Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call at (604)530-0704.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   Our hospital is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. On Saturdays we are open from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. On Sundays we are open 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   Yes, unfortunately we cannot always accommodate drop-ins.
3. Are you allowing clients in the office with their pets? 
   Yes, we encourage clients to come into the appointment with their pets.   We ask you to call us first before entering the building with your pet as this allows us to limit animal traffic in our front reception area.  Our experience during the lockdowns due to covid taught us that limiting patients waiting in the reception area significantly reduced stress to people and pets.  This also reduces the possibilities of spreading illness or causing injury through accidental contact between patients. 
4. Can I make payments?
   Payment is required at the time of service. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Cash and Email Money Transfers.
5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. We recommend waiting until closer to one year of age for dogs which are expected to be over 10-15 lbs as adult.  Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
6. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
   This is a blood test that is run prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.
7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?
   Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 14 days following the surgery.
8. Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?
   No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However, there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate cancer later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and decreasing the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
9. When should I have a physical exam for my pet? 
   Due to our pets not being able to tell us if they are feeling off or unwell, we recommend pets be examined at least annually or when a concern arises. For senior pets we recommend every 6 months as the health status of your geriatric pet can change rapidly.  A physical exam by your veterinarian can detect changes or abnormalities in the feeling of organs in the abdomen, or lymph nodes.  We can find evidence of infection (ears, skin, eyes etc).  We can provide screening tests such as blood and urine tests to detect changes or decline in organ function.  The earlier these changes are found the easier it is to slow the organ decline by providing appropriate food or supplementation.  This can all lengthen the life of your beloved friend. 
   
   
   

Use the age chart below to find your pets age in "people" years.  These are approximations and may vary by gender, species and breed.