Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call at Ridge Lake Animal Hospital.

1. What are the Hospital hours?

   Our hospital is open Monday and Friday from 7:00am to 7:00pm and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 7:00am to 5:30pm. On Saturdays we are open from 7:00am until 1:00pm. The clinic is closed on Sunday.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

    Yes, patients are seen by appointment.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

     Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Discover and Care Credit

4. Can I make payments?

    Payment is required at the time of service.

5. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

   Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 6 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is required prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery, to screen for hidden internal organ disease that could affect any procedure.

6.  What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

   This is a blood test that is either sent to an outside laboratory or run here in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions and blood counts of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

7. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?

   Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed 14 days following the surgery. Generally, an Elizabethan (cone) collar is worn during that time to prevent your pet from chewing at the incision.

8.  Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?

    No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered early in life. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast tumors, cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing aggressive tendencies, decreasing the incidence of prostate cancer later in life, helping prevent urine spraying and marking, and decreasing the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens in our society.

9.  Do you board pets?

   Yes, we offer boarding for our regular clients. New clients must have their pets' vaccinations (and heartworm test for dogs) up-to-date. We can update these for your pet while they are boarding, along with a physical examination. We have boarding space for both dogs and cats. We also can board birds and other small animals, but you will be required to bring your own cage and food for your pet. We supply all dogs and cats with food and blankets. If you choose to bring your own food, we require that it is in a resealable, airtight container.

10.  What are your kennels like?

   Our dog kennels are all indoors. The dogs are walked 3 times daily while they are boarding. The cat boarders are housed in a separate area away from the dogs. Blankets and food are provided for our boarders, but you are always welcome to bring your own.