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Hospital Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-6pm | Saturday: 8am-4pm
(519) 896-0532
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Kitchener Vet Clinic FAQs

Kingsdale Animal Hospital has been operating in Kitchener since 1973. With our experience and knowledge, we have designed a set of frequently asked questions for your convenience.

01

Appointments & Hours

Am I able to see the same veterinarian for each visit?

Yes you can! We do our very best to accommodate all scheduling requests. Please make sure to make the specific doctor request when you are booking your appointment. Get to know our Kingsdale Veterinarians.

What time are you open until?

We are open until 6PM Monday through Friday and until 4PM on Saturdays. Learn more about our Hospital and Appointment hours.

Do I need an appointment for drug refills?

For most drug refills you can simply call in the refill and that's it! Controlled substance refills can easily be refilled as well but we are required to perform a physical examination on a yearly basis. You can request a refill through your pet portal.

How do I book an appointment online?

You can book through our online pet portal anytime, 24/7. You can also request prescription refills, boarding stays, and health certificates through the portal. A mobile app is available for iPhone and Android as well.

Are you accepting new patients?

Yes! We're currently welcoming new patients in Kitchener and the surrounding area. Visit our new patients page to learn what to expect at your first visit.

02

Services & Treatments

Do you have laser surgery available?

We sure do! It is an extremely popular option for pet surgery. The healing times are fantastic and the pet is much more comfortable after the procedure.

Do you offer laser therapy (cold laser)?

Laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy, is a great treatment modality for many conditions. It is successful in treating arthritis and other inflammatory conditions such as cystitis as well as facilitating the healing of wounds. The treatments only take 10 or so minutes and is painless. Many clients appreciate this treatment as it is a drug free approach to therapy. Furthermore, laser therapy can be administered alongside any current treatment plans or medications.

Do you see rabbits and other small animals?

Yes! We provide veterinary care for rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small mammals. We recommend yearly check-ups for rabbits in addition to attending to those requiring medical attention.

Do you offer housecalls or mobile vet services?

Yes, we offer mobile veterinary and housecall services in Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge. This is a great option for pets that don't travel well, multi-pet households, or owners with limited mobility. We also offer compassionate in-home euthanasia services.

Do you offer boarding?

Yes! We offer dog, cat, and rabbit boarding in Kitchener for both clients and non-clients. Pricing, what to bring, and booking details are on our boarding page.

03

Surgery & Spay/Neuter

I would like to have my pet spayed/neutered. What is included in the cost?

In an effort to fit within everyone's budget while maintaining proper safety for your pet during surgery, the following is included in every surgery, and not limited to: Intravenous fluids, pain medication, professional anaesthetic monitoring and a warming blanket for recovery. There are some additional options that you may elect to do, simply ask our receptionists or technicians for more information.

Learn more about our spay and neuter services.

Is anesthesia safe for my pet?

Pet anesthesia has come a long way. We screen your pet before any procedure, use modern drugs tailored to their size and health, and a trained technician monitors them start to finish. For healthy pets, the risk is very low. For seniors, it's still safe with the right preparation. Learn more about our anesthesia and patient monitoring protocols.

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

For cats, we generally recommend around 5 to 6 months of age. Small and medium dog breeds can typically be done at 6 months. For larger and giant breeds, we might recommend waiting until 12 to 18 months. We'll talk through the right timing for your specific pet at your wellness exam.

04

Preventative Care

Does my pet need to be vaccinated every year?

At Kingsdale Animal Hospital, we vaccinate based on many factors such as lifestyle and risks of exposure. For many of our patients, we will employ a rotating vaccine schedule so that they are not over-vaccinated but keeping them protected at the same time. A physical exam/check-up is recommended on a yearly basis for all pets to ensure their health and longevity.

Do you recommend annual heartworm testing?

Not necessarily! Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and when more and more dogs are protected against heartworm infection, it will decrease the transmission. Currently, there are more common parasites to be concerned about. Lyme Disease infection is a good example: The number of cases at Kingsdale is on the rise every year and early detection is very important and we therefore may recommend testing your pet.

Learn more on our preventative care page.

How often should my pet have a dental cleaning?

It depends on your pet. Some dogs and cats need a professional dental cleaning every year, while others can go longer between visits. We check your pet's teeth at every wellness exam and will recommend a cleaning when there's visible tartar buildup, gingivitis, or signs of periodontal disease.

Does my pet need tick prevention in winter?

Blacklegged ticks are active in the Kitchener-Waterloo area any time temperatures exceed 4°C, which includes many winter days. We recommend year-round tick prevention for most dogs. Visit our preventative care page for details.

05

Billing & Insurance

Do you offer payment plans?

All of our financing is performed through a reputable third party service. They are able to offer 3 month, interest free financing. Longer terms are available but are associated with interest.

Do you recommend pet insurance?

Pet insurance is very beneficial and therefore recommended. It can help reduce the financial costs should something happen to your pet. There are many pet insurance companies, plans and packages to fit your budget and needs. We recommend an accident/illness or wellness plan for complete coverage.

Do you have monthly plans for pets?

Yes, we have monthly wellness plans where you can make low monthly payments and receive the best veterinary care for your pets.

Do you offer any discounts?

Yes we do! Multiple pet, seniors and foster discounts just to name a few. Contact us to see if you're eligible for any discounts. Furthermore and in addition to discounts, we frequently have seasonal discount packages for you! Dental health month and the spring parasite prevention season are a couple examples.

06

Pet Boarding

Do you offer day boarding for pets?

Yes we do! Whether you need us to watch your pet for 1 day or 10 days, we can help. Learn more about our Pet Boarding Service.

What animals can you board?

We board dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small pets. All pets are supervised by our veterinary staff throughout their stay. If any health issues arise, we're right here to help. Learn more about our boarding facilities.

Does my pet need to be vaccinated to board?

Yes. We require up-to-date vaccinations for all boarding guests to keep every pet safe during their stay. If your pet is overdue, we can update their vaccines during drop-off. Call us at (519) 896-0532 if you have questions about your pet's vaccine status.