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 (281)395-4700.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   Our hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. On Saturdays we are open from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. Appointments are seen starting at 9:00 but drop offs can be made as early as 8:00. The clinic is closed on Sunday.
    
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   Appointments are preferred and highly suggested to allow for optimal time for patient care and to answer any and all questions! However walk-ins are welcome if the doctor is available at the time (there may be a waiting period if the doctor is currently seeing patients).
    
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
   We accept cash, check, all major credit cards (e.g. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, Discover), and CareCredit.
    
4. Is full payment expected at the time of service?
   Yes. Full payment is required at the time of service. We do accept CareCredit which offers 6 months of no interest if paid off in that time period for those approved. To check your eligibility and apply, please visit https://carecredit.com/ or call 800-365-8295 
    
5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   Spaying or neutering can be done at any time but is recommended after six to nine months of age. Your pet is given a thorough physical 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 required 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. It tests the vital organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to ensure that your pet can safely go under anesthesia prior to surgery.
    
7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?
   Many pets will not require skin sutures after their procedure since the incision site will be closed with buried sutures. However those that do get skin sutures will have them removed in 10-14 days after the procedure to ensure that the incision site has fully healed. The incision area is thoroughly examined before the sutures are removed.
    
8. Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?
   Studies indicate that there is no advantage to letting your pet have at least one litter. Studies show that there are plenty of advantages to having your pet spayed or neutered. 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 diseases later in life, decreasing the chance of perianal tumors later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens. It should be noted that after being spayed or neutered, your pet's metabolism may go down as much as 15-25% which would result in weight gain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle such proper diet and regular exercise after the procedures can help minimize this effect.