Why can’t I get an appointment on the same day?
For a variety of reasons the veterinary industry is seeing a huge spike in demand for services since the pandemic. At the same time, there is a nationwide shortage of veterinarians and veterinary technicians, and given illness and childcare issues, veterinary support staff is less available. These factors along with more time-intensive cleaning protocols and curbside care have also eaten into veterinary hospitals’ appointment availability. Since we do not want to sacrifice quality of care in order to see more patients, we simply don’t have the “wiggle room” to work in same-day appointments unless it is a life-threatening emergency.
My pet is scheduled for surgery and I’m concerned about the risks of anesthesia. How can I be sure my pet will be safe?
We understand that it can be stressful when your pet needs surgery, even when it’s something routine like spay/neuter or a dental cleaning. The safety and well-being of our pet patients is our highest priority, which is why we require pre-operative lab work. This testing ensures that your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia and is healthy enough to undergo the procedure. During and after surgery, your pet’s vital signs are continually monitored by our doctor’s support team. As soon as the procedure is complete, a doctor or technician will check in and update you on the surgery and your pet’s condition. We are always happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have, so please don’t hesitate to ask!
Why do I need an annual exam to get medication?
Legally, the veterinary medical board of this state (and most others) requires an annual exam before medication can be prescribed. This is to ensure that the medication itself and the dosage is correct for your pet. Just as with humans, it’s required that a doctor have firsthand knowledge of a patient’s current condition in order to prescribe medication.
What vaccinations does my dog/cat really need?
Generally speaking, all dogs and cats need rabies and other core vaccinations as recommended by the American Animal Hospital Association. These include distemper and parvovirus for dogs, and a combo vaccine against feline herpesvirus, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia for cats. However, some states highly recommend additional vaccinations due to environmental risk, which is why we also consider the leptospirosis vaccination to be a core vaccination for our canine patients. We do not recommend or administer the FIV vaccine for cats.
Why does my pet need a rabies vaccine? Can I get in trouble if I decline a rabies vaccine?
In California, all dogs over three months of age must have a rabies vaccination. While it is not legally required for cats, it is strongly recommended as rabies is a potentially deadly zoonotic disease—it has a 99% fatality rate if not treated and can be passed from animals to humans. Should your unvaccinated pet bite a person or another animal, it could be subject to extended quarantine periods, and in some cases euthanasia. If your dog is not properly vaccinated and licensed with your county of residence, you may also be subject to a citation and fine. Some pets may be exempt from the rabies vaccination, but only for serious medical conditions. If you think your pet may qualify, discuss that with your veterinarian and he or she can help you apply for the exemption.