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 727- 585-0549.

1. What are the hospital hours?

 Our hospital is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. We are open Wednesday from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm.  On Saturday we are open from 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. The hospital is closed on Sunday.

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

We prefer appointments so we can spend the time necessary to thoroughly examine and treat your pet.   However, if an emergency arrives these patients will be seen first if their condition is deemed critical.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, Check, Mastercard, Visa and Discover

4. Can I make payments?            

Payment is required at the time of services are rendered.

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

Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 4-6 months of age depending on the breed and size of the patient.  Large breed dogs can be spayed a little sooner than small breed dogs.  Your pet is given a thorough exam prior to anesthesia to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia and surgery.  Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

6.  What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

This is a blood test that is run in house  prior to surgery.  It allows us to assess if the liver and kidney are functioning properly as these are vital organs that can affect your pet's response to anesthesia if compromised.  If your pet is older ( ie > 7 yrs old), we may recommend more complete bloodwork and possibly x-rays prior to anesthesia.  

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

Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 14 days following the surgery.

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.  It decreases the chances of the following: breast tumors later in life;  cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life;  to roam the neighborhood;  prostate cancer later in life; spraying and marking behavior;  and finally the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.

9.  Do you board pets?

No, we do not board at our facility. We can recommend several boarding facilities to you.


10.  Why should I choose Animal Hospital of West Bay?  
      
Once you meet Dr. Stroup and her staff you will understand why so many pet owners trust their valued family member to her. Too often, at other hospitals the pet owner spends more time discussing their pets' needs and concerns with a technician.  At Animal Hospital of West Bay,  the majority of your time is spent with Dr. Stroup. Experience the difference in the high standard of care and compassion that we provide like no other.