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 HillTop Animal Hospital.

1. What are the Hospital hours?

   Our hospital is open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm. On Saturdays, we are open from 8:00am until noon. The hospital is closed on Sunday.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, preferably. Patients are seen by appointment.  Walk-ins are welcome; however, clients with appointments will be seen first.  Emergencies always receive first priority.  We can usually see your pet on the same day, if needed, but it is always best to call first to avoid waiting.     

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Debit, Mastercard, Visa, Check (established clients), and a convenient payment plan:  CareCredit (click here).

4. Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service.  Please see information on CareCredit on previous line. This is a great service for an extended payment option.

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 are required at the time of surgery (can be given in our hospital the day of surgery). Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery (the screen can also be performed the day of surgery).

6.  What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

   This is a set of blood tests that are performed here in our laboratory prior to surgery. The screening evaluates your pet's internal organ functions and a complete blood count. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during anesthesia and surgery as well as the ability to heal appropriately following surgery.

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

   Many times (most routine procedures, such as spays and neuters) external sutures are not utilized.   Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 7 to 21 days following the surgery.

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 your 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 and prostatitis 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 offer boarding for our clients' pets. We have separate boarding areas for dogs and cats.

10.  What are your kennels like?

   Our cages and kennels are all indoor. Dogs are walked 2 to 3 times daily while they are boarding. Cats are housed in a quiet area away from the dogs.  Blankets and food are provided for our boarders, but you are always welcome to bring your own.