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 Altoona Veterinary Hospital.

1. What are the Hospital hours?

   Our hospital is open Monday and Wednesday from 7:30am to 8:00pm, Tuesday/Thursday/Friday from 7:30am to 5:30pm, and on Saturdays we are open from 8:00am until noon. The clinic is closed on Sunday.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, patients are seen by appointment.  For urgent/emergency cases without appointments we will make a quick assessment of the severity of each case and will work them in as soon as is appropriate.  Non-emergent walk-ins will be seen in the soonest open appointment or can be dropped-off for the doctor to examine when time allows.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, and CareCredit

4. Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service.

5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 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 and a fecal examination are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

6.  What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

   These are blood tests that can be run here in the clinic prior to surgery. They assess internal organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?

   Procedures involving sutures or staples require them to be removed 12-14 days following the surgery.  These will be removed here in the office at no charge.

8.  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.

9.  Do you board pets?

   Yes, we have boarding space available. For both dogs and cats we will provide bedding and food, but you may bring his/her own supplies from home. We also can board birds and other small animals, however, you will be required to bring your own cage and food for your pet.

10.  What are your kennels like?

   Our dog kennels are all indoor. The dogs are walked 4 times daily while they are boarding and their cages cleaned with bedding replaced at least twice daily. 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.