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 and Tuesday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Saturdays we are open from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. The clinic is closed on Sunday.
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 are currently allowing one client per patient as long as the client is wearing a mask.  We are also happy to continue offering our “curbside service” where we come out to the parking lot to sign your pet in then we will accompany your pet into the building while you wait in the car. 
4. What forms of payment do you accept?
   Cash, Debit, Mastercard and Visa
5. Can I make payments?
   Payment is required at the time of service.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
10. When should I have a physical exam for my pet?

    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.

     

    
    
    
    

Firstly, our pets can't speak, they cannot tell us if they feel off color or unwell or have any other indicators of internal illness. We need to examine them every 12 months as well as run some routine screening tests as they age to detect underlying disease BEFORE it is clinically apparent.

Secondly, pets will actively mask signs of illness until late in the course of disease. This stems from survival instincts in a pack or colony situation.

Use the age chart below to find your pets age in "people" years.

These are approximations and may vary by gender, species and breed.