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 (978) 948-2118.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   Our hospital is open Monday through Thursday 8 am until 6 pm, and Friday 8 am until 4 pm. The clinic is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment.  If you have a pet emergency, we will fit you in.  We do our best to work in walk-ins, but emergencies and scheduled appointments take priority.
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
   Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Care Credit
4. Can I make payments?
   Payment is required at the time of service.  We are happy to help you apply for Care Credit if needed.  With Care Credit, for purchases over $200 there is deferred interest for 6 months.  
5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   Spaying or neutering can be done after 4 months of age, but we are happy to discuss the best time to spay or neuter your pet. 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 and EKG is required prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
6. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
   This is a blood test that is run prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and may include 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 10 to 14 days following the surgery.  In some situations, sutures may be left in for longer. 
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 urine marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
9. Do you board pets?
   Due to limited capacity, we only board active patients of our hospital who have a medical need for boarding, such as geriatric patients or those needing medical care while their owners are away.  We do not offer general boarding at this time.  
10. What are your kennels like?
    Our dog kennels are all indoor. The dogs are walked at minimum 3 times daily while they are boarding in our large fenced in yard. 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.