Once surgery is scheduled, we send you clear instructions for the specific procedure. Most preparations are the same across surgeries: bloodwork if we have not done it recently, medication review, and a plan for the day.If your pet is on any medications -even supplements -let us know. Some need to be paused before surgery. Others need to continue. We will confirm with you what to do a few days out from the procedure.
The Evening Before
Fasting and a quiet evening.
Most pets need to fast starting the evening before surgery -no food after their evening meal. Water is usually fine until the morning. We will give you the exact fasting instructions for your pet's specific procedure.Try to keep the evening calm. A normal walk, normal dinner, normal bedtime. Your pet does not need to know something big is happening tomorrow. Their calmness starts with yours.
The Day
Simple, unrushed, on time.
Plan to arrive at the appointment time we scheduled. Bring your pet on a leash or in a carrier. Bring any medications they are on so we can time doses around the procedure. Give yourself a few extra minutes for the drop-off conversation.Drop-off usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. We will confirm the procedure, review consents, answer your questions, and get a phone number where we can reach you throughout the day.
While You Wait
What is happening while your pet is with us.
Every surgical patient gets a pre-anesthetic exam. IV catheter placement for fluids and medications. Continuous monitoring from induction through recovery -heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen, temperature. A dedicated technician stays with your pet the entire time.We will call you when the procedure is complete and your pet is starting to wake up. If anything unexpected comes up during the procedure, we call you first. You will not hear from us and then hear nothing.
The Handoff
The most important conversation of the day.
When your pet is ready to go home, we go through discharge instructions in detail. Pain medication and how to give it. Activity restrictions. What is normal and what is not. What to watch for over the next day or two.We send everything home in writing so you do not have to remember anything from a stressful moment. Take the time to ask any questions you have. If something comes up after you get home, call us.
The Recovery
Quiet, comfortable, watched.
Most surgical patients need a few days of restricted activity, pain medication on schedule, and monitoring. An e-collar is common -keep it on even when it feels dramatic. Incisions are what pets want to lick, and licking is what causes complications.We call the next day to check in. If anything looks or feels off before then, do not wait for our call -reach out. Most pets recover uneventfully. The best recoveries are the ones where we hear from owners early rather than late.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my pet eat the night before surgery?
Most pets fast starting after their evening meal -no food after that, though water is usually fine until the morning. We will give you exact fasting instructions for your pet's specific procedure. When in doubt, call us.
How long will my pet be at the hospital?
Most surgical patients are with us for the day -drop off in the morning, pick up in the late afternoon or early evening. Some procedures require overnight stays. We will let you know what to expect when we schedule.
What should I have ready at home for recovery?
A quiet space to rest, an e-collar (we will send one home if needed), pain medication we will provide, and a plan for restricted activity. We send home written instructions so you do not have to remember anything from a stressful moment.
Go Deeper
The procedures.
See the surgical procedures we perform and how each one works.
