FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How do I register with your practice?
A: It’s easy! Just phone your nearest branch or call in. Our reception staff will enter your pet’s details on our computer system.


Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: Yes, all consultations are by appointment.


Q: Do you offer evening and weekend consultations?
A: At Clayton Le Dale, surgeries run to 19.30 every weeknight, and until 16.30 on Saturdays. There is an open surgery on a Sunday morning. There are Saturday surgeries at Haslingden, Padiham and Clitheroe and most branches offer consultations up to 18.00 on weekdays.


Q: How do I find your branches?
A: See contact page for maps.


Q: Do you provide a 24 hour emergency service?
A: Yes, our own vets provide a 24 hour service. THE NUMBER TO CALL IN AN EMERGENCY IS 01254 814863. Outside of normal working hours you will be asked to attend the Clayton Le Dale site, where we have the staff and facilities needed to care for your pet.


Q: When do I get my new kitten vaccinated?
A: We start the course when the kitten is nine weeks old. It is a course of two vaccinations given three weeks apart.


Q: What do I need to get my kitten vaccinated against?
A: We have a choice of two vaccines. The basic course covers cat flu and enteritis (infection of the intestines). The more comprehensive course covers cat flu, enteritis and leukaemia.


Q: When do I need to get my puppy vaccinated?
A: We recommend vaccinating puppies initially at eight weeks old. The course requires two vaccinations given two weeks apart.


Q: What does the vaccine protect my puppy against?
A: Distemper, Infectious Canine Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza virus and Leptospirosis. These diseases are still prevalent.


Q: My puppy has had its vaccinations. How soon before I can take it out for a walk?
A: Two weeks after the second vaccination.


Q: When do I need to worm my puppy/kitten?
A: We recommend worming every month until six months of age. You can call into the surgery any time to buy wormers as long as your pet is registered with us. You also receive free wormers with every dog or cat vaccine course.


Q: At what age shall I get my cat spayed/castrated?
A: Six months old onwards is ideal.


Q: How soon can I get my bitch spayed?
A: We recommend two to three months after the end of the first season.


Q: At what age can I get my dog castrated?
A: There is no age restriction once he is fully grown. This is usually over 6 months of age.


Q: How can I book my dog/cat in for neutering?
A: Just ring or call into any surgery to make an appointment.


Q: What is an ID chip?
A: It is a small microchip, approximately the size of a grain of rice, which is injected under the animal’s skin. It contains a unique number which is linked to you and your pet details. It enables lost pets to be reunited with their owners.


Q: When can I get my dog/cat ID chipped?
A: It can be done during a regular consultation whilst you wait, or it can be done, at a discounted rate, at the same time as a surgical procedure.


Q: Do you advise pet insurance?
A: We strongly recommend pet insurance. We are authorised representatives for Pet Plan insurance.


Q: I want to take my dog/cat abroad. Can I get my passport at your practice?
A: Yes, we are LVI certified and are eligible to complete pet passports.


Q: What happens when I bring my puppy or kitten for vaccination?
A: The puppy or kitten receives a full health check from one of our vets. Then we give the vaccine by injection - this is not a painful procedure. You also get free wormers and four weeks free health insurance for your pet.


Q: How do I pay for your services?
A: We ask for payment at the time of the service. We accept most credit/debit cards, cash and cheques up to the limit of a valid bank card only.