Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I call and have you fax a copy of my pet’s rabies certificate and proof of vaccinations to the kennel where my pet will be staying?
A.So long as we administered your pet’s vaccinations, we would be glad to assist you in
sending records.

Q. Can’t I just give my dog/cat a Tylenol or Advil to help with pain, rather than paying for more costly veterinary pain medication?
A.Animals cannot take human medications safely; for example, Tylenol can be deadly to
cats. It is not worth risking your pet’s safety by giving human medications.

Q. Do you offer any payment plans?
A.We offer services through Vet Billing, please contact us for more information.

Q. Does my pet have to get a rabies vaccination?
A.Legally, all animals of appropriate age are required to be vaccinated against rabies.

Q. How can my puppy/kitten have worms? How was he/she exposed?
A.Pediatric animals can acquire intestinal parasites through lactation or even while in the
mother’s uterus.

Q. I brought my pet to see the veterinarian for a problem, and my pet isn’t getting any better. What can I do?
A.Contact the veterinarian you saw to voice your concerns. They might have further insight
into the problem. If for some reason you are unsatisfied with what they suggest, you can
ask for referral to a specialist if need be.

Q. I have a hard time controlling my pet in the lobby. Can I make arrangements so I can take him/her into the exam room right away when I arrive?
A.We would be happy to assist you with your pet. Please call ahead to make arrangements.

Q. I just got a new puppy/kitten. How much will veterinary care cost during the first year? And how much should I expect to spend annually after that?
A.Veterinary care costs are extremely hard to predict because each animals medical needs
are different. Also, prices vary from each clinic according to area, management, etc.

Q. I think my pet ate something that could be poisonous, but he/she seems fine. What should I do?
A.You should contact your veterinarian immediately. Even better, take your pet into the
vet’s office.

Q. Is it OK to call with questions about my pet’s health?
A.We are always more than happy to provide answers to any questions/concerns that you
may have.

Q. I’m worried about my pet’s upcoming surgical procedure. What do you do to help ensure your patients’ safety during surgery?
A.We take all precautionary measures in regards to surgical procedures. We evaluate each animal’s overall health and proceed accordingly.

Q. I’ve been late several times when giving my pet a heartworm preventive. Should I be concerned?
A.It is very important to reliably administer heartworm preventative every thirty days.
Studies have shown that being only one day late can result in heartworm infection.

Q. I’ve heard that some clinics offer anesthesia-free dentistry. Is this safe for my pet?
A.Anesthesia-free dentistry is a much debated topic. It can cause high levels of stress, and if
the pet is moving, he/she can be cut by a sharp instrument. In order to do a thorough job,
dental procedures must be performed with anesthesia.

Q. I’ve never seen a flea or tick on my pet. Why should I bother putting my pet on preventives? Isn’t this an extra expense that’s just not worth paying for?
A.See above, we do not always see fleas/ticks until problems arise from the pet having been
exposed to them. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Q. My cat doesn’t go outside. Why should I put him/her on a heartworm/flea/tick preventive?
A.Even inside cats can get fleas/ticks whether it be from your dog or clothes. Prevention is
the only way to avoid an infestation.

Q. My pet has the same thing wrong that he/she was just treated for. Can the veterinarian just prescribe that same medication as last time?
A.If your medication has a refill, we can give more if necessary for recurring issues. We
need to examine the pet every 6 months to prescribe medications.

Q. My pet is a handful, can I pay ahead of time or in the exam room?
A.We will do everything possible to accommodate you. Paying ahead of time isn’t very likely, as we don’t know the course of treatment without an exam and diagnosis. A staff member can hold your pet while you check out, or we can figure out how to best assist
you.

Q. My pet is injured/sick, and he/she needs to see a veterinarian. However, I can’t afford the office visit, much less treatment. What can I do?
A.If finances are a concern, check with your veterinarian to see if they offer payment plans.
For instance, we offer Vet Billing Services.

Q. Does my pet really need to be on a leash or in a carrier, when we visit your clinic?
A.Absolutely yes. Even if your pet is well behaved, whatever other animal(s) in the waiting
room might not be. Also, pets can be very nervous at the clinic and may attempt to
escape.

Q. My pet needs to have surgery/Should I be worried about the anesthesia?
A.Anesthesia fears are very common. We do everything possible to minimize your pet’s
risk of complications.

Q. Where can I find help?
A.Likely an insane asylum.

Q. My pet won’t stop chewing, digging, barking, scratching, and/or spraying.
A.Your best source of information is your veterinarian. Contact them with any questions or concerns.

Q. Why Google and many other resources are invalid? What online resources can I trust?
A.Most online resources are invalid because they are not from reliable sources. Anyone can
post an “article” on the internet. Trust only links or websites recommended by your
veterinarian.

Q. What do I do in the case of an emergency and your clinic isn’t open?
A.In case of a true emergency, it is best to get your pet to the nearest emergency clinic. For
non-emergency pressing matters, please leave a voicemail or call our emergency line.

Q. What education does a veterinarian need?
A.A veterinarian is required to have a 4 year degree from a college or university and a
DVM degree from a school of veterinary medicine which is between 3-4 years depending
on the school and if summer classes are attended. One has to pass a national board exam
and any state exam for each state in which they want to be licensed. One can then
specialize in a variety of areas such as internal medicine, small animal surgery, equine
medicine and surgery. This usually entails a 1 year internship at a school of veterinary
medicine followed by a 3 year residency after which one can become “board certified” in
that area. A veterinarian that does this usually goes into research for a pharmaceutical
company or teaches at a school of veterinary medicine.

Q. What forms of payment do you accept?
A.We currently accept cash, check, all major credit cards except American Express and use
Vet Billing as another payment option.

Q. What toys/accessories are appropriate for my pet?
A.Toys and accessories should be non-toxic and unable to be swallowed. If you are in
doubt, ask your veterinarian.

Q. What’s the best way to schedule an appointment?
A.The best way to schedule an appointment is to call our office at (724) 447-2283. You can
also request and appointment through email.

Q. What vaccinations does my dog/cat really need?
A.Legally, your pet is required to have his rabies vaccination. For canines, we recommend
a distemper/parvo yearly vaccine and when necessary, kennel cough, lyme disease or
leptospirosis vaccines. In cats, leukemia combinations are advised. Having an
examination is the only way to determine what your pet needs.

Q. Which pet food should I feed my dog/cat?
A.Each animal’s food needs differ. In general, pick a non-colored food that is age or needs
appropriate (healthy weight, sensitive systems, etc.) for your pet. If you have questions,
call to schedule an exam by your veterinarian.

Q. Why can’t a veterinarian give my pet a diagnosis over the phone?
A.Your veterinarian cannot give an accurate diagnosis over the phone because they cannot
physically examine the animal or perform any necessary testing. Several problems can
have similar symptoms; the only way to provide excellent care is by looking at the
animal.

Q. Why do you check my dog’s weight every time he/she comes in for a visit?
A.We regularly check your pet’s weight not only to assess their health, but to accurately
prescribe any medications they may need.

Q. Why does my dog/cat need to have blood testing before starting heartworm medications?
A.AVMA guidelines require testing before your veterinarian can prescribe a heartworm
preventative. This is for the safety of your pet, as giving a preventative to a positive dog
can have dangerous side effects.

Q. Why does my pet need dental care?
A.Dental care is vital to your pet’s well-being. An animal with poor oral health will not
only have bad breath and eating problems, but a compromised cardiovascular and
digestive system.

Q. Why should I bring my pet in for regular veterinary visit when he/she is healthy?
A.Preventative care is absolutely necessary in identifying upcoming disease processes
before your pet show clinical signs. Yearly check-ups are the best way to keep your pet
healthy.

Q. Why should I buy flea/tick/heartworm preventatives from your veterinarian?
A.Buying any type of flea/tick/heartworm preventative over-the-counter can be dangerous
for your pet. Less than quality ingredients can cause various reactions. Purchasing
through your veterinarian ensures quality and minimizes risk.

Q. Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
A.Spaying/neutering your pet is ideal to ensure overall health. It is the only way to
eradicate uterus or testicular related diseases or cancers. We recommend all nonbreeding
animals be altered.

Q. Why microchip my pet?
A.Microchipping is an absolute legal proof of ownership of your pet. It can be extremely
useful in finding lost pets, however it is not a location/GPS device.