Frequently Asked Questions
At Halifax Veterinary Center, we believe informed pet owners make the best partners in their pet’s care. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, we’re always glad to help—just reach out.
Appointments and New Clients
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes, new clients are always welcome! Please schedule an appointment, have your pet’s prior medical records sent to us, and complete your onboarding forms before your visit. We look forward to welcoming you and your pet to our family!
How far in advance should I book a wellness visit?
We recommend booking wellness exams in advance to help ensure your preferred date, time, and veterinarian are available.
Can I leave my pet with you for the day?
Yes. While we don’t offer boarding at this time, we do accept day admissions for treatments at no extra charge. This can be a convenient option when your schedule is full or your pet needs care throughout the day.
Do you offer boarding?
Not at this time. We’re focused on medical care for your pet, though we’re always happy to answer questions about their health and wellness.
Do you see walk-ins?
We do see walk-ins when our schedule allows, but scheduled appointments always come first. A walk-in may face a wait, and in some cases may be asked to return another day. If your pet is in respiratory distress, we’ll take them straight back for assessment. Whenever possible, scheduling an appointment is the best way to be seen.
What are your cancellation and no-show policies?
If you can’t keep an appointment, please give us at least 24 hours’ notice so we can offer that time to another pet in need. If we’re closed, a voicemail is perfect. Missed appointments without notice may require prepayment of the exam fee when rescheduling. These policies help us care for every patient in a timely way.
What is your late arrival policy?
We ask that you arrive at least five minutes before your appointment so your pet can enjoy their full exam time. If you arrive 10 or more minutes late, we’ll offer to see your pet as a work-in or day admission, or to reschedule, depending on the day’s schedule.
I just brought home a new puppy or kitten—do you have helpful resources for new pet owners?
Congratulations on your new addition! To help you navigate everything from early wellness care to behavior tips, we recommend reviewing our comprehensive informational handout. It covers essential topics like feeding guidelines, parasite prevention, and what to expect during your pet’s first few visits.
Payments
Do you offer payment plans?
Payment is required at the time of service. For clients who need a payment plan, we accept CareCredit and Scratchpay, which can help make care more manageable. You can find more details on our payment options page.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, MasterCard, Discover, Visa, American Express, CareCredit, and Scratchpay.
Vaccinations and Records
Does my pet have to be vaccinated?
The only vaccine we require is rabies. Under Florida law, if a pet is brought in for an exam without proof of a current rabies vaccination, we’re required to provide one—the only exception being if a doctor believes the pet is too ill to be vaccinated that day. This law protects both pets and people, and it keeps our doctors in compliance with state regulations.
Will you request records from my previous veterinarian?
Yes, we’re glad to help transfer your pet’s records. Having your pet’s history lets us provide the most informed care from the very first visit. We do ask that new clients bring any records they have to their first appointment as well.
Spaying, Neutering, and Surgery
Should I let my pet have one litter first?
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Modern anesthetic monitoring has made surgery far safer than in the past. Before administering anesthesia, we perform a thorough exam to rule out fever or illness, and we adjust the type and amount of anesthetic to suit your pet’s health. Your doctor is always happy to talk through any concerns.
Does my pet need to fast before surgery?
Yes. To reduce the risk of vomiting under anesthesia, please withhold food for 8 to 10 hours before surgery. Water can stay down until the morning of the procedure.
Will my pet be in pain after surgery?
We take your pet’s comfort seriously. Anything that causes pain in people can cause pain in animals, even when pets don’t show it. We tailor pain relief to the procedure and to your individual pet, and any pet who appears uncomfortable receives additional medication.
At what age can my pet be spayed or neutered?
Spaying and neutering can typically be done around six months of age. We perform an exam beforehand to confirm your pet is healthy enough for surgery, and current vaccinations are required at the time of the procedure.
Why is pre-anesthetic blood testing recommended?
This in-house blood test checks your pet’s organ function, blood counts, and clotting before surgery. Even healthy-looking pets can have hidden issues, so testing helps us support a safe procedure and a smooth recovery. We offer three levels of screening and will walk you through the options.
Will my pet have stitches?
It depends on the surgery. Many procedures use absorbable sutures beneath the skin that dissolve on their own. When skin stitches are used, they’re generally removed 10 to 14 days after surgery. We’ll show you how to care for the incision and what to watch for at home.
Still Have Questions?
We’re always happy to help. If your question wasn’t answered here, please give us a call or reach out through our contact page—our team is glad to point you in the right direction. For urgent needs outside our hours, see our emergency care options.