BEFORE SURGERY CARE

Drop off time at the clinic for cats is 7 to 8 a.m. Feral cats must be at the clinic by 8:30 a.m. Pick up time for cats is 4 to 5 p.m. Drop off time for dogs is 11 a.m. Pick up time for dogs is 3 p.m. Please call if other arrangements need to be made. There is a $15.00 boarding fee for overnight stay.

All cats must have their own carrier for going home. The cats have to be able to lie flat in the carrier. The carrier should be lined with newspaper in case of accidents. It is easier to replace if the need arises. A cardboard carrier can be purchased for $4.00. Do not hand carry cats into the clinic as they may become frightened and try to escape.

Feral cats do not need an appointment for surgery. We would appreciate only 2 feral cats per customer on any given day of surgery. Please do not trap until the night before the day of surgery as we do not have the facilities to house feral cats.

Do not feed adult dogs and cats breakfast. They can have water. Kittens under 4 months of age can have a small meal on the day of surgery.

Wait until the dog is out of heat before scheduling an appointment to have it spayed. Dogs must be at least 5 months old and weigh 30 pounds or less. Dogs usually have a heat cycle at 5 to 7 months old.

Kittens under 6 months old need to have at least 1 distemper vaccination 10 days  At that time arrangements can be made for surgery in 3 to 4 weeks when they would receive their second distemper shot and rabies, which are included in the cost of the spay or neuter. The cost for the first vaccine is can be found on our Services page.

Animals must be in good health. If they show signs of illness such as runny eyes, sneezing, coughing, or diarrhea, they will be declined surgery.

Payment can be made either at drop off or pick up time. We accept cash, check and credit cards. If you are in need of financial assistance, coupons can be obtained at Animal Control, 415 Placerville Drive, Suite N. Their phone number is 530-621-5795.

Thank you for being a responsible pet owner and good citizen of the community. You are helping to control the overpopulation of pets

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

PICKING UP YOUR CAT OR DOG:

Cats go home between 4pm and 5pm on the day they were altered. Please be sure to pick up your cat prior to 5pm! There will be an additional $15 charge unless other arrangements have been made in advance if your cat is not picked up as expected.

WHEN YOUR CAT GOES HOME:

Your cat or dog is still under the influence of the anesthetic and may perform contrary to its normal nature. It is important to keep your cat or dog in a small, warm and quiet room for at least the next 24 hours. For cats provide a litter box, food and fresh water. They may choose not to eat after surgery for as long as 24 hours. Have your cat remain in its carrier for at least 3 hours after pickup to avoid any injury to you or your cat.

WATCH FOR THE FOLLOWING AND CALL US IF YOU NOTICE:

   Redness, bleeding or puffiness at the site of the incision

   Pus or drainage at the incision site

   Refuses to eat more than 24 hours after surgery

Try to prevent excessive licking at the surgical site because this can cause irritation and/or infection. Call if you notice excessive biting or licking. We have used inside sutures so they do not need to return for suture removal. The best situation for your outside cat is to keep the males inside for 2 days and the females in for 5 days if possible. Remember to give extra hugs.

CAT IMMUNIZATIONS:

At the time of surgery your cat received a rabies and 4/1 distemper shot. If your cat has never received shots before or you have no history, your cat should return in 3 - 4 weeks for a booster to the distemper shot. There is an $11 charge and you will need to call and make an appointment. These shots will boost their immune system against feline diseases.

If your kitten was under 14 - 16 weeks when altered, it may not have received its rabies shot. This shot was included in your fee and will be given when you return for the distemper booster. Leukemia tests/shots are not included, but may be requested at an additional charge.