Client Questions & Answers
Welcome to our questions and answers page! Please feel free to contact the hospital staff directly should you have any futher questions or concerns.
What are the clinic hours?
Do I need an appointment?
What is your payment policy?
How old should my pet be before spaying or neutering is performed?
Can I get medications without bringing my pet in for an examination?
When do I start vaccinating my pet and which vaccines are needed?
When does a cat/dog go into heat?
What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
What is the status of WEST NILE VIRUS in Kittitas County, what are the symptoms, and how do I protect against it?
Our clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Saturdays 8:00 am until 12 noon. For after hours emergencies, please call our office number 509-925-2833, and option 1 will connect you with the on call doctor.
Yes, patients are typically only seen by appointment unless your pet is having an emergency. If we have a full appointment schedule, our staff may ask if you would like to drop your pet off to be worked into our schedule.
3) What is your payment policy?
Payment in full is expected and appreciated at the time of service. We accept cash, checks and debit cards as well as VISA, Mastercard and Discover cards.
4) How old should my pet be before spaying or neutering is performed?
A pet may be spayed or neutered at almost any age, as long their reproductive organs have developed. However, the typical range in which most pets undergo surgical altering is between 2-6 months of age. If any additional questions remain please feel free to direct them to one of our veterinarians or visit the AVMA’s (American Veterinary Medical Association) website on pet health and sterilization at http://www.avma.org/communications/brochures/spay-neuter/spay-neuter_brochure.asp
5) Can I get medications without bringing my pet in for an examination?
By law, we cannot dispense or provide prescription medication without seeing and diagnosing your pet’s condition. However, please feel free call the hospital and we would be happy to schedule an appointment for your pet at the next available time. There are some non-prescription medications that do not require an examination.
6) When do I start vaccinating my pet and which vaccines are needed?
DOGS: DHLPP – (Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus) – This vaccine is begun at 6 to 8 weeks and is given every 3 weeks until they are 14 or more weeks old. It is boostered in 1 year and then every 3 years thereafter, though intervals may be adjusted based on the veterinarians recommendation. Bordetella – May be given any time at 6 weeks or older as a single administration and continued as needed based on exposure, boarding, etc. Rabies – Given at 4 to 6 months of age, boostered in 1 year then every 3 years thereafter. Other vaccines such as Lyme disease, rattlesnake toxoid, leptospirosis are available as needed CATS: FVRCP-FELV (Feline distemper, respiratory disease viruses, Feline Leukemia Virus) – Begin at 8 weeks of age, repeat in 1 month then at 1 year and 3 years thereafter, or as recommended by the veterinarian. Rabies – Given at 4 to 6 months, repeated in 1 year then every 3 years thereafter.
7) When does a cat/dog go into heat?
The “heat” or estrus cycle is the mating period for female animals. On average cats will have their first heat cycle beginning at 6 months. The heat cycle will typically occur every two weeks during breeding season, until a pregnancy occurs. A dog’s first heat cycle normally begins between 6-12 months of age, although it varies. A dog will enter estrus approximately twice a year. The “in heat” period may last up to 21 days. Note: These are only guidelines. If you wish to discuss specific situations or concerns please inform the veterinarian at your next appointment.
8) What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
This is a set of blood tests available in the hospital prior to undergoing anesthesia for surgery. It is available to all pets and is strongly recommended for older patients. It tests the organ functions and blood cell counts of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.
9) What is the status of WEST NILE VIRUS in Kittitas County, what are the symptoms, and how do I protect against it?
As of May 2015 there have been no new cases of West Nile Virus in horses in Kittitas County since 2009. However, there was again, a case diagnosed in Yakima County in 2014. For symptoms see YouTube WNV Clinical Signs on our internet links page. Stumbling, walking aimlessly, nose/lip/facial and ear twitching, shaking and not being able to get up have all been noted. To protect against the disease horses should be vaccinated. If they have had a two-dose series in the past and an annual booster the protection rate is very good. If they have had vaccination for West Nile in the past but not this year a booster now should work well. For horses that have never received a vaccination for West Nile it is not too late. A single-dose vaccine called Prevenile will give protection 10 days after injection. Serious illness from West Nile virus is rare in vaccinated horses. As of 9/1/09 all of the terminal cases in Kittitas County have been unvaccinated horses and no illness has been noted in horses with up-to-date vaccination.
