Mobile Clinic Pre-Surgery Instructions

Listed below are some instructions to be followed prior to surgery. Should you have any questions prior to day of surgery, please telephone us at (973)454-1625. A volunteer will return your call as quickly as possible.

1. Do not give your pet food or water after 8:00 pm the night before surgery.

2. You will be advised the cost of the spay/neuter procedure at the time the appointment is made. Vaccinations and ear-tipping for feral cats are included in the cost of the spay/neuter.  Other services such as testing, micro-chipping, etc. are offered for an additional cost.

3. Payment is expected at the time the animal is dropped off for surgery. Payment can be cash or money order. Two forms of identification will be required (one of which must be a permanent current address) when dropping the animal off.

4. Drop-off time is between 7:30am and 8:15am.  All cats must be in the appropriate size carriers or humane traps. No cardboard carriers please.  Remember, your cat will be recovering inside his/her carrier, so please be sure they will be comfortable.  An adult cat should be brought in a cat carrier, and not in a kitten carrier. Dogs must have a collar with proper identification tags, and be on leashes.

5. Pick-up time varies, but is usually mid-afternoon.  You will be called when your pet is ready to be picked up.  There will be an additional charge of $10.00 per hour or any part thereof if the animal is not picked up on time.  Animals left overnight will be charged a daily rate by the holding facility which could be as high as $50.00 per day, or more.

6. Site location and date will be given to the owner when the appointment is made.

7. Owners will be informed of anesthesia risks. Owners of animals over 5 years of age will be encouraged to have blood testing done to be sure the animal will be able to handle anesthesia.

8. If you must cancel your appointment, please do so at least 48 hours in advance so that we can schedule those on our waiting list.

9. All animals must be flea and tick free or preventative applications will be charged.

10. Abandoning your animal is against the New Jersey Animal Cruelty Laws. If you do not pick your animal up or make alternative arrangements prior to leaving the animal, the Coalition has the right to surrender your pet to a shelter, rescue group or veterinarian hospital of its choice. Once the animal has been abandoned, you relinquish all ownership rights and will be held responsible for any and all medical costs including boarding expenses. If you abandon your animal you will be subjected to all laws that may apply and liable for all court costs incurred as a result of abandoning your animal.

Post-Surgery and Discharge Instructions

Listed below are some post operative instructions that should be used as a guideline for your recovering pet.  For your convenience we have also listed a couple of animal emergency hospitals in the unlikely event your pet should require them.

Your pet was neutered or spayed today…
Your pet may be tired, groggy or sleep a lot…this is normal for the first 24 hours.  If this continues more than 2 days, please consult your veterinarian.

Your pet may not want to eat this evening…
It is not necessary to force your pet to eat. Offer small portions of food to start, with water readily available at all times.

Your pet has sutures (stitches) or surgical glue (except for male cats)…
Please be sure your pet does not lick, bite or chew at the surgical site. If this occurs, your pet may need to have an Elizabethan Collar so that they do not open the surgical site. If the stitches of your pet are not dissolving sutures, then you will be instructed on when to take the pet to your veterinarian for suture removal.

Check your pet’s incision daily…
Let your veterinarian know if you see any extreme redness, discharge, and swelling or notice an odor. This could be a sign of infection.

Two days later, or sooner…
Your pet should be back to her normal behaviors of eating, drinking and playing.  Please be careful not to let her jump, climb or rough house too much as she may tear open the incision.

Animal Emergency and Referral Associates
1237 Bloomfield Ave.
Fairfield, NJ
973-226-3282

 
Please Download and Complete our Vet Consent Form for all Surgeries