Frequently Asked Questions

Discover answers to some of the questions we hear most, and see how we work every day to be Bristol’s trusted veterinarian for pets and the families who love them.

Appointments

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, we’re always excited to welcome new pets and their families. Mention our $35 new client offer when you book your first visit.

We do. If your pet is sick or hurt, call us right away so we can prepare to see them during our regular hours.

Dogs and cats are our main patients, but we can also see small pets like guinea pigs and rats.

We offer medical boarding for pets with special needs and bath & brush services, but not full-service grooming or traditional boarding.

It’s our promise to pair advanced veterinary care with kindness, patience, and genuine compassion, so your pet feels safe, loved, and well cared for at every visit.

Bring any medical records, a list of medications, and note any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy to your pet’s wellness exam. If your pet is nervous, we can offer tips to make the visit less stressful.

Financing

No, applying is free. You’ll only be responsible for paying your balance based on the payment plan you select.

CareCredit does a soft credit check for pre-approval, which won’t impact your score. If you accept the account, a hard inquiry may appear on your credit report.

Yes, CareCredit is accepted at many veterinary practices, specialty hospitals, and even human healthcare providers nationwide.

Most plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, but some may cover certain issues if your pet has been symptom-free for a specified period.

Yes, many companies offer plans for senior pets, though premiums may be higher and coverage may be more limited.

Some plans include or offer add-ons for preventive care like vaccines, dental cleanings, and annual exams. Others focus only on illness and injury.

Services

Most healthy adult pets should have a wellness exam at least once a year, while senior pets may require quarterly or biannual exams. Puppies and kittens should be seen every month as they grow rapidly in the first few months of life.

Yes, indoor pets can still be exposed to certain diseases through contact with other animals, shared airspace, or even on your clothing and shoes.

We perform a thorough physical exam, review your pet’s history, discuss any concerns, and recommend preventive care such as vaccines, parasite control, or screening tests.

Yes. Aging pets often require more frequent checkups, lab tests, and adjustments to diet, exercise, or medications to keep them comfortable and healthy.

Some surgeries are preventive, like spays and neuters, while others address medical concerns. We’ll examine your pet and recommend the best course of action for their health.

While any sedation or anesthesia comes with a risk, we take every precaution by monitoring your pet closely and carefully formulating their anesthetic protocol. We use pre-surgical screenings and advanced monitoring equipment to make anesthesia as safe as possible..

Recovery time varies by procedure, but most pets bounce back within a week or two. We’ll give you personalized guidance to help speed healing.

We use modern pain management techniques before, during, and after surgery to keep your pet comfortable. You’ll also receive medications to manage discomfort at home.

In most cases, we’ll ask you to withhold food after midnight the night before surgery to reduce anesthesia risks. Water is usually fine until the morning of the procedure.

Most pets benefit from yearly dental cleanings, but small breeds, pets with crowded teeth, or those prone to dental problems may need more frequent visits to ward off dental disease.

Watch for bad breath, yellow or brown tartar, red gums, trouble chewing, pawing at the mouth, or facial swelling.

Yes. Only anesthesia allows for a complete cleaning beneath the gums, accurate dental X-rays, and a stress-free experience for your pet.

Absolutely. We perform pre-anesthetic exams and lab work to ensure your senior pet’s safety, and we adjust protocols to reduce anesthetic risk.

We provide local anesthetics and pain relief medications to keep them comfortable. Most pets bounce back quickly and often eat better once the source of pain is gone.