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 850-279-6656.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   Our hospital will be open Monday to Friday from 7:45 am to 5:45 pm. The clinic will be closed on Saturday and Sunday. If you have an after hours emergency please call the Emergency Clinic of Okaloosa/Walton at 850-729-3335 
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment.
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
   Cash, in-state and personal checks, all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), CareCredit and Scratch Pay. 
4. Can I make payments?
   Payment is required at the time of service. However we do accept Care Credit and Scratch Pay. 
5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   Spaying or neutering can be done any time after 4 months of age and preferably prior to 1 year 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, and in some cases necessary, 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 (or can be sent out to an outside lab a few days before 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/staples stay in after my pet's surgery?
   Procedures involving sutures/staples require them to be removed in 10-14 days following the surgery. Drain tubes (if applicable) are usually removed 3-5 days after 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 prior to having her first heat cycle or reaching puberty. 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?
   No, we do not provide boarding or grooming services. We are focused on providing quality health care for your pet. We do provide a drop off service/day boarding for animals that need medical care.