What are your office hours?

Monday-Thursday our office is open from 8am to 7pm. Friday from  8am-5:30pm. Saturday our office is open from 8am to noon.

2.

Do I have to have an appointment?

The veterinarians see patients by appointment only. Emergencies can always come in without an appointment and are given top priority if needed. Walk in appointments can be seen but be prepared to wait.

3.

Is someone there through the night?

New Hope Animal Hospital is an outpatient hospital. There is no care during the evening. If your pet needs overnight care we refer them to the Affiliated Emergency Veterinary Service or the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Many pets can just be sent home with their owner if well enough.

4.

Are drop off appointments available?

Drop off apointment are allowed but must be scheduled like any other appointment. A technician will have you fill out some forms. Please allow enough time for this process. A good history is just as important as a physical exam. Make sure you leave a telephone number where a doctor can reach you with further questions and/or request further diagnostics or treatment options.

5.

Do you accept credit cards?

We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards. We also gladly accept cash and checks.

6.

Can I make payments?

Payment is required at the time of service.

7.

What does a physical exam include?

A physical exam is recommended yearly to better ensure your pet's health. The exam includes a complete history, your pets weight and temperature, and a doctor checking all the visible body structures. Sometimes blood work or other diagnostic tests are needed to fully evaluate health.

8.

What do I feed my puppy or kitten?

Puppies and kittens need a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals to help with their development and growth. This can be achieved by feeding them a puppy or kitten growth diet until they are 9-12 months of age. At that point slowly switch them to an adult maintenance formula. Large breed dogs should be fed a large breed growth diet. Vitamin or mineral supplementation is not recommended if your pet is on a growth diet.

9.

How soon can I bathe my pet?

Puppies and kittens can safely be given a bath at the age of 8 weeks. Prior to 8 weeks you can use a baby wipe or waterless shampoo to remove soiled areas on you pet. If you must give a bath sooner make sure you keep them warm until they are dry.

10.

Is it acceptable to feed my dog bones?

Hard biscuits, Greenies, and rawhide chews can be safely given to your dog. These chews help maintain healthy teeth and gums and also satisfy a dogs natural desire to chew. Animal bones should never be given to your dog.

11.

Do you sell pets?

New Hope Animal Hospital does not sell pets. We often help our clients find homes for unwanted pets. We also have a community bulletin board to post notices.

12.

How old must my pet be in order to be spayed or neutered?

There is no hard and fast answer to this question. In general surgery can be performed as early as 4 months of age. New Hope Animal Hospital will be happy to give you an estimate. A current exam is needed as well as presurgical blood work.

13.

Is declawing my kitten cruel? When should it be done?

In general we would prefer that our clients not declaw their cat. Most cats can be trained with proper behavior modification and scratching posts not to scratch people or furniture. Declawing can be done if needed as early as 3 pounds or 12 weeks of age. We would be happy to give you an estimate. A current exam and blood work is usually required. New Hope Animal Hospital is also very much concerned with pain and will always give your cat medication for the relief of pain.

14.

How long is a cat or dogs pregnancy last?

Gestation in the cat is usually around 63 - 65 days. The Siamese cat may carry their kittens for 67 days. A dog's gestation is normally 63 days. However, puppies can be delivered between 58-68 days.

15.

When does a cat or dog go into heat?

The heat cycle is the mating period for female animals. Cat's normally have their first heat cycle between 5 and 10 months of age, with the average being 6 months. A dog's first heat cycle normally occurs between 6-12 months of age. Some females of larger breeds may not have their first cycle until they are 12 - 24 months of age. Remember the above information is general and not all females follow these patterns. Consult with you veterinarian if your pet does not seem typical. Sometimes cycling problems can be early warning signs of more serious problems and the sooner they are addressed the better. Cats are induced ovulators. This means they must mate to go out of season properly.

16.

Can my pet be spayed during a heat cycle?

Yes, the surgical procedure can be done at this time. The procedure is more difficult and animals are more prone to bleed at this time. There is an additional fee for this procedure during the heat cycle. We prefer to wait until the cycle is over if possible.

17.

Should I let my pet have one litter before spaying?

No, there is no advantage to let your pet have one litter before spaying unless you want a litter. In fact, it has been shown statistically that if you spay your pet before the first heat there is a much lower incidence of breast cancer later in life. There are other medical advantages to spaying before the first heat cycle.

18.

Do you board pets?

New Hope Animal Hospital offers boarding for clients. Current exams and vaccinations, including the Bordetella vaccination for dogs are required for boarding. Please make reservations in advance especially during the holidays and weekends as space fills quickly.