FAQ and Pet Care Resources

Whether you are visiting Glenkirk Animal Hospital for the first time or have been bringing your pets to us for years, questions naturally come up along the way. We have gathered answers to some of the topics pet owners ask about most often, from appointments and surgery to preventive care and helpful pet resources.

If you do not see the information you are looking for, our team is always happy to help. Just give us a call at (571) 248-2470.

Cute cat and dog in green grass at sunset

Hospital Information

What are your hospital hours?

We are open seven days a week for your convenience.

Monday  8:00 am - 7:00 pmTuesday  8:00 am - 7:00 pmWednesday  8:00 am - 7:00 pmThursday  8:00 am - 7:00 pmFriday  8:00 am - 7:00 pmSaturday  9:00 am - 5:00 pmSunday  10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. Patients are seen by appointment so we can provide each pet with the time and attention they need. If your pet is experiencing an urgent medical issue, please call us as soon as possible so we can help determine the next step.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, checks, Visa, and Mastercard.

Do you offer payment plans?

Payment is due at the time services are provided.

Spay & Neuter Questions

When can my pet be spayed or neutered?

Most pets can be spayed or neutered around 6 months of age, though timing may vary depending on breed, size, and overall health. Before surgery, your pet will receive a physical exam to confirm they are healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery. Current vaccinations are required at the time of the procedure.

We also recommend pre-anesthetic bloodwork before surgery to help evaluate your pet’s internal health.

What is pre-anesthetic bloodwork?

Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is performed here in the hospital before surgery. This testing helps us evaluate:

  • Organ function
  • Blood cell counts
  • Blood sugar levels
  • Clotting ability

These results help us identify concerns that may not be visible during a physical exam and improve safety during anesthesia and recovery.

How long do sutures stay in after surgery?

For procedures that require external sutures, they are typically removed about 14 days after surgery unless otherwise instructed by our veterinarian.

Should my pet have one litter before being spayed or neutered?

No. There is no medical advantage to allowing a pet to have a litter before spaying or neutering.

Spaying and neutering may help:

  • Reduce the risk of certain cancers and infections
  • Decrease roaming and hormone-driven behaviors
  • Reduce urine marking and spraying
  • Prevent unwanted litters

If you have questions about the right timing for your pet, our team would be happy to discuss your options.

Boarding & Hospitalization

Do you board pets?

No, we do not offer traditional boarding services.

Pets may stay with us temporarily during the day for medical procedures, treatments, monitoring, or recovery, but all pets return home the same day whenever possible.

Helpful Pet Resources

These are a few trusted resources we often recommend for pet owners looking for additional information about pet health, behavior, and safety.

  • American Heartworm Society

    Learn more about heartworm disease, prevention, testing, and treatment recommendations for dogs and cats.

  • ASPCA Poison Control

    A valuable resource for toxic plant information, household hazards, and emergency poison guidance for pets.

  • Choosing a New Puppy

    Helpful information to consider before bringing home a new puppy, including lifestyle, training, and care considerations.

  • Pet Behavior Resources

    Tips and educational information focused on behavior, enrichment, and creating lower-stress experiences for pets.

  • Rainbow Bridge

    A thoughtful memorial resource for families grieving the loss of a beloved pet companion.