FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
General questions:
What age should I spay or neuter my dog? What if they are a large breed?
This is a complex question without a simple “one-size-fits-all” answer. For the majority of dogs, spay and neuter is recommended prior to 6 months of age, before sexual maturity. If your dog will be less than 45 pounds (when fully grown), spay/neuter before 6 months is best. If your dog will be larger than 45 pounds, there are more variables that may factor into your decision. At Operation Pawsible, we see the impact of major health issues associated with un-spayed and un-neutered animals, and understand the stress on our area shelters. Therefore, we are strong proponents of early spay/neuter prior to 6 months, regardless of your dog’s adult weight. Surgery is faster and recovery is much easier when spay/neuter is performed prior to 6 months of age, and with fewer complications and less time under anesthesia.
Informative links: AVMA, VIN, AAHA
What age is best to spay or neuter my cat?
This answer is easy for cats - Spay and neuter by 5 months of age. There is NO documented benefit to waiting. Females can become pregnant as young as 4-5 months old. The “Fix by Five” Initiative supports spaying/neutering no later than 5 months of age. This supports faster healing times, safer anesthesia and surgery, and reduces the potential for accidental litters. It also prevents the instint to roam outdoors to find a mate - meaning lowering their chances of being hit by a car or encountering wildlife predators.
Informative links: United Spay Alliance, FelineVMA (CatVets), AVMA article
How can you offer surgery at a lower cost than my regular veterinarian?
We have streamlined our services, reduced overhead, and focus ONLY ony surgery. Due to our focus on surgery, we are able to perform more surgeries per day and lower the costs for you. Our doctors have specialized training in advanced spay & neuter techniques that enable us to perform surgery with efficient and safe methods. Your primary vet is still an invaluable resource for your pet’s future health!
We strongly believe that by charging less we are able to help more families provide the essential care their pets need. We also have special funds for families who may need assistance to cover the costs.
Does my pet receive sub-standard care since the cost is lower?
No - We assure you that we are utilizing the safest and latest anesthesia and pain management guidelines. We also track surveillance data to identify any potential issues that may arise. All pets receive anesthesia monitoring by a skilled professional. Our doctors have years of experience as well as advanced training in spay and neuter surgical techniques. Since the animals are under anesthesia for shorter periods of time due to their effiiency, as well as smaller incisions, this directly corellates with safer anesthestic and surgical outcomes.
Medical / Surgical Questions:
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Yes. Anesthetics have come a long way over the last few decades. We have safe and reversible medications. We are informed about MDR-1 dogs (and cats), and breed specific anesthesia concerns. We will ensure your pet is well cared for during their surgical procedure. We will ensure their pain is prevented and treated, and we do everything we would want for the safety and comfort of our own pets.
What is the healing time after surgery? Does my pet really need to wear a cone?
The typical recovery time for spay/neuter surgery is 10-14 days. If your pet licks at their incision, they can cause infection, inflammation, and in the worse cases, open up the incision completely (which can be a life-threatening complication). It is important to use a cone or surgical suit to prevent licking during the healing process.
Does my pet need pre-anesthestic bloodwork?
Blood testing is not required for most pets. Blood testing includes a CBC (complete blood count) to evaluate red and white cells, and platelets. This helps determine if your pet is anemic or may have any issues with healing after surgery. A chemistry panel measures blood values that help us understand how well your pet’s liver and kidneys are functioning. It also tests blood sugar, and protein levels.
What if my dog/cat is in heat (or was in heat recently)?
Our surgeons are experienced with safetly spaying your pet while they are in heat. Surgery can be scheduled to prevent pregnancy. Cats will continue to have heat cycles fairly consistently until they are pregnant. In dogs, there is a slight increase of a “false pregnancy” when spayed during or immediately after a heat cycle. However, there are also risks that she could develop an infected uterus (pyometra) in that same time period. We recommend scheduling as soon as possible to prevent pregnancy or pyometra.
My dog/cat might alerady be pregnant - What should I do?
We are able to safely perform your pet’s spay surgery, even if they are pregnant (unless very late-term). If you have specific questions, please reach out to our team to discuss your pet’s situation. There may be an additional fee depending on how recently she became pregnant (no additional fee for early pregnancy).
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
We pre-emptively administer pain medication before surgery. Multiple types of medication are used, allowing a safer dose range for each individual medication. We use local numbing medication to help prevent pain during surgery. Your pet will also go home with pain medication to give during their healing process. Restricting their activity/movement during healing is an important part of preventing pain and promote healing. Most animals act very normal and don’t show any signs of pain. However, some are more communicative or sensitive than others. If you are worried about your pet experiencing pain after surgery, please reach out to our team.
Why does my pet need a tattoo?
It is important to have permanant identification that your pet has been spayed or neutered. This is a key tool that prevents unnecessary surgery in the future if your pet were to ever go missing. This is not an optional service and must be performed with every surgery. The green line is very small (less than one inch) and heals very quickly.
Do I need to bring my pet back for suture to be removed?
No, the sutures are internal and will dissolve on their own. Check their incision daily for any excessive redness, swelling, or oozing. Contact us if you have any concerns about their healing.
What happens if there is a complication or emergency after surgery?
If your pet is having a minor surgery complication, please ensure their cone collar fits appropriately and they aren’t able to lick their incision. Please email, text, or call the number that was provided on your Home Care Instructions. We will respond within 24 hours during business hours, and may take longer on the weekends or holidays.
If your pet is having a major complication, experiencing significant pain, pale gums, trouble breathing, please seek emergency care immediately and do not wait for a response from us.
Scheduling and Logistics Questions:
What time is drop off?
Drop off instructions will be sent with your appointment confirmation. You will receive a specific window to arrive.
Dogs are scheduled for drop-off between 8-8:30am. Cats are scheduled for drop off between 8:30-9am.
What time is pick up?
Pick up instructions will be sent with your appointment confirmation. Pick up begins at 3pm, and all animals MUST be picked up by 4pm. Late pickups (after 4pm) incur a $25 fee per 15 minute.
If your pet is not picked up by 5pm, there is a $250 overnight fee. If there are any medical concerns about leaving them unsupervised overnight, your pet may be transferred to a 24-hour emergency hospital at your expense.
How do I prepare for my pet’s appointment?
Please arrive with your dog on a leash and cats in a carrier. Even if your cat is harness/leash trained, please have them in a carrier as this is a unique environment that can spook them.
Provide proof of Rabies vaccination ahead of the appointment. Otherwise, we will be administering the Rabies vaccine if your pet is old enough to receive it.
No food ater midnight the night before surgery. Always keep fresh water available.
***Please allow time for your dog to go potty PRIOR to your arrival at Operation Pawsible*** There are many smells and distractions, and we don’t have a designated walking/potty area.
Oops - I lef my pet’s food out overnight! Do I need to reschedule their surgery?
Please remove their food as soon as you realize. Let the medical team know the latest time your pet ate, and how much. We can generally still perform surgery that day while still following AAHA safety protocols (fasting is only required for 4-6 hours). Your pet may have surgery later in the day, or we may elect to reschedule if that is the safest option.
Do I need to schedule an exam/consultation prior to spay or neuter surgery?
No. Unless your pet has unique or high-risk concerns, you can schedule through our online system. Please email us ahead of time if you know your pet has a medical condition that may impact surgery or anesthesia.
What if my situation is unique or I have more specific questions or I want to meet the doctor prior to scheduling?
If your pet needs surgery other than spay or neuter, or you have concerns, or want to meet the doctor, you can schedule a consultation. The consulation fee is $80. You may elect to have pre-anesthesia bloodwork performed prior to surgery if a consultation is scheduled.
I need my pet’s medical records - How do I get them?
Click this link:
Do you offer other surgical procedures?
Yes, but we are limited in the type of surgery. We do not offer any orthopedic (TPLO) surgeries. Contact our team (preferably an email, with your pet’s medical records attached) for more information.
**If your pet needs urgent care or emergency surgery, please go to the nearest emergency hospital** We do not perform surgery on weekends or in the evenings.
What payment options do you accept?
Payment is made via text/email link using any major credit or debit card. If you need to pay with cash, please bring the exact amount as we are unable to provide change.
