FAQs

Making Appointments & Insurance

  • Do I need to book an appointment?

    We do recommend that you book an appointment in order for us to accommodate you and your pet. You can make an appointment by calling or emailing our clinic or using our online appointment booking service.

  • What are your accepted methods of payment?

    We accept cash and Visa/MasterCard (credit and debit) cards. All CREDIT card payments will be subject to a 5% surcharge. Please be advised that payment is required at time of treatment. Unfortunately we can no longer accept personal cheques.

  • Why has it become so important to have pet insurance?

    Pet health insurance is recommended because of the increasing cost factors associated with the unexpected treatment of dogs and other animals. If anything happens, pet care costs can add up without insurance.

    Many firms cover the cost of the surgeries (both standard and advanced), radiographic examinations, treatment of specific conditions, laboratory fees and more. There is a waiting period with most insurance firms after starting your policy so it’s good to start early and enrol the dogs or other pets before they become adults.

    Pet insurance gives you some protection against potentially large veterinary bills, and means you can make a decision about your pet’s treatment and future based on maintaining and improving their quality of life, not around whether or not you can afford the treatment.

Surgery

  • My pet is going into surgery, what do I need to know?

    It is important that your pet fasts from solid food from 11pm the previous night of the appointed surgery. This means no food but they should have free access to water at all times, unless otherwise advised by the vet.

    After your pet has undergone surgery and is discharged your job during the recovery period at home is just as important as the surgery. Expect your pet to be drowsy with poor balance after surgery and anaesthesia. Do not allow the dog to jump in an out of the car. Sudden movements can damage the dog’s stitches and cause serious pain.

    Your pet will be given pain relief during their time in the clinic and you will receive pain relief tablets to administer to your pet at home.

    Every pet discharged from the our clinics receives detailed instructions about wound management, home care of your pet, at-home physical therapy (if required), exercise restrictions and time lines for recovery. These recommendations are based on the type of surgery your pet has received and individualized for each patient.

My Pet Doesn’t Seem Well

  • My pet doesn’t seem well what should I do?

    Your pet can’t tell you that they aren’t feeling well, so it’s up to each owner to notice the signs of illness or injury. You should contact us to schedule an appointment if your pet displays any of the symptoms in the (non-exhaustive) list below:

    • Lack of appetite
    • Weight loss or weight gain
    • Short temper
    • Lack of energy
    • Fever
    • Dizziness, imbalance, or circling
    • Excessive shedding
    • Vomiting 
    • Loose stools
    • Drinking too much or too little
    • Limping

    Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. If your pet exhibits any signs that do not seem normal, call us right away.

Your Pet’s General Health

  • Is it important to vaccinate my pet? When?

    Vaccinations should be given priority by pet owners as they provide resistance for your pet against specific diseases that frequently cause problems that are fatal to your pet.

    It is recommended that puppies begin their vaccinations from 8 weeks, receiving a second dose 2-4 weeks later.

    Adult dogs should then be vaccinated annually (referred to as a ‘booster’) to maintain their levels of immunity.

    Kittens should receive 2 vaccines against cat flu and feline enteritis 3-4 weeks apart starting from 9 weeks. If your kitten will have access to the outdoors or shares the home with other cats that have (or have ever had) outdoor access, we recommend vaccination against feline leukaemia also.

    Adult cats (even indoor cats) require annual re-vaccination with a single dose to maintain levels of immunity.

    It is important to note that vaccination is usually required at least one month in advance if you intend sending your dog to a boarding kennel. Kennel cough vaccines provide immunity for one year. Kennel cough is a highly contagious condition that causes an uncomfortable and harsh cough which may lead to more serious respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia.

    Rabbits should be vaccinated against infectious diseases such as viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) and myxomatosis. Your rabbit can be vaccinated from the age of eight weeks old and provide twelve months immunity. Annual booster injections should also be administered.

  • How often should my pet be examined?

    We recommend that pets are examined at least once annually (normally coordinating with a visit for the annual vaccination booster). Our vet will observe the general appearance of your pet, listen to their heart & lungs and also feel specific areas of the body such as their lymph nodes and abdomen. Written notes are recorded on our inter-clinic computerised system to maintain a good medical history for your pet.

    A year is a long time in a pet’s life. Assuming your pets will live into their early teens, a yearly exam means they will only have about thirteen exams in a lifetime. If a disease or condition can be detected in an annual check-up before your pet displays any signs of illness, steps can normally be taken to manage or correct the problem prior to irreversible damage occurring. Early detection and treatment is often less costly than waiting until a disease or problem becomes advanced enough to affect your pet’s quality of life.

  • Should I Microchip my new pet?

    A microchip is a tiny computer-chip that is injected under the skin (usually at the scruff of the neck) of your pet via a hypodermic needle. It provides a permanent identification for your pet that cannot be altered, lost or intentionally removed; providing a simple way to protect your pet against theft or loss. Inserting a microchip does not require sedation and the procedure is just like any other injection or vaccination that your pet may receive. Your contact information is registered with the microchip number on a central database (such as www.fido.ie & www.europetnet.com, www.animark.ie)

    If your pet is found and brought to an animal shelter or veterinary surgeon, a microchip can be identified using a non-invasive chip reader which displays the microchip number. When cross referenced with the central database, the shelter or veterinary surgeon will be able to contact you and facilitate the safe return of your pet.

  • At what age can I get my dog Neutered/Spayed?

    Dogs are neutered from about six months of age onwards. Early neutering of female dogs significantly reduces the risk of developing mammary tumours in later life and avoids having to deal with repeated cycles of being in heat or the possibility of uterine infections.

  • How often do I need to worm/flea my dog?

    Puppies and kittens are usually wormed every four weeks until they are six months old. After this initial treatment it is recommended to worm your pet every three months. Flea treatments should be administered every month as a preventative measure, especially through the warmer summer months.

  • Why do pets need dental?

    Veterinary dental treatments are very important in reducing the chance of the development of periodontal diseases in dogs. Non-anaesthetic home-cleaning is only a cosmetic action. You may clean the surface of your dog’s teeth, which will help. A professional cleaning visit may be needed and involves anaesthesia to allow a thorough examination and diagnosis, dental x-rays to assess bone and tooth root health, scaling, polishing by a trained, experienced, qualified veterinarian.

Travelling With Your Pet

  • Can I travel with my dog / cat?

    Irish pets are eligible for pet passports enabling them to travel to certain countries without having to complete a period in quarantine. Your pet must be micro chipped, be vaccinated against rabies and booster vaccinations. You can read full details of the requirements of pet travel on the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine Website ( http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/)

    If you are unsure of the requirements for your pet to travel to a particular country, please contact the relevant consulate directly for further information. We will then be able to assist you in meeting the necessary requirements for the transport of your pet. Please note that this process can take up to 2 months to complete and you should consider this when making your travel plans.