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 at Sugarloaf Veterinary Hospital.

1. What are the Hospital hours?

   Our hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 7:00pm. On Saturdays we are open from 9:00am until noon. The clinic is closed on Sunday.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, patients are seen by appointment.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Cheque, Mastercard Visa and American Express

4. Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service. For hospitalisation stays, we require 50% of the estimate on admission and the balance is payable on discharge.

5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 5-6 months of age. Your pet is given an pre-anaesthetic exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. A pre-anaesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anaesthesia and surgery, in order for us to be able to specifically tailor an anaesthetic mix most appropriate for your pet. This can include pocket pets like ferrets, too- please ask staff.

6.  What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

   This is a blood test that is run here in the hospital 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?

   Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 5-14 days following the surgery.This will be discussed with you in our discharge consultation which we will arrange at admission.

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.