Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept walk-in visits?
While we prefer appointments to ensure timely service, we do accept walk-ins based on availability. If your pet has an emergency, their condition will be assessed immediately. Critical cases are prioritized, and emergency visits may incur an additional fee.

Do I need an appointment to speak with a veterinarian?
Yes. Appointments allow our team to provide focused, organized care for each patient. If your pet is experiencing an urgent medical issue, we may be able to accommodate an emergency visit depending on availability and severity.

How can I make an appointment?
You can request your pet’s next appointment or prescription refill through our online pet portal by visiting our website or call us.

What is your cancellation policy?
We require at least 24 hours’ notice for appointment cancellations. Late cancellations or no-shows may result in a fee.

Do you offer telemedicine consultations?
Yes. We offer telemedicine appointments for non-emergency concerns such as follow-ups, minor issues, and medication discussions.

What services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive veterinary care, including wellness and illness exams, urgent care, surgery, dentistry, diagnostic testing, radiographs, parasite prevention, nutritional and behavioral consultations, chronic disease management, hospice and euthanasia care, and a full-service pharmacy. We also offer wellness plans.

What should I expect during a routine vet visit?
A routine visit includes a full physical exam, weight assessment, heart and lung evaluation, dental assessment, vaccination review, and discussion of your pet’s health.

What should I bring to my pet’s first appointment?
Bring previous medical records, vaccination history, a list of medications, and any concerns. Dogs should be on a leash and cats in a secure carrier.

How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Adult pets should have a wellness exam once per year. Puppies, kittens, and senior pets may need more frequent visits.

What vaccinations does my pet need?
Vaccination needs vary by age, lifestyle, and health. A personalized plan will be created during your visit.

What are signs of dental problems in pets?
Bad breath, difficulty eating, drooling, inflamed gums, and visible tartar are common signs.

When should I bring my pet to the veterinarian?
If you notice changes in appetite, energy, drinking, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, coughing, sneezing, hiding, or unusual behavior, contact a veterinarian.

What should I do if my pet is experiencing a medical emergency?
During business hours, bring your pet to the clinic immediately. After hours, contact The Center of Veterinary Expertise (CoVE) at (757) 935-9111.

What payment options do you accept?
Payment is due at the time of service. We accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and CareCredit.  We also offer wellness plans.

Do you offer hospice and euthanasia services?
Yes. We provide compassionate hospice care, quality-of-life assessments, euthanasia services, and cremation guidance.

How can I tell if my senior pet is in pain?
Signs include stiffness, reduced activity, appetite changes, hiding, irritability, or difficulty getting up.

My dog has had diarrhea for 2 days. What should I do?

Persistent diarrhea in dogs can lead to dehydration and may indicate an underlying issue.

My cat is sneezing a lot and has watery eyes. Is it a cold?

Sneezing and watery eyes in cats can be signs of an upper respiratory infection, similar to a cold.

My dog keeps scratching its ears and shaking its head, what's wrong?

Frequent ear scratching and head shaking in dogs often point to an ear infection or ear mites.

My puppy threw up yellow foam. Should I be worried?

Vomiting yellow foam in puppies can sometimes be due to an empty stomach, but it can also indicate other issues.

Found a lump on my dog.

Any new lump or bump on your dog should be examined by a veterinarian.

My cat suddenly hides and is not eating.

Sudden changes in behavior, like hiding and not eating, in cats are often signs of illness or stress.

My dog has bad breath. What can I do?

Persistent bad breath in dogs can be a sign of dental disease.

Cat limping but still putting weight on it?

Even a mild limp in a cat can indicate pain or discomfort, as cats tend to hide pain.

What to do if my dog is scooting his bottom a lot?

Dog scooting can be caused by anal gland issues, worms, or skin irritation.

My pet seems dehydrated. What are the signs?

Signs of dehydration in pets include lethargy, dry gums, and loss of skin elasticity.

What vaccinations does an indoor cat need in Georgia?

Indoor cats still require core vaccinations to protect against common diseases.

How often should dogs be tested for heartworms?

Dogs are typically tested for heartworms annually, even when on prevention.

Best age to spay a female dog?

The appropriate age to spay a female dog can vary based on breed and health.

Kitten deworming schedule?

Kittens usually require a series of deworming treatments during their early months.

Is year-round flea prevention necessary in Georgia?

Due to the climate, year-round flea prevention is commonly recommended in Georgia.

Where can I get a general wellness check for my senior cat?

Senior wellness exams focus on early detection of age-related health concerns.

Microchip cost for a dog?

Microchipping costs can vary depending on location and provider.

What's involved in a puppy's first vet visit?

A puppy’s first visit generally includes a physical exam, vaccinations, parasite screening, and care guidance.

How to choose the right food for my dog?

Choosing the right dog food depends on age, breed, size, and health needs.

Annual pet exam, what to expect?

Annual exams usually include a full physical exam, weight check, dental assessment, and preventive care review.

My dog's nails are too long.

Nail trimming services are commonly offered by veterinary clinics and groomers.

A vet who can remove a small skin tag on a dog?

Small skin tags can often be evaluated and removed by a veterinarian if necessary.

Options for professional teeth cleaning for cats?

Professional dental cleanings for cats are performed under anesthesia.

My dog needs surgery.

Veterinarians may perform soft tissue surgeries and refer complex orthopedic cases.

Lab work for pets before anesthesia?

Pre-anesthetic lab work is often recommended to assess overall health.

Where to get an ultrasound for a cat's abdomen?

Abdominal ultrasound is used to evaluate internal organs in cats.

Dog suddenly became scared of loud noises.

Sudden fear of loud noises in dogs may be related to anxiety or medical issues.

How to stop my cat from scratching furniture?

Scratching is a natural behavior that can be redirected with appropriate enrichment.

New puppy crying all night?

Crying at night is common as puppies adjust to a new environment.

My dog barks at everyone on walks.

Barking on walks may be due to excitement, fear, or leash reactivity.

Introducing a new cat to my current cat.

Cat introductions should be done gradually to minimize stress.                                             

My old dog is drinking a lot of water.

Increased water intake in senior dogs may be associated with medical conditions.

How to make my senior cat more comfortable with arthritis?

Arthritis management may include supplements, medications, injections, and environmental changes.

Quality of life assessment for elderly pets?

Quality-of-life assessments consider comfort, mobility, appetite, and behavior.

Are pet cremation services available?

Pet cremation is an option as part of end-of-life care.

Signs my old dog is in pain but hiding it?

Signs of pain may include reduced activity, appetite changes, or irritability.

Are there vets open on Saturday mornings?

Some veterinary clinics offer Saturday hours.

How much does it cost to get a dog fixed?

The cost of spaying or neutering varies based on several factors.

Can I get pet medication refills without an appointment?

Medication refills typically require an established veterinary-patient relationship.

What do I need to bring for my pet's first vet visit?

Bring medical records, medication lists, and proper restraints such as a leash or carrier.

Vets that take CareCredit?

Many veterinary clinics accept CareCredit.

Is chocolate really bad for dogs?

Chocolate is toxic to dogs, depending on the type and amount consumed.

How to protect pets from heatstroke?

Heatstroke prevention includes shade, water, and limiting activity during heat.

Are snakes a danger to pets?

Venomous snakes can pose a risk to pets in certain regions.

What plants are poisonous to cats?

Many common plants, including lilies and azaleas, are toxic to cats.

My dog ate something weird. Should I make him throw up?

Inducing vomiting without veterinary guidance can be harmful.