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 (406)837-6250.

1. What are the Hospital hours?
   Our hospital is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. 
2. Do I need to have an appointment?
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment.
3. What forms of payment do you accept?
   We accept all major credit cards, cash, check, and Care Credit.
4. Can I make payments?
   Payment is required at the time of service.
5. What is your Rabies vaccination policy? For the safety of our staff and all animals in our care, our policy aligns with Flathead County's requirement that every pet be vaccinated for Rabies by 20 weeks of age and maintain all subsequent boosters every 1-3 years. Even though we make every effort to make our patients feel comfortable during visits, they may be a little uneasy about new people, new surroundings and other pets. This is one of the reasons we ask you to restrain your pet in the lobby. We ask that animals be placed on a leash or in pet carriers before entering the lobby.
6. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
   Spaying or neutering can be done as early as 6 months of age, although new studies suggest that waiting until closer to one year of age may be more beneficial. 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 recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
7. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
   This is a blood test that is either sent to an external lab or can be run here in the clinic prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.
8. 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.
9. 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. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate cancer later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
10. Do you board pets?
    We are unable to offer boarding services at this time.