Frequently Asked Questions
What types of pets do you care for?
We care for dogs and cats at every stage of life, from puppies and kittens through to senior pets. Alongside veterinary care, we also offer boarding, doggy daycare and grooming, so your pet’s medical and everyday care can happen in one familiar place.
What are your hours?
We’re open Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Saturday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. We’re closed on Sundays.
How do I book an appointment?
You can request an appointment online using the Book an Appointment button, or give our team a call. If you’re not sure what type of visit your pet needs, we’re happy to help you decide.
What should I do if my pet has an emergency after hours?
If your pet has an emergency when we’re closed, please contact Capital District Veterinary Referral Hospital at 222 Troy Schenectady Road in Latham. They’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we’ll work with them on any follow-up care your pet needs.
What happens during a wellness visit?
Every visit starts with a conversation about your pet’s health, habits and any changes you’ve noticed at home, followed by a thorough physical exam. From there, we’ll share recommendations based on your pet’s age, lifestyle and health history, and explain why each one matters, so you always feel confident in your decisions.
Which vaccines does my pet need?
Core vaccines are recommended for all pets, while others depend on your pet’s needs. We create a personalized vaccination plan based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, travel, exposure to other animals and health history, and we’ll explain what each vaccine protects against.
Do you offer boarding for dogs and cats?
Yes. We offer boarding for both dogs and cats, with a range of accommodations including The Lodge, Luxury Cat Suites, Cabin, Cabin XL and our small-breed Cottage. Our boarding and daycare services are open to non-clients/patients, provided we have their previous medical records with an up-to-date vaccination history.
What vaccines are required for boarding?
Dogs need to be current on DAPPV, Rabies and Bordetella vaccines, with an up-to-date heartworm/tick test. Cats need current FVRCP and Rabies vaccines. A negative fecal test is required for both dogs and cats. We can vaccinate during your pet’s stay, but protection can take 7 to 14 days to develop, so it’s best to update vaccines before boarding.
What are the boarding check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is at 2:00 pm Monday through Friday and 10:00 am on Saturday. Check-out is by 12:00 pm. Early drop-offs and late pick-ups may incur additional fees, so please speak with our team if you need to arrange a different time.
Can I bring my pet's own food and belongings when they board?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your pet’s regular food in clearly labeled bags, and boarding pets are fed twice daily. Keeping their usual diet can help avoid an upset stomach. For safety, please don’t bring rope toys, rawhides or other items that could be harmful to an unsupervised pet.
What does my dog need to start doggy daycare?
Dogs must be up to date on Distemper, Rabies and Bordetella vaccines, with a current heartworm/tick test and a negative fecal test. New daycare dogs also need a daycare evaluation before joining, so we can make sure they’ll enjoy playing with other dogs. Dogs don’t need to be spayed or neutered to attend.
What grooming services do you offer?
Our grooming services include bathing, deshedding treatments and specialty breed trims, along with home care tips to keep your pet comfortable between visits. Because grooming happens within the hospital, it’s also another chance to spot changes in your pet’s skin, coat or health early.
How do you prepare my pet for surgery?
Before surgery, we’ll examine your pet, review their health history, discuss the procedure and recommend pre-anesthetic testing when needed. During surgery, your pet receives an individualized anesthesia plan and continuous monitoring. Afterward, we’ll go over medications, activity restrictions and home care, and schedule any follow-up visits.
Does my pet need anesthesia for a dental cleaning?
Yes. A thorough dental cleaning is done under anesthesia so we can take digital dental X-rays, clean above and below the gumline and treat any problems safely and comfortably. On the day of the procedure, we’ll agree how you’d like us to proceed if more care is needed, and most pets go home that evening.
Do you offer nutrition or behavior consultations?
Yes. Dr. Sierra Bouchard, DVM, CVNN, offers in-depth nutrition consultations for healthy pets and those with complex medical needs, including homemade diet formulation and help with weight management. For behavior concerns, we offer hour-long behavior appointments and can refer you to board-certified veterinary behaviorists for virtual care when needed.
