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 (831)476-2202.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   
   Our hospital is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm for appointments. On Saturdays we are open from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. The hospital is closed on Sunday.
   
   
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment.  Established clients may drop their pet off  to be examined or  come in on an emergency basis without an appointment but should call first for doctor availability. Emergencies close to or after 5:00 pm should go straight to the emergency service at Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists at 831-475-5400 unless instructed otherwise by hospital staff.
   
   
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
   
   Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express and Care Credit.
   
   
4. Can I make payments?
   
   Payment is required at the time of service.  We can provide you with information about Care Credit if you need to utilize a payment plan.
   
   
5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   
   Spaying or neutering can be done at  any age from 10 weeks to 10 years.  Our doctors generally recommend that puppies and kittens be spayed or neutered after their pediatric vaccine series is completed, around 5 to 7 months.  However, some breeds of dogs may benefit in various ways from neutering later in life.  Your veterinarian can help you to make this decision.  Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Vaccinations should be current before scheduling surgery. In some cases a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to the anesthesia and surgery.
   
   
6. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
   
   This is a blood test that is performed prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions and blood count.  For some breeds additional testing of blood clotting function is recommended or required.  The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to improve the likelihood of safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.
   
   
7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?
   
   Sutures are usually removed 14 days after surgery.  This procedure is done at no charge.
   
   
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 your pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include preventing the birth of puppies and kittens that contribute to the pet overpopulation problem, decreasing the chances of mammary cancer later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries or ovarian cancer and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate disease in males,  and helping prevent urination behavior problems of spraying and marking.