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FAQ

We all have questions about our animal companions. Take a look below for some Frequently Asked Questions. If you are still unsure, please call us and we will be more than happy to help you and your animal companion.

Green Eyed Cat

What does a spay or neuter cost?

We can’t give an accurate estimate without assessing your pet first because some animals have pre-existing conditions that affect the price of the spay or neuter. Our medical staff can provide an estimate of the surgery cost during an examination, or by email within 12 months of your last examination.

What dog grooming and cat grooming services do you offer?

Our most popular service is the BBN (short for bath-brush-nail trim). This service is open Monday to Saturday. Service is requested by appointments. Dogs and cats should arrive by 9 am and will be ready to go home once they are dry. Prices vary by breed, and start at approximately $25. We also offer nail trims for cats and dogs. These are provided by appointment, and you can choose clipping or grinding. We are not currently offering hair cut or styling services.

Should I give heartworm and flea/tick prevention year round in Michigan?

Yes! There are several reasons why we recommend this: Mosquitoes live in homes through the Michigan winter. There is no good way to identify when mosquito bites start for cats and dogs outside the home in the Spring. Heartworm disease is fatal! The monthly prevention is affordable for many – it’s approximately the price of a meal at McDonalds, or an entree at Applebee’s. Our recommended oral heartworm preventive medication also kills intestinal worms.

Why do I have to get a heartworm test done every year?

Testing a blood sample once every 12 months for heartworm is the best way to monitor for this commonplace disease, even when your dog has been given heartworm prevention medication. Consider this; your doctor requests you have your blood tested annually for cholesterol. You may be taking medications to control your cholesterol but your doctor continues to test you to make sure the medications are working. We test dogs once every 12 months for heartworm disease to make sure the heartworm prevention medicine is working too. Why would the medication not be doing it’s job, you ask? Heartworm can breed to become resistant to the medication. This has already occurred in the south-east US. Also, some healthy dogs occasionally vomit and if this happens on the day you give the heartworm prevention medicine and you are unaware, then your dog could be at risk of contracting heartworm disease.

I found a stray pet. Do you scan for microchips?

Yes! Please bring in the stray and we will gladly scan for a microchip. If the pet’s chip number is in our records, we’ll do our best to get the pet back to their owner.

Do you treat ferrets, rats or other small pets?

Yes, Dr. Ethan Burk provides service to those pets and reptiles too! Whether you have a new exotic or small animal, Dr. Burk will be able to take care of all of your needs.

Do you offer payment plans?

For financing, we refer you to CareCredit carecredit.com/go574SVS Six months differed interest is charged on purchases of $200 or more when you make the minimum monthly payments and pay the full amount due by the end of the promotional period. If you do not, interest is charged from the original purchase date.

Are you a walk in veterinary clinic?

As much as we would like to be able to serve all of our furry friends at a moments notice, we do require appointments to ensure we take the appropriate time with each of our patients. You can schedule online, or call us directly.

Why is my dog scooting?

There are many reasons your pet could be scooting. They may need their anal glands expressed, or have irritation caused by worms or other conditions. Please call the office to schedule an appointment. It will be helpful if you bring a stool sample in at that time.

What are puppy vaccination and kitten vaccination schedules?

Vaccines should start at 6 to 8 weeks of age and be boosted 2 or 3 times, 3 to 4 weeks apart. We offer a discount for puppies under 16 weeks because multiple visits are required. Protection from the first vaccine lasts only a few days so a booster is always required for longer lasting protection. Puppies and kittens require more than one booster because there is interference in the vaccine response from antibodies that came from the mother, and their immune system works differently than mature immune systems. The dog diseases we vaccinate against are Distemper, Adenovirus, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, Kennel cough (Bordetella), Rabies, Lyme disease, and Canine influenza. The cat diseases we vaccinate against are Calicivirus, Panleukopenia, Leukemia, and Immunodeficiency.

Do you require Canine influenza vaccination for boarding?

Although Canine influenza vaccination is recommended, it is not currently required for boarding or day care in our facility. However, there are several recquired vaccinations and tests needed for boarding, and daycare.

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, we are absolutely taking new clients! Waverly Animal Hospital would love to welcome you and your pets to our practice and kennel. Please call the office and the receptionist will be happy to assist you with scheduling an appointment or reservation. A phone call is more effective for registration than a text or email.

How many doctors do you have?

Waverly Animal Hospital has several veterinarians on our team, and each of them are more than happy to see your animal companion. If you want to learn more, please visit our Team page.

How many groomers do you have?

We are not currently offering hair cuts or styling, but we have a team of 5 who provide bath, brush, nail trims, and de-shedding services.

What are your missed, cancel, & change appointment policies?

We require 24 hour notice for appointment cancellations and changes. However, we understand that sometimes unexpected events take precedence over appointments or you might occasionally forget your appointment. That is why our policy is to forgive you the first time this happens (per 12 months). Sadly though, on the second (and subsequent) occurrence, you’ll be charged a missed appointment fee ($66.00). We do this to preserve the availability of our services. Thank you for understanding.

What is your late to appointment policy?

We understand that sometimes unexpected events make you late. That is why our policy is to have a 10 minute grace period. If you are more than 10 minutes late, your appointment will be rescheduled to another time.

What forms of communication are required to use your services?

We require a valid email address and cell phone number. Appointment reminders and time-sensitive notices are sent via these means.

What are your return and refund policies?

Prescriptions medications are not returnable or refundable. Prescription foods may be returned for refund (and disposal by manufacturer) within 90 days of purchase. Deposit taken at booking will be used toward purchases if the appointment is kept or changed with at least 24 hours notice. Deposit is non-refundable when the appointment is cancelled or changed with less than 24 hours notice or if you do not show for appointment.

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