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**We are only accepting new clients for Spay/Neuter appointments at this time
What to expect for your pets spay/neuter
It is completely normal to feel nervous about surgery; many of our pet parents feel the same way. Our team will be monitoring your pet's heart rate, respiration rate, oxygen levels, and temperature during their procedure and recovery. We will call you as soon as your pet is awake and in recovery. At that time we will give you a time for when your pet will be ready to go home.
Preparing in advance for your pet's spay or neuter is a good way to help make for a smoother surgery day and recovery period.
Before your Pets spay/Neuter:
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For pets over the age of 5 years old, an Exam will be scheduled before the surgical procedure. At this appointment the vet will give a thorough examination of your pet and blood work will be done to check organ function before anesthesia.
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Ensure you have your pet’s medical records and that they are up-to-date on their wellness (Rabies, distemper and heartworm test). These can be done the day of surgery if not up-to-date.
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Bathe your pet a day or two before surgery, as you must avoid bathing them for 10–14 days afterward to keep the incision dry. If your pet goes to the groomer regularly, plan to schedule that appointment before surgery.
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Set up a quiet, clean, and confined area at home. This space should be free from stairs and furniture that might encourage jumping or running. Pets will need to be kept quiet and leash walked for potty breaks. **If you have a high energy pet, please let the clinic know. We may need to send home medication to help keep your pet calm.
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Stock Up on Supplies:
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Purchase an E-collar or ”cone” (we have plastic ones available for purchase at the clinic). Or you may prefer to purchase a recovery suit or soft “donut” collar. The goal is to prevent licking.
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Soft Bedding to ensure they have a comfortable place to rest.
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Bland Food: Have easy-to-digest food available in case of post-op nausea. This can be a bland diet dog food, or have boiled chicken and white rice on hand.
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The Night Before and Morning of Surgery
Drop off for surgeries is between 7:30am and 9:00am for dogs, and between 8:30 and 10am for cats.
PLEASE call the clinic from the parking lot once you arrive. We will instruct you when to come in, as other pets may be in the lobby getting checked in already.
The Night Before Surgery
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Fasting: Take up all food and water after midnight to prevent vomiting under anesthesia.
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Note: The Vet may ask for young puppies or kittens to have a small meal closer to the surgery time.
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Indoor Confinement: Keep your pet inside to ensure they don't find anything to eat and are easy to locate in the morning.
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Monitor Health: If your pet shows any signs of illness (coughing, diarrhea, or sneezing), contact your vet immediately, as the surgery may need to be postponed.
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The Morning of Surgery
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No Food or water. *Ask ahead of time about any daily medications your pet may take, as to whether they should be given or not.
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Bathroom Break: Take your dog for a walk to allow them to urinate and have a bowel movement before check-in.
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Secure Transport: Use a sturdy carrier for cats and a secure leash for dogs.
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Bring Documentation: Have your vaccination records and any required paperwork ready. Our surgical forms and microchip registration forms can be printed here.
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Contact Information: Ensure the clinic has a number where you can be reached at all times throughout the day.
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Post-Op : Caring for your Pet after Surgery
After Surgery: Immediate Recovery (24 Hours)
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Grogginess: Your pet will likely be sleepy, unsteady, or nauseous as anesthesia wears off.
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Feeding: Offer small amounts of food and water late in the evening. Don't worry if they have a reduced appetite initially.
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Environment: Provide a quiet, warm, and confined space indoors away from children and other pets.
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At-Home Care: The Healing Period (10–14 Days)
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Activity Restriction: Prevent running, jumping, or rough play for at least 10–14 days to avoid opening the incision or causing internal bleeding. Use a leash for all bathroom breaks.
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Prevent Licking: An Elizabethan collar (cone) or recovery suit is critical to keep your pet from licking the incision, which can cause infection or reopen the wound.
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Incision Care: Check the site daily for redness, significant swelling, or discharge. Keep the area dry—no baths or swimming until fully healed.
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Pain Management: Follow the prescribed dosage for pain medications provided by your vet. Never give human medications like Tylenol, which are toxic to pets.
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*When to Call the Vet
Contact your veterinarian immediately if you observe:
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Yellow or red discharge from the incision.
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The incision opening up or missing stitches.
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Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than 24 hours.
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Extreme lethargy or inability to stand.
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