Surgery FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Surgery Appointments:

What do I need to do to prepare my pet for surgery?
Please pull up their food after midnight for both dogs and cats; water is fine. Please walk dogs prior to arrival. They won’t have another chance to go until they are picked up. All cats need to be brought in carriers. If your bringing multiple cats, they should each have their own carrier (exceptions can be made for kittens). We can only accept feral cats in traps for the safety of our staff and the cats.

What time do I need to bring my dog/cat for surgery?
Drop off is at 7:30 am. We are operating curbside, so when you arrive, call (803)327-7387
Or text (803)659-4962 with your name and your pet’s name. Please try to park in a numbered parking spot so we can find you easily. We admit on a first come first served basis. Be prepared to wait as we are admitting many patients into the hospital.

What time do I pick up my pet after surgery?
Pick up times are as follows:
Dogs: 3:00 pm
Cats: 3:30 pm

As with drop off, when you arrive please call or text and let us know where you are and who you are here to pick up. A packet with discharge instructions, pain meds (if needed) and charges will be given at pickup.

Again, we ask for your patience as we have many patients to discharge.

What types of payment do you accept?

Payment will be taken at the time of pickup. We accept Care Credit, Cash and all major Debit/Credit Cards including American Express.

What vaccines do you require?
We only require the rabies vaccine; however, we offer many other vaccines and testing services. If your pet’s Rabies vaccine has been done somewhere else, we will need proof that it is current. If your pet needs the vaccine, we do offer that at Healthy Pets for $13 and it can be given the day of surgery. If you have a voucher, please bring that as well. If you are interested in any other services, please let us know when you schedule your appointment or at drop off.

What is the procedure like?
Our doctors are licensed veterinarians and perform all of the surgeries. We have an excellent, well trained staff that performs all the pre-op and post-op care.

Spaying is the common name for the procedure known as “ovariohysterectomy”.

The uterus and ovaries are removed in order to sterilize a female dog/cat. The procedure takes about 30 minutes. Neutering involves removal of the testicles in male dogs/cats and takes about 15 minutes.

What sort of aftercare do I need to do at home?
After they settle down from all the excitement, they can have a small amount (about half) of food and a few sips of water. As long as they keep this down with no vomiting, they can have a little more water before bedtime. The next day, as long as there hasn’t been any vomiting, they can have a normal amount of food and water. This is a good time to give the pain medication (if it is to be given). Check the incision daily for redness, swelling and discharge. If you notice any problems, please email or call us to get some guidance on what should be done.

One of the most important aftercare instructions is to keep your dog/cat calm and quiet for 7-10 days. Leash walks only (for dogs) when going outside. We can prescribe calming medication if needed.

It is highly recommended to have an E-collar (cone) on hand if licking becomes excessive. We sell these for $10.