Caring Hands Animal Hospital. Beginning prevention early is important for protecting your pet and ensuring that monthly preventatives become a regular part of your pet care routine.
When choosing a flea and tick preventative for your pet, it's crucial to consider factors like cost, application method, and effectiveness. Your veterinarian at Caring Hands Animal Hospital can assist you in selecting the most suitable option for your pet. For additional information, please click here.
If your pet is going outside for the first time, it's important to get them used to wearing a collar, leash, or pet carrier. Making sure the collar fits properly can prevent them from escaping. A good rule of thumb is to be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your pet's neck.
When you visit Caring Hands Animal Hospital, please keep your pet under close supervision for everyone's safety and comfort.
If you have any medical information from a breeder, rescue group, or shelter about your pet's health before adoption, please bring it to the appointment. This information helps us determine your pet's vaccination schedule and avoid unnecessary vaccines, saving you money.
If your pet has been to other veterinary hospitals, we will request their records when you schedule your appointment. Having these records in advance helps reduce wait times and ensures we have all the necessary information for your visit.
We are pleased to offer cost estimates for all visits. While we can provide an estimate before your appointment in some cases, we typically have a more accurate idea of the necessary services after conducting a physical exam and discussing your pet's condition with the doctor. When your pet is sick, it can be challenging to predict treatment costs without a thorough examination. Pet insurance is a great way to help offset the expenses of veterinary care.
Pet insurance operates differently from human health insurance in that your insurance provider will accept and process claims from any licensed veterinarian, rather than only specific doctors who are in-network. To explore available pet insurance options, please click here for more information.
At 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 expedite the reimbursement process, we recommend printing and bringing your claim form to your appointment.
Our team at Caring Hands Animal Hospital is available to help you complete insurance claim forms. While it is best to do this on the same day as your pet's visit, we can assist up to 30 days after the appointment. Please feel free to ask one of our Client Care Specialists for assistance. Since each policy is unique, we will review the forms with you for any necessary edits before submission. You are also welcome to use our fax machine for this purpose.
We apologize, but we are unable to administer vaccines that were not ordered and stored by Caring Hands Animal Hospital. This is due to concerns regarding the efficacy and safety of these vaccines. Thank you for your understanding.
Our veterinarians at Caring Hands Animal Hospital are experienced in treating dogs of all sizes and breeds, as well as all breeds of cats. Although they may have personal favorites as family pets, they are skilled in providing care for a wide variety of breeds. Don't hesitate to inquire about their experiences with different breeds during your visit!
Before your surgery, we need you to undergo a thorough physical examination to confirm the necessity of the procedure and reduce any potential risks. This will enable us to review the treatment plan with you, conduct pre-anesthetic blood tests, and address any issues that may require adjustments to the surgical plan or anesthesia.
Of course! We highly encourage your active participation in your pet's care. At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we cherish the special bond between you and your pet and strive to enhance it during each visit.
We are committed to transparency and welcome your interest in observing the surgery. Please speak with your veterinarian to make the necessary arrangements if you would like to watch.
Please check with your nearest Caring Hands Animal Hospital location to confirm availability of boarding services, as some locations may have space limitations. Our priority is the comfort and care of our hospitalized patients.
Caring Hands Animal Hospital does not provide full grooming services, but we do offer basic grooming services. Please reach out to your nearest location for more information on the services we provide.
House calls are available for established clients at Caring Hands Animal Hospital based on scheduling availability. This service is primarily offered for euthanasia, but we also strive to accommodate physical exams in your home when it is in the best interest of your pet.
We acknowledge that pricing may differ among clinics, causing confusion. At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, we offer top-quality care that includes:
- IV Catheter Placement: Ensures immediate vein access for emergencies and allows IV fluid administration to maintain blood pressure and hydration during surgery.
- Continuous Monitoring: A Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) monitors your pet’s vitals throughout the procedure, addressing any changes immediately. While machines provide data, the expertise of a trained professional is invaluable.
- Pain Management: Pain medication is included in all surgical estimates. Your pet receives post-operative pain relief for comfort, with additional medication provided for home care for 2-5 days post-surgery.
- Pre-Anesthetic Blood Work: Evaluates organ function to ensure safe anesthesia processing and detects underlying conditions. For accuracy, blood work should be performed within 30 days of surgery.
Yes. Caring Hands Animal Hospital - Centreville welcomes patients from Centreville and the surrounding communities of Chantilly, Fairfax, South Riding, Manassas, Herndon, Clifton, and Aldie. We are located at 5659 Stone Road, Centreville, VA 20120, and are accepting new patients. Call 703.830.5700 or book online.