Instructions for Your Appointment

Pre-Surgery Instructions

Surgery room

  • If your animal is over four months of age please do not feed your dog or cat after midnight the night before surgery.  If you have a puppy or kitten four months of age or younger, you do not need to fast them and they may eat breakfast the day of surgery. All animals should continue to have access to water prior to surgery at all times.
  • Please bring your cat in a secure carrier marked with it’s name and your last name. Feral cats must be brought in a live trap.
  • Dogs must be brought on a leash and must be left in the car until check in is completed with the technicians so that we can safely bring them in one at a time.
  • Payment will be due at time of check-in (cash, credit, or debit is accepted. Checks and Care Credit are not accepted.)
    • Cat drop-off: 7:00 a.m.
    • Dog drop-off: 7:30 a.m.
    • Late drop-offs cannot be accommodated due to doctors beginning surgery
  • The exact pick up time will be scheduled with a technician at the time of drop off. Cats will typically be picked up at 4:30pm and dogs can be picked up at 4:00pm Latest pickup time is 5pm.

* If you need to cancel your appointment, please contact the Pet Refuge ABC Clinic at least 24 hours prior to your appointment.*

Post-Op Surgery Instructions

  • Please keep your pet quiet for 7-10 days after surgery. This will require no running, jumping, or rough-housing.
  • No bathing or grooming for 7-10 days after surgery.
  • Leash walk all dogs for 7-10 days after surgery.
  • Monitor the incision site daily. A small amount of bruising, swelling and redness is acceptable. If you notice any swelling or bruising that is excessive or any discharge please call the ABC Clinic as soon as possible.
  • The animals can have their regular food and water the evening after surgery. The animals may or may not be hungry. Their appetite will gradually return. If they do not start eating within 24 hours, please call the clinic.
  • Occasional the anesthesia may cause animals to whine or act confused the evening they return home. This is most likely due to what is called dysphoria or altered mental state due to the medications used for the surgical procedure. If these signs do not subside or you think that your pet may actually be exhibiting signs of discomfort, please call the clinic.
  • Every animal will receive a permanent, green tattoo on their abdomen. This line is a universal sign showing the animal has been spayed or neutered.
  • If there are any questions or concerns regarding surgery, please contact the Pet Refuge ABC Clinic. If it is an after hours emergency, please call the Animal Emergency Clinic on Grape Road.