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 Animal Medical of Chesapeake.

Q-Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, patients are seen by appointment.

Q-What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Check, Mastercard, Discover, CareCredit and Visa

Q-Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service.  For preventive care services, we do offer Affordable Pet Wellness Plans which allow you to set up monthly payments and spread out the costs over 12 months.  Our wellness plans also offer unlimited wellness visits and discounts on preventive care products.

Q-At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 4 - 6 months of age. 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 intravenous fluids are recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

Q-What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

   This is a blood test that is run here in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during anesthesia and surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

Q-How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?

   Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 14 days following the surgery.  A majority of our elective procedures no longer require external sutures -- one to three layers of sutures are 'buried' beneath the top layer of skin and a thin layer of surgical 'glue' adheres the skin edges at the surface.  This decreases the potential for infection and self-trauma at the incision site.

Q-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 marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.

Q-Do you board pets?

   No.  Local zoning does not allow for overnight boarding of dogs in our location.  Day boarding is available.  Vaccinations must be current and all pets must be 'flea-free' for the safety of all pets. A limited amount of boarding is available for our feline patients

Q-What are your kennels like?

   Our dog kennels are all indoor. The dogs are walked 3 times daily while they are staying with us. 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.