What are your hours of operation?

Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am until 6:00pm and Saturday from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm. We are open for drop offs at 7:30 am Monday through Friday.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

Yes, we work by appointment only. Please call to schedule an appointment as soon as you are aware that your pet needs to be seen by a doctor. We realize that illness and injury do not always occur at convenient times. We will work you in as soon as possible in these cases. You do not need an appointment for technician visits, such as nail trims, bordetella vaccine, or anal gland expression.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes, we welcome the opportunity to meet you and your new pet. Please call today to schedule an appointment. You may also download and complete the New Client form to expedite the check in process. Please bring any previous records you have for your pet. We look forward to meeting you soon!

What should I do if my pet has an emergency and the hospital is closed?

We recommend that you take your pet to Sandy Springs Animal Emergency Center, located at 228 Sandy Springs Place, Atlanta 30328. (404) 252-7881, or Georgia Veterinary Specialists, located at 455 Abernathy Road NE, Sandy Springs 30328. (404) 459-0903.

Do you board pets?

We do offer boarding for our established clients. Our space is limited, so please call in advance to schedule a place for your pet. Please download and complete our boarding check-in form to expedite the check-in process. We require that your pet be current on vaccinations to board. Canine requirements include DHP-PV, Rabies and Bordetella. Feline requirements include FVRCP and Rabies.

Do you offer grooming?

We do offer routine bathing, brushing, ear cleaning and nail trims. Please call to schedule a drop off appointment for these services. Please note that vaccinations must be current to drop off.

Should I have my pet spayed or neutered?

Click here to learn about the reasons why you should spay/neuter your pet.

Why do I need to get my pet’s teeth cleaned? How do I know if my pet needs a dental?

Your pet’s teeth will be examined yearly as part of the wellness exam, and the veterinarian will assess when a full dental is needed. Your pet’s dental condition can affect his or her overall health. Dental disease can cause infection, oral pain and lack of appetite.The best way to prevent dental disease is daily brushing.

How do I prepare my pet for surgery?

We recommend that you bring your pet in the night before scheduled surgery. If you plan to drop off the morning of surgery, please bring your pet in prior to the scheduled surgery day for pre-operative blood work. We ask that you not give any food or treats after 9:00 p.m. the night before surgery. Water should remain available at all times. Please have your pet at the hospital at 8:00 a.m. the morning of surgery, and allow a few minutes before and after surgery to discuss the procedure and discharge instructions.

What is veterinary acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to achieve healing effects. In veterinary medicine, acupuncture is most often used in patients to help manage musculoskeletal pain and stiffness, allergies and skin conditions, gastrointestinal disorders, renal and urologic diseases, asthma and other respiratory diseases, and some neurologic conditions. When administered by a properly trained veterinarian, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals. Dr. Steve Winokur and Dr. Tracey Sasher are both certified veterinary acupuncturists and have successfully been treating pets for several years. We encourage you to let us help your pet experience the benefits of this integrative approach to health management.

Do you accept pet insurance?

Yes, we accept most major pet insurance policies. We recommend Trupanion Pet Insurance. Please visit their website, trupanionpetinsurance.com, to learn more about the benefits of pet health insurance.

What is a ResQ microchip and how does it work?

A ResQ microchip is a small chip, about the size of a grain of rice, which is placed under your pet’s skin, between the shoulder blades. In the event that your pet is ever lost and taken to a veterinary hospital or animal shelter, he or she will be scanned for a microchip. Your pet’s specific microchip number is linked to you and your contact information. This ISO standard microchip is required for international travel. You do not need to schedule an appointment to have a microchip implanted, however the best time to have your pet micro chipped is during a surgical procedure.

I am moving or traveling internationally. Can I bring my pet with me?

Each country has specific requirements for importing pets. Please refer to the USDA.gov website for the requirements of the country to which you are traveling. We also strongly recommend using a pet relocation service such as petrelocator.com. Our office will issue an international health certificate upon examination of your pet, however it is your responsibility to make sure all requirements are met. We also suggest contacting the airline on which you are flying to get specific regulations. Please call and speak with a receptionist as soon as you are aware of your travel plans.

What can you do for my pet with skin conditions?

Dermatologic conditions are one of the most frequent problems we see. We realize that these are often long-term issues that require in depth testing, analysis and treatment to cure. Our veterinarians will do their best to find the root cause of the condition and develop a treatment and prevention plan. Call today to schedule an appointment for your pet.

My cat is eliminating outside of his litter box. What can I do about it?

If this is outside of your pet’s normal behavior, it can be an indication of an underlying health problem, such as urinary tract or kidney issues. We recommend scheduling an appointment for the appropriate diagnostic testing.

My pet seems to be in pain. Can I give him an over the counter medication?

No, we do not recommend any human, over the counter medications be given to animals. Certain common human drugs can cause severe liver damage, kidney damage or gastrointestinal ulcers. If your pet has sustained an injury or seems to be in pain, please call to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Why do I need to bring a stool sample to my pet’s annual check up?

Intestinal parasites are one of the most common health problems affecting our pets, and The Center for Disease Control has issued warnings that the incidence of roundworm infection in children is rapidly rising. All pets should have regular fecal examinations performed as puppies or kittens and then yearly as adults. Please bring a small sample with you to your pet’s annual exam to save your pet the discomfort of our technician obtaining one while here.

Why does my dog need a heartworm test every year?

Heartworms are the most life-threatening canine worms, for they reside in the dog's heart and pulmonary arteries, causing heart failure and eventually death. Microscopic larvae transferred by a mosquito bite develop into adult worms that travel through the blood stream and then live in the heart. Once symptoms like coughing and lethargy develop, the damage to the heart is great and treatment is often unsuccessful. Monthly heartworm preventative is the best way to protect your pet from heartworms. Testing for heartworms annually will ensure that your pet does not have this deadly disease and that it is safe to continue giving heatrworm prevention. We recommend Sentinel for your dog's year round heartworm prevention.

Does my pet need flea prevention year round?

In Georgia, fleas are active all year. To eliminate fleas we have to break their life cycle. This means killing all adult and hatching fleas, as well as fleas brought in from other environments. When even a few fleas are allowed to grow into adults, they can quickly become a serious problem. Because our warm temperatures allow fleas to grow every month of the year, we must protect our pets during the whole year. Talk to one of our veterinarians about a custom flea prevention plan for your pet.

What happens to my pet after euthanasia?

We work with a local cremation service, Paws, Whiskers and Wags, to ensure that your pet’s remains are handled with proper care. Communal cremation means that animals are cremated in a group and you will not get the cremated remains back. Private cremation means that your pet is cremated alone and the cremated remains are returned to you. Costs vary by weight. Please ask one of our receptionists for the price of these services.