Please read the following information carefully to help you to prepare for your pet’s admission to the practice. 

Before your pet’s appointment

• Please arrive promptly at the admit appointment time arranged with reception. 
• Ensure your pet arrives on a secure lead or in an appropriate carrier, as we will use these to safely move them around the clinic during their stay.
• Dogs can be walked as normal on the morning of admission, but please ensure that they are clean and dry on arrival. 
• Cats should be kept inside overnight the night before the procedure and supplied with a litter tray.

If your pet develops vomiting, diarrhoea or becomes unwell before or on the day of the procedure, please contact the practice, as your pet’s procedure may need to be rescheduled. (Unless these symptoms are the reason for the procedure being carried out.)

You are welcome to bring personal belongings such as blankets or toys for your pet’s comfort. We will of course do our best to keep these safe, but please be aware there is a small risk they may be misplaced.

Feeding instructions

If your pet is on regular medication, please check with your veterinary surgeon whether this should be given as usual on the morning of the procedure. 

You may also be asked to bring the medication with you so that it can be administered during your pet’s stay.

-Dogs and cats

• Food must be withheld from 9pm the night before.
• Please make sure that they have had their evening meal, as they won’t be able to eat again until after their procedure.
• Water can be left out for them overnight.

-Young puppies and kittens

• For patients under 14 weeks of age, a tablespoon of wet food may be given on the morning of the procedure to help support healthy glucose levels.
• Water can be left out as normal.

– Rabbits, guinea pigs and ferrets

• These species must not be starved.
• Please continue to feed them as normal right up until admission.
• If possible, bring a small amount of their usual food with them to their admit appointment.

On admission

A nurse or veterinary surgeon will go through the consent form with you. This is your chance to:

• Confirm the planned procedure that will be carried out.
• Discuss any questions or concerns.
• Share any relevant medical or behavioural history.
• Discuss any quotes that have been given.

We will of course make sure you are fully informed and have the opportunity to ask any questions before you leave.

During the day

• We will contact you once the procedure has been completed.
• Food will be offered once your pet is fully awake and safe to eat, unless a vet advises otherwise or you have requested them not to be fed with us.

Discharge and collection

Once your pet is comfortable and ready to go home, we will arrange a time for you to call the clinic and organise your pet’s collection.

A member of the nursing team or one of our veterinary surgeons will go through the aftercare instructions for your pet with you. This will include any medications and change of normal routine following the procedure.

You can make any necessary follow-up appointments with reception at this time, or you’re welcome to contact the practice once you are home to book these appointments.

Payment

Please note that payment is required upon collection of your pet.

If your pet’s procedure is to be covered by insurance, you will need to provide reception with your policy details. 

Our reception team will take any insurance excess payments and contributions you may need to make at this time. If necessary, you will be asked to sign a claim form or initiate your claim online.

If you have any questions or concerns at any stage, please contact the practice. Our team will be happy to help you and answer any questions you may have.