Located in the SAVS Facility
What to Expect at Your Visit
Preparing for Your Visit
To help us provide the best care for your pet, please:
- Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any paperwork.
- Make a list of any questions for our staff.
- Bring videos of your pet, if relevant, to show behaviors or symptoms.
- Bring your pet’s current medications in their original containers.
- Pack two pre-portioned meals in a sealed bag or container (no raw diets permitted).
Fasting Instructions
Please fast your pet (no food) for 12 hours before your appointment, while always keeping water available. Fasting helps reduce risks during anesthesia or sedation and improves lab result accuracy. If your pet is under 6 months of age or has a special condition (such as diabetes or seizures), contact us beforehand for specific feeding guidelines.
Appointment Changes and Cancellations
If you need to reschedule or cancel, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid a fee. Cancellations with less than 24-hour notice, or no-show appointments, will incur a cancellation fee.
Scheduling Surgery
If your pet’s surgery is scheduled separately from the initial consultation, we’ll arrange a morning drop-off for the procedure. Please remember to fast your pet as instructed before the drop-off. Missed surgery appointments will also incur a fee.
At your appointment
A technician will meet with you to discuss your pet’s medical history and gather any relevant information. They’ll perform a general exam and record your pet’s vital signs.
After this, the surgeon will meet with you and perform a thorough physical examination, including orthopedic and neurologic assessments if needed. We’ll review available test results and recommend any additional tests if necessary. Together, we’ll discuss treatment options and create the best plan for your pet.
Same-Day Surgery
In many cases, surgery can be performed on the same day as your initial consultation. If this is the plan, a technician will admit your pet and schedule a discharge appointment for the following day. Pets undergoing anesthesia and surgery stay overnight with us under constant care.
Keeping You Updated
You’ll receive a text update before your pet is sedated, another when the procedure is complete, and a call from the surgeon with a detailed update later in the day. The next morning, a final update is provided, and the discharge time will be confirmed by one of our technicians.
After Your Pet's Surgery:
Discharge Appointment
At your discharge appointment, we’ll review your pet’s home care instructions, covering topics like exercise restrictions, pain management, and any rehabilitation techniques. We’ll go over any prescribed medications, including administration times. If appropriate, we may provide a referral to a rehabilitation facility.
Post-operative recheck appointments will be scheduled at this time as well. Once all your questions are answered, and you’re comfortable with the care plan, we’ll reunite you with your pet and assist you to your vehicle if needed.
All medical records are emailed directly to your primary care veterinarian to keep them updated on your pet’s procedure.
Help Line for Recovery Questions
For non-emergency recovery questions during our normal business hours, please feel free to call our office and a staff member will provide further guidance. If questions arise on weekends or holidays, we offer a dedicated help line for current clients. This helpline is provided on your pet’s discharge instructions. Please note: the helpline provided is not an emergency line. For emergencies, please contact your regular veterinarian or a 24-hour facility.
Recheck Appointments
Based on your pet’s surgery, you’ll have at least one to two recheck appointments to monitor healing:
- First Recheck: This is typically an incision check and mobility assessment. The technician will examine the incision and, if needed, remove any skin sutures. We’ll answer any questions you may have about your pet’s recovery.
- Orthopedic Procedures: Most orthopedic surgeries will need follow-up X-rays (radiographs) about 6–8 weeks after surgery. Sedation is required for these X-rays, so please fast your pet prior to these appointments. Afterward, we’ll review your pet’s progress with you and discuss further recommendations based on your pet’s level of healing progression.