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 Pacifica Pet Hospital.

1. What are the Hospital hours?

• Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
• Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, patients are seen by appointment, except in the case of emergency.  If you have an emergency, it is best to call ahead to let us know you are coming, IF POSSIBLE.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover, and CareCredit.

4. Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service, but we do accept many forms of payment.

5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. Female dogs should be spayed BEFORE their first heat to reduce the possibility of mammary tumors.  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 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 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 stay in after my pet's surgery?

   Procedures involving sutures usually require them to be removed in 10-14 days following the surgery, but follow the surgery instructions given to you at the time you check out.

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. 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 & other behaviors associated with reproduction, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.

9.  Do you board pets?

   Yes, we do boarding for our clients. We have boarding space for both dogs and cats. We also can board birds and other small animals, but you will be required to bring your own cage and food for your pet.  Boarding space for dogs is VERY limited on holidays and during the summer, so we recommend calling ahead AT LEAST two months in advance for these periods.

10.  What are your kennels like?

   Our dog kennels are all indoor. The dogs are walked several times daily while they are boarding. The cat boarders are housed in a separate area away from the dogs. Blankets and food are provided for our boarders.  You are welcome to bring your own, but please understand that sometimes these items get destroyed or lost, so if the item is important to you it's best to leave it at home.