Frequently Asked Questions

For Pet Owners

Before Surgery

What will surgery cost?

We provide clear package pricing for our surgeries and procedures. Cost depends on the specific procedure, your pet’s size and health status, and any additional diagnostics needed. We’ll walk you through an estimate before moving forward so there are no surprises.

Does my pet need pre-surgical bloodwork?

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork helps us confirm that your pet’s organs can safely process anesthesia. However, if your pet has had recent bloodwork prior to referral, they may not need additional testing.

With routine spay and neuter, we recommend bloodwork for any pet over 3 years old, but do not require it. With more advanced surgeries, we may also need radiographs or other diagnostics beforehand. We promise to be transparent in our pricing and provide you with a comprehensive price prior to your pet’s surgery.

Is anesthesia safe for my pet?

Modern veterinary anesthesia is very safe, especially with the focus on surgery and individualized protocols we use. We tailor the anesthesia plan to your pet’s age, size, breed, and health status. A designated team member will continuously monitor heart rate, oxygen levels, and other vital signs throughout the procedure and during recovery.

Should I withhold food or water before surgery?

Generally, yes—we ask you to remove food after 10 PM the night before surgery and water the morning of surgery. This reduces the risk of vomiting or aspiration under anesthesia.

Can my pet take their regular medications before surgery?

It depends on the medication. Please let us know everything your pet currently takes, including supplements, so we can tell you what to continue and what to pause before the procedure.

How should I prepare my pet in the days leading up to surgery?

If a bath or grooming is needed, it’s best done 2–3 days before surgery rather than the same day, since your pet won’t be able to bathe again for 2–3 weeks afterward.

What should I expect at drop-off and pick-up?

Please plan to drop off your pet from 7–9 AM on the morning of surgery. We will let you know an estimated pick-up time once we have a sense of your pet’s procedure and recovery. We’ll call you as soon as surgery is complete.

After Surgery

What should I expect after surgery?

Grogginess, lower energy, and a smaller appetite are all normal for the first 12 hours as the anesthesia wears off. Most pets are back to their normal selves within a few days, though this varies with age, health, and the procedure performed. Please call us if you have any questions or concerns after your pet is discharged—we are here to help.

How long is the recovery period?

Recovery time depends on the procedure, but many pets are restricted from normal activity for 10–14 days while the incision fully heals. More involved procedures may require a longer recovery. We’ll give you a timeline specific to your pet at discharge.

Does my pet need to wear an E-collar or Surgery Suit?

Yes. Licking or chewing at an incision is one of the most common causes of complications post-surgery, so an E-collar or Surgery Suit should stay on any time your pet is unsupervised, even if they seem uninterested in the site. We recommend removing the Surgery Suit daily to assess the incision and make sure the area is dry and clean.

How do I care for the incision at home?

Check it once or twice a day for redness, swelling, or discharge, and keep it clean and dry—no bathing until we’ve cleared you to do so. Don’t apply any ointments or products to the incision unless we’ve specifically told you to. Call us and please email pictures if you have any concerns regarding the healing of your pet’s incision.

What activity restrictions apply after surgery?

Keep your pet calm and limit jumping, running, rough play, and stairs for 10–14 days. Leash walks for bathroom breaks are typically fine, but we’ll let you know if your pet’s specific procedure calls for stricter confinement, such as crate rest.

What if my pet won't eat after coming home?

A reduced appetite for the first 24–48 hours can be common and even expected depending on the procedure performed. Offering a smaller, bland meal the first evening can help. If your pet refuses food for more than 48 hours, vomits, or you are unable to administer medications as instructed, please contact us.

What can I use to help my pet take their medications?

We know it can be stressful and difficult to give oral meds to a dog or cat after surgery. These medications are vital to your pet’s healing process. Any chewable or liquid meds can be mixed with food to help give them. Most capsules or tablets need to be given intact.

Below are some options to try when giving your pet their medications:

Dogs: lunch meat, liver pâté, squeeze cheese, marshmallow, xylitol-free peanut butter, Pill Pockets, Churu Pill Conceal treats, hot dog. Note: certain dogs will need a low-fat diet post-surgery, so limit high-fat treats.
Cats: Churu or Delectable liquid treats, marshmallow, butter (wrap and freeze), baby food
Pro tip: Bitter-tasting tablets can be placed in an empty capsule and wrapped in a treat to hide the strong flavor. Empty capsules can be found online or at your local pharmacy.

Will my pet be in pain, and how is that managed?

We prioritize pain control before, during, and after every procedure. Your pet will typically go home with oral pain medication, and possibly an anti-inflammatory or antibiotic depending on the surgery—give these exactly as prescribed. If you feel your pet is still in pain with the medications, call us and we can discuss your concerns.

When should I call the vet versus wait it out?

Swelling, discharge, or a bad odor at the incision
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Difficulty breathing
Your pet seems unwilling to move, eat, or go to the bathroom

When in doubt, it’s always fine to call and update us on what you are seeing. We are here to answer any questions you have.

When are stitches or staples removed?

If skin sutures or staples were used, they’re typically removed 10–14 days after surgery at a recheck visit. Many procedures use absorbable sutures underneath the skin that don’t require removal—we’ll let you know which applies to your pet at discharge.

Do I need a follow-up appointment?

Some procedures include a recheck to confirm the incision is healing well and remove sutures if needed. We’ll schedule this before you leave or let you know to follow up with your regular veterinarian as needed.

For Referring Veterinarians

How do I refer a patient to your practice?

Submit our online referral form or call us directly with the patient’s basic information and the reason for referral. We’ll follow up with you or your client directly to schedule the surgery or procedure. We are also available to discuss any case you are considering referring to help answer any questions you have.

Can I refer urgent or same-day cases?

Yes—please call us directly about urgent cases so we can coordinate timing. For non-emergency referrals, our online form or email works well and we’ll respond promptly to schedule.

What information should I send with the referral?

Please include the patient’s history, current medications, relevant exam findings, and any bloodwork, imaging, or lab results you already have on file. The more context we have going in, the smoother the case moves.

Will my patient return to my care afterward?

Yes. We see ourselves as an extension of your practice, not a replacement—every patient is sent back to you for ongoing and follow-up care once their procedure and recovery are complete. We are happy to provide any post-op support and answer any questions you may have.

Will you provide a cost estimate I can share with the owner?

Yes. Once we’ve reviewed the case, we provide a clear, upfront estimate that you or our team can review with the owner before any procedure moves forward.

Who can I contact with questions about a specific case?

You’re welcome to call or email us any time to discuss a case before or after referring—we’re happy to talk through options with you directly.