FAQs for our veterinary services in Lancashire
Should I get my pet insured?
Insurance plays an increasingly important part of veterinary care. No matter what the age of your animal, insurance can be vital. There are many policies available and one should consider carefully before choosing a policy.
Things to consider are:
• Is the insurance company reputable?
• What is the excess?
• Does it cover an illness for the lifetime of the animal or cease after one year?
• Is the policy for life?
• How much will they pay out for each illness? Will they cover for more than one illness at a time?
• Does the premium/excess increase each year or each time you make a claim?
• Will the company insure in old age?
• Will the company cover dietary foods, dentals, behavioural problems etc?
We do offer a loyalty bonus Pet Care Plan – please enquire for further details.
Do we make home visits?
Home visits to companion animals can be arranged if required. Advance notice is necessary to enable planning of the day.
Do we accept visitors?
We are able to treat animals that are unfortunate enough to fall ill on holiday. If you have your normal vets details available this is advantageous as it enables us to contact them for any previous history we may require before treatment is commenced.
How can I pay?
We accept:
• Cash
• Most Credit/Debit Cards (not American express)
• BACS payments
Payment is expected at time of consultation. Should an invoice be sent, there may be an additional administration charge.
What does microchipping entail?
Microchipping involves implanting an electronic chip about the size of a grain of rice under the skin of the animal. This contains a unique code which is registered to your address. Should your pet go missing it can be scanned and returned to you.
Most animals can be chipped should you request it.
All animals applying for an Animal Health Certificate need to be microchipped.
Should I get my animal Neutered?
We strongly recommend neutering of you pets if you do not intend to breed from them.
Dog castration
Castration can be done from 6 months old. There are numerous advantages to castration including:
• Decreased chance of prostate cancer in later life.
• Elimination of testicular tumours.
• Possibly calm the animal.
• Reduce unwanted behaviours.
• Remove the ability to father offspring.
• Should one or both testicles be retained, there is an increased risk of this turning cancerous, so we strongly recommend castration in such cases.
Bitch ovariohysterectomy (spay)
Generally we recommend this is performed 3 months after the first season. Spraying prevents:
• Uterine cancers.
• Uterine infections.
• Mismatings.
• Pregnancy.
• False pregnancies.
• Decrease risk of mammary tumours.
Cat spay and castration also available and performed from 6 months of age.
Both can be done from 6 months old. They have similar advantages to neutering your dog.
If you are bringing your animal in for neutering it must be starved from 8pm the night before. The animal can have access to water throughout the night. For further pre-op instructions and to book an elective surgery please call 01524 735 249.
Detailed post-operative instructions will be given at the time of collection.