Important Information about your appointment
At this time we are not taking new
appointments.
A list of other low cost spay neuter clinics can be found by clicking this text.
DROP-OFF time is 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Clients will be checked in on a first come, first served basis. We strive to be as efficient as possible and get your animal processed for surgery as quickly as we can, however please plan to wait 30-45 minutes to complete paperwork and have your pet checked in.
All animals must be restrained. Cats must be brought in carriers (1 per animal), and dogs must be leashed (or small dogs in a carrier).
To minimize exposure risk we ask that only necessary family members come to the shelter. Please bring a mask with you and wear it while interacting with staff. For safety purposes, we ask that children not be brought along for the check in process.
Make sure that your pet is fasted before surgery. This means no food or water for your pet starting at 8 p.m. the night before surgery.
We require that all pets are current on their distemper vaccinations (DA2PP for dogs, FVRCP for cats), and the county requires all pets be current on their Rabies vaccinations. If your pet is not current on vaccinations, we will vaccinate at the time of surgery at additional cost to you.
If your pet is current on vaccinations, please send them to us prior to the appointment date. You can email them to [email protected], drop them off for scanning ahead of time, or provide us with your current vet information so we can get the records ourselves.
Animals are released same day as surgery between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.
Discharge instructions will be provided via a video that you will have to watch before check-in.
If surgeries are completed earlier than expected, the clinic will contact you to alert you that your pet is ready for potential early release.
If you have any emergencies that cause you to be late to pick up your animal, please contact the front office at 708-848-8155. Any messages received by the front desk will be brought to the attention of the clinic.
Note: Each animal will receive a small green tattoo on their abdomen; this protocol confirms that they have been fixed.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give us a call at 708-848-8155 at least 24 hrs. in advance of the scheduled appointment.
appointments.
A list of other low cost spay neuter clinics can be found by clicking this text.
DROP-OFF time is 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Clients will be checked in on a first come, first served basis. We strive to be as efficient as possible and get your animal processed for surgery as quickly as we can, however please plan to wait 30-45 minutes to complete paperwork and have your pet checked in.
All animals must be restrained. Cats must be brought in carriers (1 per animal), and dogs must be leashed (or small dogs in a carrier).
To minimize exposure risk we ask that only necessary family members come to the shelter. Please bring a mask with you and wear it while interacting with staff. For safety purposes, we ask that children not be brought along for the check in process.
Make sure that your pet is fasted before surgery. This means no food or water for your pet starting at 8 p.m. the night before surgery.
We require that all pets are current on their distemper vaccinations (DA2PP for dogs, FVRCP for cats), and the county requires all pets be current on their Rabies vaccinations. If your pet is not current on vaccinations, we will vaccinate at the time of surgery at additional cost to you.
If your pet is current on vaccinations, please send them to us prior to the appointment date. You can email them to [email protected], drop them off for scanning ahead of time, or provide us with your current vet information so we can get the records ourselves.
Animals are released same day as surgery between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.
Discharge instructions will be provided via a video that you will have to watch before check-in.
If surgeries are completed earlier than expected, the clinic will contact you to alert you that your pet is ready for potential early release.
If you have any emergencies that cause you to be late to pick up your animal, please contact the front office at 708-848-8155. Any messages received by the front desk will be brought to the attention of the clinic.
Note: Each animal will receive a small green tattoo on their abdomen; this protocol confirms that they have been fixed.
If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give us a call at 708-848-8155 at least 24 hrs. in advance of the scheduled appointment.
Pre-Appointment Forms
Pets will be checked in on a first come, first served basis. Please be prepared to wait 30-45 minutes for your pet to be checked in on spay days. If you would like to print and fill out the required forms before you arrive, you can download them here. Forms must be filled out by the pet's registered owner.
| low_cost_spay_and_neuter_consent_and_release_form___waiver_covid_waiver.pdf |
Post-Op Care Instructions
We recommend you make an appointment with your own vet around 7-10 days from the date of surgery for recheck (incision) examination. Unless otherwise noted, the stitches used are dis-solvable. A small amount of green tattoo ink has been placed in the incision to permanently identify your pet as altered.
General information for all patients:
- All surgeries are performed under general anesthesia, and animals are given injectable pain medication following the procedure.
- All animals can be offered a small amount of food (1/3 of their normal portion) and water once home.
- Your pet may be lethargic and might not have an appetite right away. If this continues 48 hours after surgery notify your regular vet.
- Upon arrival home it is important to closely inspect and monitor the incision for at least 10 days. Normally the incision may appear red and swollen and bruising may appear around the incision site. If any signs of infection begin, it will be necessary to take your pet to your regular vet. Signs of infection include a large amount of swelling and reddening of the incision and/or the area surrounding it, as well as any puss or discharge from the incision site.
- There may be a small amount of bleeding following surgery, this should subside. If the bleeding exceeds a small amount and continuously drains, it is necessary to get your pet to the vet IMMEDIATELY.
- It is necessary to restrict activity for ALL pets after surgery for 7-10 days. Any activity that is going to put stress on the abdomen (such as running, jumping, and stairs) should be avoided. Dogs should only go on short leashed walks for the first week. It may be necessary to confine your pet if they become too active.
- Make sure to keep the incision dry. No swimming, bathing, or grooming for 10-14 days after surgery, also be mindful of wet conditions outside.
- It is not necessary to clean the incision after surgery unless your pet gets it dirty. If this is the case NEVER use water to clean the incision. Lightly dab the area with hydrogen peroxide.
- It is recommended that all animals wear an E-collar (cone) after surgery; especially if your pet begins continuously returning to the area to lick, bites at the incision, or has long licking sessions.
- Outdoor cats need to remain indoors for at least 2-3 weeks following surgery.
- Dogs shouldn’t return to doggy day care or playgroups for at least 2 ½ weeks following surgery.
- Make sure your cat is urinating every day.
- Some swelling of the scrotal area is expected and may remain. Make sure to examine your cat’s scrotal area for excessive swelling or signs of infection.
- Make sure to keep scrotal area free of litter.
Microchips: If your pet was microchipped, their chip will be registered with 24PetWatch with the information you provided. You can contact 24PetWatch at 1-866-597-2424 or online at 24PetWatch.com. (Please have your pet’s number handy when calling or going online). It is your responsibility to keep your address and phone number up to date with 24PetWatch if you move or change your phone number. Your pet relies on you keeping your information current so they can find their way home!
| 24petwatch_microchip_registration.pdf |