Arrival
Please arrive at, or a few minutes before, your scheduled check-in time. Arriving earlier will only serve to increase your wait time; arriving more than 10 minutes late may move you to the latest elective surgery check-in slot (9:30am).
Paperwork
Any forms that have not been completed and returned to us beforehand will need to be filled out when you arrive for your appointment . This may significantly increase the your check-in time.
Dietary restriction
Don't give or allow your pet any solids (food or treats) after midnight before surgery, other than what is strictly necessary (less than a thumb size amount) to give any morning medications.
Do not restrict access to water!
Safety
All pets must be secured on a leash (lock retractables to 4' or less) or in a carrier before exiting your vehicle and remain so at all times unless directed otherwise by staff.
Temperament / Behavior
Please let us know before your appointment if you think (or know) your pet is aggressive toward other pets or people, or will require special handling.
Health & hygiene
Pet(s) should be clean, healthy in appearance, and free of live fleas/ticks. We can dispense a flea/tick treatment for you to apply/give a few days before the appointment if necessary.
Vaccinations
When pets are brought together and housed in an enclosed environment, there is a possibility of the spread of contagious diseases. Many infections can be carried and spread by pets that do not exhibit symptoms.
While vaccinations can be given at the same time as surgery, we strongly recommend they be done at least 2 weeks prior to the surgery, as vaccination does not protect your pet immediately.
Rabies vaccination is not optional and will be administered to any pet without proof of current rabies vaccination per Arkansas law.
Exam
Feral animals or pets that are deemed not safe to restrain/handle will receive only a visual exam prior to anesthesia. All other surgical patients receive a brief physical exam and vitals check prior to anesthesia. An additional fee is charged if a more comprehensive exam is performed either due to pet's condition or at your request.
Postponement of surgery
Surgery will be postponed if pet is soiled or muddy, has a severe parasite infestation or visible symptoms of illness, if a serious underlying condition is discovered or if their behavior/temperament is such we believe they can not be safely approached/ handled.
Visible symptoms of illness include sneezing, coughing, runny eyes, runny nose, diarrhea, poor body condition, generalized skin infection, etc...
If a surgery is postponed after a pet has been checked into an exam room, the visit will be treated as a standard appointment and any fees for services rendered (exam, diagnostics, treatment) will be due and payable at check-out.
Comfort medications (anti-anxiety, anti-nausea, extended pain relief)
The medications used for anesthesia provide short-acting pain management lasting less than 24hrs. Additional pain management, and other comfort medications are available at your request*, and may be required for some pets / procedures.
*Federal and state law prohibits us from prescribing or dispensing prescription medications for new patients not yet seen by one of our veterinarians.
Discharge
Spays / neuters discharge the same afternoon between 3:30pm - 4:50pm.
Cats being declawed discharge the next day between 1:30pm-4:50pm.
In general, a minimum of 7 days confinement / exercise restriction is recommended after surgery. More comprehensive discharge instructions will be provided at checkout.
Overnight stays
If arrangements are made in advance, we are happy to keep your pet overnight before and/or after their surgery for your convenience at standard overnight fees. Cats being declawed have the overnight stay after surgery already included in the surgery fee.
Late pick-up/discharge
There is a $25 fee (per pet) for after hours discharge or overnight stay of any pet not picked up by 5pm the day they are scheduled to go home.
What is included in the surgery fee?
The surgery fee covers only the time and surgical supplies as is standard for an uncomplicated procedure on a healthy pet with no known or discovered increased risk factors. It does not include lab fees, vaccinations, additional medications, other treatments / procedures, emergency treatment, additional surgical time due to pregnancy, cryptorchidism, obesity, or other complications, nor other treatments or items requested by you.
Discounts, vouchers, pre-payment & payment
We provide an automatic fee discount for pets under 6mos of age (either per registration paperwork or incomplete eruption of adult teeth) being spayed or neutered.
We accept any coupon or voucher for which we are eligible for repayment, but we must be made aware of them at least 1 full business day prior to the appointment.
Prepayment of the estimated cost for any visit may be requested at check-in.
No charging. All fees are due and payable at or before check-out.
