1. What are your office hours?

Monday-Friday our office is open from 8am to 7pm. Saturdays we're open from 8:30am to 4pm.

2. Do I have to have an appointment?

Patients are seen by appointments only.

3.  What is AAHA accredited mean?

As an accredited member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), we have regularly undergone inspections by AAHA to ensure that we comply with the association’s high quality standards of care. These standards cover nearly every aspect of our hospital, including surgery, pharmacy, laboratory, exam facilities, pet health records, cleanliness, emergency services, dental and nursing care, diagnostic imaging, and anesthesiology. Approximately 15 percent of animal hospitals in North America are accredited by AAHA.

4. Is someone there through the night?

Arden Animal Hospital doctors see appointment during the week all the way up until 7pm. The office is open until 7pm for you and your pet's convenience. Patients needing 24 hour care are referred to SEVC & SVRC, a map of these locations can be found here on the website.

5. Can I just drop my pet off & pick them up after work?

Drop off appointments can be be made during doctor hours. A form will need to be filled out along with an available phone number. Drop off appointments are limited to existing clients only.

6. Do you take credit cards?

Yes, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover.

7. What does a physical exam include?

A physical exam is recommended yearly to better ensure pet's health. The exam includes the doctor checking your pet's eyes, ears, mouth/gums, teeth, lungs, heart and skin.

8. Can I make payments?

Payment is required at the time services are rendered.

9. What do I feed my puppy or kitten?

Puppies and kittens need a good source of protein and vitamins to help with their development and growth. This can be achieved by feeding them a puppy or kitten maintence diet until they are one year of age.

10. How soon can I bathe my pet?

Puppies and kittens can safely be given bathes at the age of 8 weeks. Prior to 8 weeks you can use a baby wipe or waterless shampoo to remove soiled areas on your pet. Always make sure puppies and kittens are kept warm when bathed.

11. Is it all right to feed my dog bones?

Milkbones and chews can be very effective in maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Animal bones are not safe to give to your dog.

12. Do you sell pets?

Arden Animal Hospital does not sell animals. We do have a board which clients are welcomed to post notes regarding pet's needing homes or pet's wanted.

13. How old must my pet be in order to be spayed or neutered.?

Spaying and neutering your pet is recommended as early as 4 months of age. An exam to determine wether or not your pet is healthy enough to undergo anthesia and the surgical procedure is required. Current vaccinations are also required at the time of surgery.

14. Is declawing my kitten cruel? When should it be done?

Declawing your cat can eliminate inappropriate scratching if all other behavior technuques have been tried. Declawing your cat can be done as early as 4 months of age and can be done at the same time your pet is being spayed or neutered.  A  pain management plan  after surgery will be necessary to keep your pet comfortable.  Behaviour modification techniques and the proper use of scratching posts can sucessfully prevent or correct most types of inappropriate scratching are recommended.

15. How long is a cat/dog's pregnancy?

Female gestation in cats normally last 63-65 days. Siamese cats may carry their kittens for 67 days. A female dog's gestation is normally 63 days. However, puppies can be delivered between 58-68 days.

16. When does a cat/dog go into heat?

The heat cycle is the mating period for female animals. Cat's normally have their first heat cycle between 5 to 10 months of age with the average being 6 months. Dog's first heat cycle are normally between 6-12 months. Some females of larger breeds may not have their first cycle until they are 12-24 months of age. Remember the above information is general not all females follow these patterns. Consult with your veterinarian if your pet does not seem typical. Sometimes cycling problems can be early warning of more serius problems and the sooner they are dealt with the better.

17. Can my pet be spayed during heat?

Yes, the surgical procedure can be at this time for an additional fee. If you think your pet may be in heat and you have any questions and or concerns please call your veterinarian.

18. Shouldn't I let my pet have at least one litter?

No, there is no advantage in allowing your pet to have a litter. There are numerous advantages though to spaying/neutering your pet including the decreased risk of certain cancers.

19. How long do sutures stay in?

Sutures may or may not be necessary for your pet's procedure. Procedures involving sutures usually require sutures to be removed in 10-12 days from the time of the procedure.

20. Do you board pets?

Arden Animal Hospital offers exellent boarding for your pets. Current exams, Flea and Tick prevention and vaccinations, including the bordetella vaccine for dogs, are required for boarding. Please make reservations in advance especially during the holidays and weekends as space fills quickly. To keep our facility free of Intestinal Parasites we will give an oral deworming medication as necessary.

21. What are your boarding facilities like, and can I bring in my pet's own food, bed and toy?

Arden Animal Hospital boarding facilites are all indoor.  We have spacious suites for even large dogs. Our facilities are air conditioned and heated to keep pets comfortable. Each dog suite has an individual window and drain for better sterilization. Cat's are housed in our cat condos. We have a larger condo for cats who like to stay together. Some of our condo's have windows in them for sunbathing. We provide litter boxes, blankets and a vetchoice diet for all of our boarders. You are welcomed to bring in your pet's own food, bed, toys, treats and blankets. We want to make sure your pet is comfortable for it's stay.