Acton Veterinary Clinic - Acton, ME - Other FAQ's

Acton Veterinary Clinic

470 Youngs Ridge Rd
Acton, ME 04001

(207)477-8144

www.actonvet.net

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions/answers that we are frequently asked. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give us a call at (207)477-8144.

  • How do I become a new client?

At this time, we are accepting new clients but do have a waiting list.  We unfortunately do not make sick/same day appointments for new clients unless our schedule and circumstances allow for it.  We reserve sick/same day appointments for established clients and patients. 

  • I am an existing client and my pet comes to you for care - why can't my sick pet be seen today?

We know that having a sick pet is a very stressful and worrisome situation.  We do reserve same day sick appointments for our patients but when these fill up we simply may not have availability to evaluate your pet.  We have clients that schedule appointments far in advance and we need to respect the fact that they have a reserved time for their pet's care.  Additionally, your sick pet may have a condition that requires 24/7 care and you may be referred directly to one of the area emergency facilities.  

  • What do I do upon arrival for check in?

Because our clinic has a small footprint, we take care to reduce congestion in our reception area and exam rooms.  This has helped both patients and clients alike be more relaxed during their pet's visit.  When you arrive, please call or text the numbers that are on the signs along the wall in the parking lot.  We will let you know when you may bring your pet in.  We are happy to help you bring your pets into the building.  Sometimes we will start the check in process over the phone to facilitate your pet's visit. 

  • What are the Hospital hours?

Please refer to our hours page.

  • Do I need to have an appointment?

Yes, patients are seen by appointment only.

  • What forms of payment do you accept?
    Cash, Check, Mastercard , Visa & Care Credit
  • Can I make payments?
     NO. Payment is required at the time of service.
  • How can I get a copy of my pet's records?  We can email pet records to you directly or to a veterinary facilitly upon request.  Please allow 24 hours for records to be emailed.
  • THERE IS A HIGH DEMAND FOR DUPLICATE RABIES CERTIFICATE REQUESTS. We urge clients to place your rabies certificate in a safe place. Your town will need to see it for licensing. Should you need a duplicate you may pick it up at your convenience. We can fax it to the town but allow 24-48 hours to do so. You can have the town call us for the information also. 
  • At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
    There is not one age that applies to all pets when it comes to spaying and neutering.  For cats, we recommend 5-6 months.  For small and medium breed dogs, 6-7 months.  For large and giant breed dogs, 10-12 months or more.  Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.
  • What is pre-anesthetic blood screening?
    Prior to anesthesia and surgery we recommend performing screening blood tests to evaluate the major organs (liver, kidneys) and bone marrow function (red and white blood cells and platelets), protein levels, electrolytes, and mineral values.  The results of these tests can help to determine your pet's risk for the planned anesthetic procedure.  If a concern arises on the pre-anesthetic evaluation, sometimes a procedure may need to be delayed in order to address an underlying medical condition.  
  • How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?
    Sutures and skin staples are removed after 12-14 days, typically.  Many surgeries use suture material that is under the skin and does not require removal (most commonly with spays and neuter surgeries)
  • Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?
    No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered early in life. These advantages include decreasing the chances of mammary tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the incidence of prostate infections and cancer later in life.  Spaying and Neutering can also decrease roaming beahavior in male dogs, helps to reduce or prevent urine spraying and marking, may reduce the risk of aggressive behavior in some dogs, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
  • Do you board pets?
    No
  • What are your kennels like?
    Our kennel area is for hospitalized pets with medical and surgical needs. We provide padding, blankets, and heating pads as needed for each patient.