We know caring for a pet sometimes comes with a lot of questions—big and small! To make things easier, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common questions our clients ask. If you don’t see your question here, please reach out—we’re always happy to help.
Appointments & Scheduling
1. How do I schedule an appointment?
You can schedule an appointment by giving us a call or requesting a time through our Pet Portal. Our team will help find a day and time that works best for you and your pet.
2. Do you take walk-ins?
To make sure every pet gets the time and attention they deserve; we work by appointment. If your pet needs to be seen right away, please call us—we’ll do our best to fit you in with an urgent care drop-off or an emergency visit during business hours.
3. What is an urgent care drop-off appointment?
Urgent care drop-offs are designed for those unexpected but non-life-threatening health concerns. The urgent care exam fee is $150 (hospitalization fee waived).
Here’s how it works:
- You drop your pet off in the morning, where they will be triaged by our medical support team.
- Once our doctor has examined your pet, we’ll call to review findings and go over a treatment plan, including estimates for any diagnostics or care.
- You’ll then pick up your pet later in the day after their treatments are completed.
This option helps us provide timely care while balancing a busy schedule of appointments.
4. What is an emergency visit?
Emergency visits are for pets experiencing life-threatening or critical conditions (such as severe breathing difficulty, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, or inability to walk/stand). In these cases, our team drops everything to stabilize your pet. The emergency exam fee is $250, and our doctor will review your pet’s condition and urgent next steps with you as soon as possible.
5. How far in advance should I book?
For wellness visits, we recommend scheduling a few weeks ahead. Once you are an established client, we suggest booking your pet’s next wellness exam 6–12 months in advance to reserve their spot. For urgent concerns, please call us right away and we’ll guide you on the next best step.
6. What if I need to reschedule?
Life happens! Please give us at least 2 business days’ notice if you need to reschedule your appointment. This allows us to offer that time to another pet in need.
7. What if I cancel late or don’t show up for my appointment?
If an appointment is canceled with less than 2 business days’ notice, or if it’s a no-show, a non-refundable deposit equal to the exam fee will be required to book future appointments. This deposit is applied to your scheduled exam when you arrive on time.
Wellness & Preventive Care
1. How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
We recommend at least one wellness exam per year for most pets. Senior pets often benefit from more frequent check-ups, since their needs change quickly. We recommend bi-annual (every six months) exams to help us catch concerns early and keep your pet on track for a lifetime of health.
2. What vaccines does my pet need?
Every pet is unique, which is why we create individualized vaccination plans based on lifestyle, age, and health status. During your visit, our doctor will recommend core vaccines for protection against common diseases, as well as optional vaccines that may be appropriate for your pet’s activities.
3. Do you provide parasite prevention?
Yes! Parasite prevention is a key part of wellness care. We’ll discuss options for year-round protection against fleas, ticks, heart-worm, and intestinal parasites, and help you choose the best products for your pet and household.
4. Does my pet really need bloodwork if they seem healthy?
Preventive bloodwork gives us a valuable baseline of your pet’s health and can reveal changes long before outward signs of illness appear. It’s one of the best tools we have to ensure early detection and timely treatment.
5. When should I bring my new puppy or kitten in for their first visit?
Ideally, puppies and kittens should come in for their first exam within a week of joining your family. Early visits help us start vaccines on time, check for congenital issues, and set up a plan for nutrition, behavior, and growth milestones.
6. How do I know when my senior pet needs extra care?
Senior pets benefit from more frequent wellness exams, usually every 6 months. These visits allow us to monitor for age-related changes such as arthritis, dental disease, or organ concerns and provide proactive care to keep them comfortable and thriving.
7. At what age is my pet considered a senior?
Great question! Aging looks a little different for every pet, and it often depends on their species and size.
- Cats are typically considered seniors around 9 years of age.
- Dogs vary more widely:
- Small to medium breeds (under 50 lbs): 9 years
- Large breeds (50–90 lbs): 7 years
- Giant breeds (over 90 lbs): 5–6 years
8. How does preventive care compare to waiting until my pet is sick?
Investing in your pet’s health now can save time, stress, and money later.
| Preventive Care | Reactive Treatment |
|---|---|
| Wellness Exam & Lab Work | Emergency Diagnostics & Hospitalization |
| $75–$350 per visit Detects early kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, infections, anemia | $500–$5,000+ depending on condition Examples: hospitalization for kidney disease $1,000– $3,000 diabetes diagnosis & treatment $500–$2,500 urinary obstruction $800–$2,000 abdominal mass surgery $1,500–$5,000 |
| Vaccines | Treatment for Preventable Diseases |
| $32 per vaccine Generally, every 1-3 years | $500–$3,000+ depending on disease Examples: parvovirus treatment $800–$2,000 feline leukemia complications $500–$3,000 severe respiratory infections $300–$1,500 |
| Parasite Prevention | Complications from Parasite-Related Illness |
| $30–$50/month | $300-2,500+ depending on severity Examples: heartworm treatment $500–$1,500 tick-borne disease $400–$1,200 flea-related skin infection $150–$500 |
Key Benefits of Preventive Care:
- Detects problems early simpler, less invasive treatments
- Reduces the risk of severe disease and costly emergencies
- Keeps your pet healthy, active, and happy
Pro Tip: Preventive care is like a health investment—small, consistent steps today help avoid bigger challenges tomorrow.
Sick & Urgent Care
1. What should I do if my pet suddenly seems sick?
If your pet is showing new or concerning signs—such as vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, limping, or changes in appetite or behavior—please call us. Our team will help determine if your pet needs a same-day urgent care visit, an emergency exam, or a scheduled appointment.
2. What is an urgent care drop-off appointment?
Urgent care drop-offs are designed for those unexpected but non-lifethreatening health concerns. The urgent care exam fee is $150 (hospitalization fee waived). Here’s how it works:
- You drop your pet off in the morning, where they will be triaged by our medical support team.
- If an estimate can be provided right away, we’ll share it with you.
- Once our doctor has examined your pet, we’ll call to review findings and go over a treatment plan, including estimates for any diagnostics or care.
- You’ll then pick up your pet later in the day after their treatments are completed.
This option helps us provide timely care while balancing a busy schedule of appointments.
3. What is considered an emergency visit?
Emergency visits are for pets experiencing life-threatening or critical conditions (such as severe breathing difficulty, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, or inability to walk/stand). In these cases, our team drops everything to stabilize your pet. The emergency exam fee is $250, and our doctor will review your pet’s condition and urgent next steps with you as soon as possible.
4. How do I know if my pet’s situation is urgent or an emergency?
When in doubt, please call us right away. Common urgent concerns include mild vomiting or diarrhea, ear infections, or limping. Emergencies include severe injury, breathing distress, seizures, sudden collapse, or uncontrolled bleeding. If we determine your pet needs care beyond what we can provide, we’ll guide you to the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital.
5. What if my pet needs after-hours care?
While we provide urgent and emergency visits during our regular business hours, we partner with trusted 24/7 emergency hospitals for after-hours care. If your pet needs help outside our hours, please call the emergency room nearest you:
Old Growth Emergency and Critical Care
– (253) 434-5010
Surgery & Anesthesia
1. Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Yes. Every patient is unique, so we tailor anesthesia plans to your pet’s age, breed, and health status. Within 30 days prior to surgery, we’ll perform a full physical exam and often recommend bloodwork to make sure it’s safe to proceed. During the procedure, your pet is continuously monitored by our trained team and advanced equipment.
2. What types of surgeries do you offer?
We provide a wide range of procedures—from routine spays and neuters to mass removals, cystotomies, and other advanced surgeries. We also offer select specialty procedures, such as stenotic nares and elongated soft palate correction.
3. What should I expect before my pet’s surgery?
Before surgery, you’ll meet with us for a pre-surgical consultation where we review the procedure, answer your questions, and explain what to expect. For most pets, dinner is given as usual the night before, and all food should be removed by midnight. Water can stay available overnight unless your pet is known to gulp large amounts. If your pet takes daily medications, we’ll give you individualized instructions on how to adjust them before surgery.
4. How will my pet be cared for during surgery?
Your pet is never alone. Our team carefully monitors heart rate, breathing, oxygen levels, and other vital signs throughout anesthesia. We also use warming support and multimodal pain management to keep them safe and comfortable.
5. What happens after surgery?
Once your pet is awake and stable, we’ll go over their recovery plan with you in detail. This includes pain management, activity restrictions, and home care instructions. We’ll also schedule a follow-up to make sure your pet is healing smoothly.
6. Does my pet really need to wear an e-collar after surgery? Are there alternatives?
Protecting your pet’s incision is one of the most important part of recovery. Pets naturally want to lick or chew at surgery sites, which can cause infections, open the incision site, or delay healing.
We carry both rigid and soft e-collars in-clinic, but there are several other safe options that may work depending on your pet’s needs:
- Surgery suits: Comfortable and effective for some pets, especially cats and smaller dogs.
- Inflatable “donut” collars: Less restrictive, but best for pets who don’t bend easily to reach their incision.
- BiteNot® restraint collars: Limit neck mobility without covering the face.
Our team can help you choose the best option for your pet’s surgery and lifestyle. In some cases, we may recommend combining methods for the safest protection.
Pro Tip: Keep the collar or suit on at all times unless you’re directly supervising your pet—even a few minutes of licking can undo stitches or cause infection.
7. How do you manage pain for surgical patients?
Pain control is one of our top priorities. We use a combination of medications before, during, and after surgery to minimize discomfort and help your pet recover comfortably.
Dentistry
1. Why is dental care important for my pet?
Dental disease is one of the most common health concerns in pets. Left untreated, it can cause pain, infection, and even affect vital organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys. Regular dental care keeps your pet more comfortable, healthier, and enjoying life by your side.
2. What makes your dental services different?
At Nurtured Noses, we use a thoughtful two-phase approach designed for safety, comfort, and transparency:
- Phase 1: Full-mouth dental radiographs, ultrasonic cleaning, polishing, fluoride treatment, and dental charting.
- Phase 2: If extractions are needed, they are scheduled as a second procedure. This keeps anesthesia times shorter, allows for accurate cost estimates, and gives you time to prepare for your pet’s recovery. If Phase 2 is scheduled within 60 days of Phase 1, we provide a discount to help reduce the cost of a second anesthetic event.
3. Does my pet really need dental X-rays?
Yes. Just like in human dentistry, many problems hide below the gum line.
Radiographs reveal issues such as root infections, abscesses, and bone loss— helping us treat problems before they become painful or severe. Early detection can sometimes allow diseases to be reversed.
4. What is considered a dental emergency for pets?
A dental emergency is any painful or urgent condition affecting your pet’s mouth that can’t wait for routine care. Common examples include:
- A fractured or broken tooth (especially if the pulp is exposed).
- Severe swelling of the face or mouth.
- Excessive drooling or bleeding.
- Difficulty eating or refusing food.
- Signs of significant pain, such as pawing at the mouth, crying out, or sudden behavior changes.
If you notice any of these signs, please call us right away. We’ll do our best to schedule your pet within 1–2 days. If a regular appointment isn’t available, we can often accommodate an urgent care drop-off so your pet is still seen promptly.
5. Why would you still recommend a Stage 1 dental procedure for a dental emergency like a tooth fracture?
Even in an emergency, it’s important to take the safest and most thorough approach. A Stage 1 dental procedure allows us to:
- Perform full-mouth radiographs to check for hidden issues beyond the fractured tooth.
- Thoroughly clean and chart the mouth so we know exactly what’s healthy and what’s not.
- Create a clear treatment plan and cost estimate for the next steps.
Stage 2 is then scheduled for any extractions or additional treatments. This approach shortens anesthesia times, improves safety, and ensures we aren’t missing other problems.
Pro Tip: Treating only the fractured tooth without evaluating the whole mouth can leave behind other painful or diseased areas. Our staged approach helps your pet heal more comfortably and completely.
6. Why should my pet have a dental cleaning if several teeth may need to be extracted?
By cleaning the teeth, we remove tartar and plaque both above and below the gum line. This allows the gum tissue to heal and reduces the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream, where it can affect the heart, liver, or kidneys.
Even if extractions are needed, a cleaning is still essential because it:
- Restores gum health by removing the bacteria that cause pain, inflammation, and infection.
- Protects remaining teeth by slowing the progression of dental disease.
- Reduces systemic risks since untreated dental infections are linked to serious health concerns in other organs.
- Supports healing after extractions by reducing bacteria in the mouth and lowering the chance of post-surgical infection.
- Improves comfort and quality of life, letting pets eat, groom, and play without oral pain.
7. Why would my cat or dog need to have a tooth (or several teeth) extracted?
Tooth extractions are sometimes the best way to relieve pain and restore your pet’s comfort. Pets don’t usually show dental pain the way people do, but damaged or diseased teeth can cause significant discomfort and infection. Common reasons we recommend extractions include:
- Severe periodontal disease: When infection has damaged the bone or gums around a tooth.
- Fractured or broken teeth: Especially if the pulp is exposed, which is painful and prone to infection.
- Resorptive lesions (in cats): A painful condition where the body starts breaking down the tooth from the inside out.
- Persistent baby teeth: Retained teeth can cause crowding, misalignment, and tartar buildup.
- Advanced decay or abscesses: Teeth that can’t be saved with cleaning or other treatments.
While it can feel worrisome to think about your pet losing teeth, most pets adapt incredibly well—even if several extractions are needed. Removing diseased teeth eliminates pain, prevents infection from spreading, and often results in a happier, more active pet.
Pro Tip: Many owners are surprised to see their pet eating better and acting younger once painful teeth are gone.
8. How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?
Most pets benefit from a professional cleaning every 1–2 years, though some may need it more often depending on breed, age, and dental history. To put it in perspective, a pet cleaning every 1–2 years is like you seeing your dentist only once every 3–8 years. Routine cleanings not only reveal hidden pain and disease but may also qualify for pet insurance coverage when recommended as part of your pet’s wellness care.
9. What should I expect after my pet’s dental procedure?
Most pets return home the same day—sleepy but comfortable. If extractions or additional treatments are performed, we’ll provide detailed home care instructions, pain medications, and schedule a follow-up to make sure your pet is healing well.
10. How will my pet eat after having teeth extracted?
Most pets adapt quickly and comfortably after extractions, even if multiple teeth are removed. While you might notice temporary changes in chewing habits, your pet can usually eat their normal food within a few days.
- Soft foods or moistened kibble can help for the first few days if your pet seems sensitive.
- Smaller, more frequent meals may be easier to manage initially.
- Regular dental care for remaining teeth is still important to prevent future problems. This can started after the 2 week post the extraction and our nurse has examined the extraction sites to ensure they are healing properly.
With proper pain management and follow-up care, pets often feel more comfortable and willing to eat than they did before their extractions.
Pro Tip: Pets are remarkably resilient—removing painful teeth often improves their appetite, energy, and overall quality of life.
11. How can I care for my pet’s teeth at home?
Home dental care is essential for keeping your pet’s mouth healthy between professional cleanings. At Nurtured Noses, we provide a Dental Home Care Kit tailored to your pet’s personality and lifestyle.
A one-on-one consultation with our nurse is provided as a courtesy following a Stage 1 or Stage 2 dental procedure. For a normally scheduled nurse examination, this consultation is available, with standard charges applied.
During this session, our nurse demonstrates techniques that work best for your cat or dog and personalizes recommendations based on your pet’s needs.
Depending on your pet, the kit may include:
- Dental food sample designed to help reduce plaque and tartar
- Toothbrush and toothpaste sample formulated for pets
- Approved dental chews to promote chewing and reduce buildup
- Plaque prevention gel kits (2-weekly sample) for easy at-home applications
During the personalized session, our nurse will show you how to:
- Brush effectively without stressing your pet
- Safely introduce dental chews or gels
- Incorporate dental-friendly treats and foods into daily life
- Monitor your pet’s oral health at home
Pro Tip: Consistency is key! Just a few minutes of brushing, giving chews, or applying gel weekly can dramatically improve oral health and reduce the need for extractions in the future. Combining professional cleanings with thoughtful home care gives your pet the best chance for a pain-free, healthy mouth for life.
Helpful Resource: Visit the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for a list of accepted products: https://vohc.org/accepted-products/
Pharmacy & Prescriptions
1. Do you have an in-house pharmacy?
Yes! We maintain a fully stocked in-hospital pharmacy so your pet can get their medications, supplements, or prescription diets conveniently during their visit. Our team is happy to answer questions about dosage, administration, or side effects.
2. Can I order medications online?
Absolutely. We offer an online pharmacy option, making it easy to have your pet’s medications or supplements delivered straight to your door. This is perfect for refills or for pets on long-term treatments.
3. How do your prices compare to ordering medications online?
We work hard to keep our pricing fair and competitive—especially on products like flea, tick, and heart worm prevention and prescription diets. In many cases, our prices are very comparable to (and sometimes even lower than) large online retailers. The added benefit of purchasing directly through us is safety and convenience: you know the products are authentic, properly stored, and backed by the manufacturer’s guarantee. Plus, if you ever have questions or concerns, our team is here to help right away.
4. How do I request a prescription refill?
You can request refills through our Pet Portal or by calling to leave a message on our pharmacy line. Prescription refill requests are typically processed within 3 business days, so please plan ahead when requesting medication.
Payments & Policies
1. What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, all major credit cards, and debit cards. Our goal is to make the payment process as easy and convenient as possible for you.
We also offer Care Credit and Scratch Pay for flexible payment options—find out more about these options by visiting our Payment Options page.
2. Do you accept pet insurance?
While veterinary clinics don’t bill insurance companies directly like in human medicine, we’re happy to support you when you use pet insurance. You pay us at the time of your visit, and we’ll provide all the detailed medical records and invoices you need to submit a claim to your insurance provider.
3. Do you require a deposit for surgery?
Yes. For surgical procedures, we require a $150 deposit to reserve your pet’s surgical time.
- If the appointment is canceled more than 3 business days in advance, the deposit is fully refunded.
- If the appointment is canceled within 3 business days, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
- If you attend the surgery as scheduled, the deposit is applied toward your final bill.
This helps us plan for staffing, anesthesia, and equipment while ensuring your pet receives timely and safe care.
4. Do you require a deposit for specialist procedures, like ultrasounds?
Yes. For specialist procedures, we require a $150 deposit to reserve your pet’s appointment. This deposit is subject to the specialist cancellation policy:
- If the appointment is canceled more than 3 business days in advance, the deposit is fully refunded.
- If the appointment is canceled within 3 business days, the deposit becomes non-refundable.
- If you attend the appointment as scheduled, the deposit is applied to the total cost of the procedure.
This ensures specialized equipment and staff are available and helps us provide your pet with timely, high-quality care.
5. Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! We’re proud to support our clients with a few special programs:
- Military Discount: Active-duty and veteran service members receive a discount as a thank-you for their service.
- Pet Assure Discount: Members of the Pet Assure program receive a special savings on eligible services.
- Cash Discount: Clients paying with cash or check may be eligible for a small courtesy discount.
6. How do I apply a discount?
Simply let our team know at check-in or when scheduling your appointment. We’ll make sure the appropriate discount is applied to your bill. The discounts can not be applied retroactively.
7. What if I cancel late or don’t show up for my appointment?
We understand that life happens! If an appointment is canceled with less than 2 business days’ notice, or if it’s a no-show, a non-refundable deposit equal to the exam fee will be required to book future appointments. This deposit is applied to your scheduled exam when you arrive on time. Providing advance notice helps us offer that appointment time to another pet in need.
8. What if my pet has fleas when we arrive?
At Nurtured Noses, we are committed to maintaining a flea-free clinic so you can feel confident that your pet won’t pick up fleas from other patients. If we see fleas on your pet during their visit, we will give a single oral dose of Capstar, which begins working within 30 minutes to safely kill adult fleas and lasts for about 24 hours. A $5 fee will be added to your invoice for this treatment.
We also use environmental sprays, such as Knockout, throughout the clinic to ensure our spaces remain protected. This approach helps us provide a clean, comfortable, and safe environment for every patient who walks through our doors.
General Pet Care
1. How can I prepare for our examinations?
A little preparation helps us make the most of your pet’s appointment. Here’s what to bring or send ahead:
- Complete the pre-exam form (emailed to you prior to your appointment, if we have your email on file).
- Share your pet’s medical history by emailing previous records to info@nurturednoses.com.
- List of medications and supplements, including flea/tick and heart worm preventives (current and past).
- Vaccine history.
- Nutrition details, such as food brand, type, amount, and how often your pet is fed.
This information helps our doctor get the full picture of your pet’s health so we can provide the best care possible.
2. How can I prepare my pet for their first visit?
Bringing your pet to the vet can be exciting—and sometimes a little stressful. Make sure your pet is comfortable during the trip by bringing a favorite toy or blanket, and if your pet is small, use a secure carrier. Try to arrive a few minutes early so your pet can acclimate to the clinic environment.
3. Do you have tips for reducing my pet’s stress before a vet appointment?
Absolutely!
- Bring a favorite treat or toy for comfort.
- Keep your pet in a secure carrier or on a leash to help them feel safe. We do not recommend to use the retractable leashes for your dogs.
- Take a calm, patient approach—your energy sets the tone for your pet.
- If your pet is especially anxious, ask us about pre-visit strategies or mild calming aids.