Pre-Surgery Information from Paws for a Cause

Pre-Surgical Instructions for Cats & Dogs

For all pets over 4 months of age, please withhold all food after midnight (12 AM) the night before surgery. You may leave water out for them until morning. If your pet is 4 months old or younger, please feed them ¼ of their normal meal in the morning before bringing them to their appointment.

We recommend you bathe or groom your pet before a surgical visit, as we will request that you do not bathe or groom them for 10-14 days after their surgery, to keep their incision site safe.

If your pet is currently taking medications (other than the typical flea/tick and heartworm prevention) please provide a full list of these medications, including eye, ear, or skin medications so that we can determine if your pet is an appropriate candidate for surgery with Paws for a Cause Vet Care protocols. Some medications can interact with other medications or drugs that we use.

We do require all pets to be vaccinated for rabies to receive surgery, in accordance with local ordinances and state law. If your pet does not have a current rabies vaccination, they can receive it on the day of surgery. If they have been previously vaccinated, please bring a copy of proof of vaccination with you on the morning of surgery.

We must have a copy of the actual rabies certificate and cannot accept a rabies tag as proof.

Although we do offer vaccinations on the same day as surgery, we highly recommend that your pet be vaccinated at least two weeks before surgery for DAPPv-L4 (distemper-parvo combo) and Bordetella for all dogs and FVRCP (distemper, upper respiratory) for cats. While no vaccine is 100% effective, vaccination will lessen the chance of your pet contracting disease, as well as decrease the severity of the disease if your pet does contract it. You may visit our clinic to have your pet vaccinated before surgery by calling us to make an appointment.

If you qualified for and obtained a county voucher for free or low-cost spay/neuter, please bring with and present your voucher to our front desk at check-in. We need to obtain the actual voucher in order to ensure you receive your discounts.

Surgical Drop-Off Instructions

Dogs

For everyone’s safety, all dogs must come in on a short leash.
If you use a retractable leash, please make sure it is locked in a short position.
When you arrive, be sure to keep your dog close to you at check in. While your pet may enjoy socializing, other dogs might be experiencing lots of stress.

Cats

Each individual cat must arrive in their own carrier.
We require that feral cats be brought in a humane live trap, measuring 32″ x 15″ x 10″. Please cover their trap with a sheet or towel to help reduce their stress during their visit.

Please note that you can expect the check-in process to take approximately 10-30 minutes, depending on a variety of factors.

Please plan accordingly, arrive on time, and be patient with the staff. We’re deeply committed to providing your pet the very best care and that’s exactly why we appreciate your understanding while we’re assisting your family and others.