Got Questions?
It is important for puppies and kittens to return for booster vaccinations and check-ups every 3-4 weeks. Just like human babies, it is crucial to closely monitor a pet's early stages to ensure proper growth. These visits also allow your pet to build a bond with us, making future visits less stressful for both of you.
During these visits, your veterinarian will discuss wellness, training, and address any questions you may have. We understand that this stage of life can be both joyful and confusing, and we are here to provide guidance and information to help your pet live a happy, healthy life.
Scheduling a physical exam with a doctor is a great opportunity for us to meet you and your pet, as well as review your pet's vaccine schedule and plan future visits. If no vaccines or treatments are needed during this appointment, it can be a positive start to building a bond with your pet. The visit can end with hugs, kisses, adoration, and maybe a few treats to help ease any stress your pet may have during future visits.
Many rescue groups and breeders require a physical exam within a certain timeframe of obtaining a pet to address any health issues quickly and ensure the pet's well-being. This can be crucial for new pet parents and may impact their decision to keep the pet.
Having a new pet can bring up many questions, and the first appointment is the perfect time to discuss them with your veterinarian.
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 bring this with you. This information can help us determine the appropriate vaccines needed and prevent unnecessary vaccinations, ultimately saving you money.
For pets that have visited other animal hospitals, we will request this information when you schedule your appointment so we can obtain those records beforehand. This will reduce your wait time and ensure we have all the necessary information prior to your visit.
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.
- 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, forgoing this option could be life-threatening. 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 During Surgery At Caring Hands Animal Hospital, a Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) closely monitors your pet's vital signs throughout the surgical procedure, promptly notifying the doctor of any changes. While anesthesia monitoring machines are used, having a trained professional present ensures accurate and immediate intervention when needed.
- Comprehensive Pain Management Pain medication is a standard inclusion in our estimates, with post-operative medication provided to alleviate discomfort. Additional pain medication is sent home for continued relief for up to 5 days following the procedure.
- Importance of Pre-Operative Blood Work In addition to a physical exam, pre-operative blood work is essential to assess your pet's kidney and liver function, ensuring they can safely process anesthesia. This testing can also reveal underlying health issues that may impact the surgical procedure, potentially altering the anesthetic plan or necessitating a delay in surgery. Blood work should be completed within 30 days of the scheduled surgery date for optimal results.