Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am new to this area and/or new to your clinic. What Shall I
    expect at my first visit?

2. When should I start my new puppy or kitten's vaccinations?

3. When do you recommend spaying and/or castrating my pet?

4. My pet is scheduled for surgery. Are there any guidelines to follow?

5. I found a stray dog or cat and have decided to keep it. What do I need
    to do?

6. My pet is scheduled to be boarded. What should I bring?

7. I have scheduled boarding for my two dogs or two cats that get along well with each
    other at home. Can they be in the same kennel or cage while boarding?

8. My cat/dog stays indoors at all times. Why do I need to give it rabies vaccination?

9. I found an injured and/or orphaned NON-DOMESTICATED animal. What should I do?

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Contact us at 319-653-6673 or submit by
email any additional questions
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

1. I am new to this area and/or new to your clinic. What Shall I expect at my first visit?
We require that a registration form with information about you and your pet be filled out at your first visit to our clinic. Payment is expected at the time services are provided. For your convenience we accept cash, check, Visa and Mastercard. You may also download a copy of the registration from to fill out at home. Please bring the filled out form with you to your first visit. Registration Form
Back to Top

2. When should I start my new puppy or kitten's vaccinations?
We recommend starting your new puppy or kitten's vaccination between 6-8 weeks of age. On their first visit to our clinic, each puppy or kitten will receive a thorough physical exam, initial vaccinations, and initial worming. We will also discuss house training tips, feeding recommendations, behavior tips, and any other areas you may have questions or concerns about.
Back to Top

3. When do you recommend spaying and/or castrating my pet?
We recommend spaying female dogs and cats at 6 months of age. Castration of male dogs and cats can be done between 8-9 months of age.
Back to Top

4. My pet is scheduled for surgery. Are there any guidelines to follow?
We ask that all pets scheduled for procedures requiring anesthesia be fasted the night before surgery and not fed the morning of the procedure. Water can be allowed free choice. We also ask that pets be dropped off the morning of their procedure between 8-8:30am.
Back to Top

5. I found a stray dog or cat and have decided to keep it. What do I need to do?
All stray pets with unknown vaccination status are treated as unvaccinated animals. Depending on age, we recommend a full vaccination and worming schedule. We also recommend heartworm testing and prevention for all dogs, and feline leukemia virus/feline immunodeficiency virus testing in all cats.
Back to top

6. My pet is scheduled to be boarded. What should I bring?
We require a record of vaccination status. All dogs must be current on DA2PP-Cu, Bordetella, and Rabies. All cats must be current on FURCP and Rabies. You may bring your pet's food, a small toy, and a washable towel or bed, although not necessary. We feed Science Diet ® and have bedding available for your pets during their stay with us.
Back to top

7. I have scheduled boarding for my two dogs or two cats that get along well with each other at home. Can they be in the same kennel or cage while boarding?
We will try to house your pets together if kennel and/or cage size is appropriate for both animals. Keep in mind that your pets are under stress when out of their home environment and may act differently while here. If there is any question of a pet's safety - we will separate your pets.
Back to top

8. My cat/dog stays indoors at all times. Why do I need to give it rabies vaccination?
First and foremost, rabies vaccination is required by law. In addition, the rabies virus is almost 100% fatal in unprotected animals that contract the virus. Rabies is also a potential threat to humans. Animals that are unvaccinated or have a previous vaccination that is no longer current that bite a person are required by law to be quarantined at an approved facility and examined by a veterinarian before release. Although you may believe that your pet may never step outside your house, unpredictable events may occur. There is also the threat of exposure within your home, typically from bats or strays that may wander in. An inexpensive rabies vaccination will assure that your pet is protected from any unfortunate events that may happen.
Back to top

9. I found an injured and/or orphaned NON-DOMESTICATED animal. What should I do?
Please exercise extreme caution when approaching an injured animal. Animals in pain may lash out with their teeth and/or claws. Non-domesticated animals are best looked after by the Department of Natural Resources. They can advise you on handling procedures and have people experienced in rehab and release to provide the best care for eventual return to the wild.
Back to top