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 Rancho San Carlos Pet Clinic, Inc..

1. What are the Hospital hours?

   Our hospital is open Monday through Friday from 7:00am to 6:00pm. On Saturdays we are open from 7:00am until 3:00pm. The clinic is closed on Sunday.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, patients are seen by appointment.  In an urgent or emergency situation, if you can, please call us before you arrive; this will help us to prepare for your pet's particular needs.

3.  Can I drop my pets off on my way to work and pick them up later?  
    
    Drop-off appointments are available for your convenience.  When you drop off your pet (on the way to work or when running errands, for example), we'll ask you some brief questions about your pet's condition and ask you to leave a phone number where we can reach you.  After one of the doctors examines you pet, he or she will call you to discuss findings and recommendations.

4.  My pet seems fine.  Why should I take him to the vet?

    Thanks to evolution, animals do not readily display signs of illness or weakness.  In the wild, ill and weak animals are often abandoned by their pack and attacked by predators.  That is why a pet can look OK even when it's ill.  Only a veterinarian can diagnose and treat existing and potential health issues.  Remember, too, that dogs and cats have much shorter lifespans than humans, so pets age faster and illnesses progress faster than in people.  And, because some dogs and cats may have health problems that are not revealed by physical examination alone, we may suggest certain tests for your pet if the doctor suspects a health problem may be present.

5. What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.

6. Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service.

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

   Spaying or neutering is recommended to be performed at or before 6 months of age for both dogs and cats.  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.

8.  What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

   This is a blood test that is run here in the clinic prior to surgery or anesthesia.  It is offered and recommended for all patients undergoing a surgical or anesthetic procedure.  It tests the organ functions and blood counts. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during anesthesia and the ability to heal following surgery.

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

   When we perform a neuter or spay surgery for your pet the sutures are usually placed under the skin, so you and your pet do not need to return for removal of the sutures.  Some surgical procedures do involve putting sutures in the skin - these will typically be removed 10 to 12 days following the surgery.

10.  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 diseases later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreasing the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.

11.  Why do you recommend heartworm prevention for dogs?
     Heartworm is especially dangerous because it can kill with little or no warning.  Fortunately, heartworm infestation is completely preventable by giving a pill once a month.  It is important to test all dogs annually for evidence of heartworm infection.  Every year we see one or two infected dogs, and saving them requires extensive and expensive treatments.  While heartworm may affect only a small percentage of unprotected dogs in our area, that's little comfort if it's your dog that gets infected. 

12.  Can I catch anything from my pet?

     Yes!  People can be bitten by fleas and ticks.  They can contract ringworm from an infected pet.  And, humans can (rarely) become infected with parasites such as giardia, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms.  That is why proper hygiene for your family and regular check-ups for your pet are so important!

13.  Do you board pets?

   Yes!  We would be happy to board your pet, and if you would like, he or she can be groomed while you are away!  (Please see the page on Grooming & Boarding in this website.)

14.  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. Blankets and food are provided for our boarders, but you are always welcome to bring your own.