Frequently Asked Questions

HomeFrequently Asked Questions

We’ve answered questions about our veterinary services.

At Plaza Veterinary Hospital, providing great care to cats and dogs is our passion and our specialty. We’ve answered some common questions we receive about the veterinary services we offer and what sets them apart.

How do I schedule an appointment for my pet?

You can schedule an appointment by calling us directly. You can also use the convenient “Request an Appointment” feature on our website.

What should I do if my pet has an emergency?

If you have an emergency during our regular business hours, call us immediately, so we can prepare for your arrival. For after-hours emergencies, we may refer you to a veterinary emergency hospital.

What sets your office apart from other clinics?

We are a family-oriented practice that focuses on high-tech medicine with quality care. We focus on personalized preventative medicine, ensuring we treat every pet as if they were our own while staying on top of the latest veterinary advancements.

Do you treat exotic pets?

Our primary focus and expertise are in the health and wellness of cats and dogs. By specializing in cats and dogs, we make sure we provide the highest quality of focused medical and surgical care.

Are you currently accepting new clients?

Yes! We are always happy to welcome new members to our veterinary family. Please contact us to set up an initial wellness exam, so we can get to know you and your pet.

What is your policy on prescription refills?

For the safety of your pet, we require that you have had a recent exam in the past year to refill medications. You can request refills through our online pharmacy or by calling our clinic.

Why are annual wellness exams necessary?

Pets age much faster than humans, and they are good at hiding discomfort. Annual exams allow our veterinarians to catch underlying issues before they become serious and more costly to treat.

What age should my puppy or kitten have their first visit?

We recommend scheduling an initial exam as soon as you bring your new pet home, usually around 8 to 10 weeks of age. This allows us to screen for parasites, provide vital vaccinations, and discuss nutrition. We’ll also check their overall wellbeing with a thorough medical exam and take detailed records on your file to help track your pet’s progress as they grow.

What vaccinations does my pet need?

Vaccination requirements vary, but the rabies vaccine is required by law. We also recommend the Distemper/Parvo vaccine for dogs and FVRCP for cats. If you plan on boarding your pet, visiting dog parks, or attending training classes, the kennel cough vaccine is also recommended. It is often required for facilities that offer boarding, dog daycare or dog training facilities.

What safety protocols do you follow during surgical procedures?

Safety is our priority. We perform pre-anesthetic bloodwork to ensure organ function, use advanced monitoring equipment, and provide dedicated pain management for recovery. We’ll keep you fully informed on pre and post-surgical care and guide you through the process should your pet require surgery.

At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?

While the traditional age is about 6 months, we customize this recommendation based on the breed, size, and health status of your pet. This procedure is now often recommended at an older age for many breeds to help growth plates fully develop and prevent things like incontinence (in females) and potential reactive behavioral issues. We’ll help provide all the information about your pet’s circumstances to help you make an informed decision about the timing for spaying and neutering.

Do you perform surgeries other than spays and neuters?

Yes! Our veterinarians are experienced in a variety of soft-tissue surgeries, including mass removals, bladder stone removals, and gastrointestinal procedures.

Do you offer microchipping?

Yes! We use HomeAgain microchips, which are about the size of a grain of rice. This is a quick and permanent way to ensure your pet can be identified and returned to you if they ever get lost.

Can you help with my pet’s behavioral issues?

Behavioral health is just as important as physical health. We can discuss issues, like anxiety or aggression, during an exam to rule out medical issues and provide a specialist referral if needed. We understand how behavioral issues can weigh on you as a pet owner, so are happy to help in whatever way we can to assist in supporting your pet.