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.

1. What are the hospital hours? Our hospital is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:00AM - 6:00PM. On Thursday we are open from 7:00AM - 8:00PM and on Saturday we are open from 8:00AM to 2:00PM.  

2. Do I need to have an appointment? We prefer to see patients by appointment. We occasionally make exceptions, please call us to see if we have last minute availability.

3. What forms of payment do you accept? Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover and Care Credit. 

4. Can I make payments? Payment is required at the time of service. Care Credit is available for payment plans.

5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered? Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 5 to 6 months of age. 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 will be performed 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? The sutures used for spays and neuters are inside the body and are absorbable. The procedures involving external sutures require them to be removed in 14 days following the surgery.

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, 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. If your pet has not been seen at East Maryland within the last year we require an initial physical exam by a doctor prior to boarding so that we may assess your pet's physical status and any medical needs that may need attention during their stay with us. All pets need to be current on their vaccinations (Rabies, bordetella, and Distemper Parvo for dogs, FVRCP and Rabies for cats at least five days prior to boarding) and currently on flea & tick prevention.  We can apply Frontline topical for you while boarding for a small fee if desired. We would also be happy to administer any medications or supplements while they are here for a small fee, provided they are in the orginal container.

10. What are your kennels like? Our dog kennels are all indoor. The dogs are walked 3 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, but you are always welcome to bring your own.