Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/ answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that are not covered here, please feel free to give us a call at (818) 788-2022

1. What are the Hospital Hours?

We are a Gerneral practice facility, we see routine appointments between the hours of 8:30 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and 9:00am to 8:00pm Saturday and Sunday. We accept limited numbers of walk-ins.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

Yes, patients are seen by appointment. Established clients may drop off their pet off to be examined or come in on an emergency basis without a appointment but should call first for Doctor availability.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, Mastercard, Visa, Care Credit, Scratchpay

4. Can I make payments?

Payment is required at the time of service. We can provide you with information on Care Credit and Scratchpay if you need to utilize a payment plan.

5. My pet is scheduled to have surgery tomorrow, can they have food and water?

Please take ways their food before midnight, the night before any surgical procedure. We will feed them once they have recovered from anesthesia. There is no need to limit their water intake at anytime.

6. What are the benefits of spaying and neutering?

Spaying and neutering your pets can reduce their risk of developing many types of cancers later in life. Spaying your pet will also reduce and eliminate the chances of your pet developing uterine infection known as Pyometra, which can be a life threatening condition. It may even decrease and eliminate unwanted behaviors as in aggression. Spaying and neutering is also the ONLY way to do away with any unwanted litters of puppies or kittens.

7. How old does my pet need to be to have them spayed or neutered?

We recommend waiting until your pet is atleast over 4 months old to try and avoid any urinary incontinence issues form altering too young. We also try to spay female dogs and cats before their first heat cycle to reduce the risk of your pet developing mammary tumors.

8. How often should my pets teeth be cleaned?

Bad breath, inflamed gums, plauque and tartar buildup, loose teeth are always a great concern when it comes to our pets mouths. If you notice any of these signs bring your pet in for a dental check up or schedule a dental cleaning. During your pets routine check up, Doctors will always look and examine your pets teeth, if your pet's teeth are not in need of a dental cleaning at the time of the exam, we can give you recommendations to help maintain your pets overall health such as treats/toys, teeth brushing, and other dental products.

9. Should my pet be on heartworm medication?

Yes. Heartworm disease is very easy to prevent but very difficult and life threatening to treat. We recommend testing your dog for heartworm before starting them on preventatives. We also recommend testing every 6 months to a year while your pet is currently on the preventative. If you miss a monthly dose, please consult with your Veterinarian.

Want to know more about us? We have to abide by certain restrictions governing the practice of veterinary medicine. Learn more by reading these blogs:

Things We Can Do, Things We Cannot Do #1 explains why our doctors need to see the veterinarian at least once a year;

Things We Can Do, Things We Cannot Do #2 explains the laws that prevent the hospital from taking back medications once they have been dispensed;

Things We Can Do, Things We Cannot Do #3 explains why we cannot act as a pharmacy and fill prescriptions provided by another veterinary hospital;

Things We Can Do, Things We Cannot Do #4 explains why we need to do repeated blood tests when pets are on certain medications long-term;

Is C.U.R.E.S. curing anything? Things We Can Do, Cannot Do #5 explains why we need certain information from you, the owner when we prescribe some pain relievers and cough medications. It is because we are covered under a broader California law that tracks controlled substance purchases by humans.