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 (503) 630-3538.

1. What are the Small Animal Hospital hours?

   Our hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. On Saturdays we are open from 8:30am to 3:00pm. The clinic is closed on Sunday.  We do have an emergency service after hours.

  If your animal is very ill, you have an emergency, or you are checking on a hospitalized patient, call our answering service at (503) 630-3538.  They will contact one of our doctors.  For emergencies, there is an additional fee and we ask for full payment at the time of service.  Cash or credit card payment is required for first time clients.  After 10:00pm, we only see established clients.

If a doctor is unavailable, contact Northwest Veterinary Specialists Emergency Service at (503)656-3999 or Dove Lewis Emergency Clinic at (503)228-7281.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, patients are seen by appointment.  Emergencies are seen without an appointment.  We recommend you alert the staff about the type of emergency so that we are prepared for you.  

If more convenient, you may drop off your pet for an exam.  The doctor will call you with their findings once they have had an opportunity to examine your pet and make a cost estimate for diagnostics and the treatment plan. 

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, and Citi Health Card.  The Citi Health Card is a credit card dedicated to health care costs.  We ask that first time clients and emergencies pay with cash or credit card.

4. Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service.  You may apply for the Citi Health Card for low monthly payments.                             


5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

6.  What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

   This is a blood test that is run here in the clinic 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.

7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?

   Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 10-14 days following the surgery.

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 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.

9.  Do you board pets?

   Yes, we do boarding for our clients. We have boarding space for both dogs and cats. We also can board birds and other small animals, but you will be required to bring your own cage and food for your pet.

10.  What are your kennels like?

   Our dog kennels are all indoor. The dogs are walked 3 times daily while they are boarding. The cat boarders are housed in a separate area away from the dogs. Blankets and food are provided for our boarders, but you are always welcome to bring your own.