FAQ

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FAQ

Home / About / FAQ

We receive a lot of common questions here at the clinic, and are more than happy to talk to you in-person or on the phone. We want you to feel as informed and comfortable as possible when it comes to the health and safety of your pet.

About Our Clinic

Can we see the same veterinarian/vet technician each time we visit?

Absolutely. Please inform us when completing your booking and every attempt will be made to respect your wishes. Additionally, an “alert” can be added to your file so that we know for all future appointments.

What should I expect during my pet’s wellness exam?

One of our licensed veterinarians will take a thorough history, perform a physical examination and discuss any treatments (including vaccinations) required to keep your pet healthy. Some of the important topics covered during a wellness appointment are:

Heartworm Prevention
Internal Parasite Control
Flea & Tick Control
Dental Care & Cleaning
Weight Management
Nutritional Counselling
Any concerns identified during the appointment

What are your vaccination requirements for boarding?

Boarding pets must be fully vaccinated and current for all vaccines including Kennel Cough.

If my pet’s problem doesn’t get better, can I get a refund for their veterinary care?

Unfortunately, there are no guarantees in medicine. We will, however, work tirelessly to correctly diagnose and treat your pet with the most current medicine available. Along the way, we will inform you of all risks and costs associated with various treatment options.

What precautions/measures do you take so my pet doesn’t feel pain related to surgery and/or injuries?

We take pain management very seriously. We often use multimodal drug therapy (multiple pain medications at the same time that have synergistic properties when used together) to ensure that pets are pain free in clinic and at home. We will also review signs to look for at home that may indicate that your pet is in pain.

What long-term/short-term care options do I have for my aging pet?

The first step is to book an appointment with one of our veterinarians. Following a thorough history and physical examination, we will work together with you to create a plan tailored specific to the needs of your pet and one that fits your budget

Why do you check my dog’s weight every time he/she comes in for a visit?

Weight checks are a vital part of assessing the health of a pet. Often times, weight change is the only obvious indication of disease.

General Inquiries

Should I bring my pet in for regular veterinary visits when he/she is healthy?

Yes. Even apparently healthy pets should be examined by a veterinarian at least once annually. A veterinarian may identify developing health concerns early, which in turn will increase chances of successful treatment.

Can I get health insurance for my pet? If so, what is covered?

Yes. There are many pet insurance companies, offering varying coverage and cost packages. This question is best directed to the specific company you would like to work with.

Why should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

There are a number of medical and behavioral reasons. A full explanation of these is beyond the scope of this FAQ. Please call our clinic directly and one of our veterinarians would be happy to discuss them with you free of charge.

Why do some veterinary hospitals charge such different prices for the same procedures?

Veterinary hospitals all set their own prices. At our hospital, we strive to be fair and affordable with our entire pricing structure.

Can I call you and have a veterinarian give me a diagnosis over the phone?

No. A history must be taken and a physical examination performed prior to a diagnosis being made. In some cases, diagnostic testing is also required.

What is a veterinary technician?

Veterinary technicians are an integral part of any veterinary clinic. Their roles are similar to that of nurses in a human hospital.

Should my dog have regular eye-exams?

Yes. This would be included as part of their annual wellness examination.

Should I be worried about my pet receiving anesthesia for their surgery?

While there is risk associated with anesthesia, we do everything we can to minimize that risk. Pre-surgical examinations and bloodwork (to help better assess a pet’s overall health) are examples of some of the precautions taken. Using this information, a risk/benefit analysis can be performed to determine if the risk is manageable. If it is not, we would not proceed with surgery.

Why should I buy flea/tick/heartworm preventatives?

Protecting your pet from parasites is an important part of keeping them healthy. Some of the diseases transmitted by these parasites are very serious and in some cases may even impact your family (eg. Lyme disease). As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

Will microchipping hurt my pet?

No. Microchips are typically implanted during surgery when your pet is under general anesthesia. Even if performed on an awake patient, microchipping is only slightly more uncomfortable than receiving a vaccination.