FAQs
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.
We Proudly Serve the Pets of Cross Lanes, WV and Beyond
At Cross Lanes Veterinary Hospital, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at (304) 776-4501 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer appointments?
YES! While we feel it is important to maintain space in our day to see sick patients and emergencies on a walk-in basis, we strongly encourage scheduled appointments. We feel this will allow us to better serve you and your pet by minimizing your time spent at our office, particularly for routine vaccine appointments. We also see pets who are sick on an appointment basis, but please realize that we may ask you to leave your pet with us (either for the day or to be hospitalized) if he or she needs any diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Please let our front desk staff know if your pet is sick or having any medical or behavior problems in addition to needing routine procedures so that we may schedule your time spent with the doctor appropriately.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, checks, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit.
At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
Spaying or neutering is usually done between 4-5 months of age but can vary depending on your individual pet’s and your life’s situation. The best way to determine the optimal age at which your pet should be surgically altered is through a personal consultation/examination at our office. Your pet will be given an exam to help determine whether he or she has any underlying medical problems (kidney disease or heart failure) that may affect the type of anesthesia we use. We may recommend additional testing like EKG or more extensive blood testing as we deem necessary to make anesthesia as safe as we can for your pet. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery.
What is pre-anesthetic blood screening?
Pre-anesthetic blood work is a tool we use to further safeguard your pet during anesthesia. We can test a variety of blood levels based on your dog’s age and/or medical condition.
How long the sutures stay in after surgery?
Sutures can be removed 10-14 days after surgery.
Why aren't you recommending vaccination of my older pet every year?
Cross Lanes Veterinary Hospital’s vaccination policy varies according to your pet’s lifestyle (indoor or outdoor primarily, if your dog or cat is exposed to other animals frequently, etc.), and we make adjustments based on those factors. With your pet’s lifestyle factors in mind, Cross Lanes Veterinary Hospital utilizes the most current research and guidelines issued to veterinarians by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) on the frequency of vaccination. AAHA and AAFP guidelines recommend less frequent vaccines due to the length of immunity (how long it is effective in your pet’s body) provided by the vaccines, which has been proven to be much longer than previously thought.
Do you see walk-ins?
If you have a true emergency or acute illness (sudden onset) we will certainly be glad to provide care for your pet. Please understand that the wait time for an unscheduled visit is likely to be extended. If you feel that your pet requires urgent care during our normal business hours please call and speak with one of our staff members so that we may decide the best course of action. Please remember if your pet requires urgent care after hours to contact the Kanawha Valley Animal Emergency Clinic.
Can I make payments?
We do not offer payment plans or billing. Payment is required at the time of service and this is strictly enforced. We care about your pet and your ability to give him or her the best care, so we offer the convenient service of Veterinary CareCredit for financing unexpected emergencies or surgeries. We will assist with CareCredit applications in our office.
Do I need to restrict food and water intake prior to my pet's surgery?
Yes, food should be taken up before 10 pm the night before your pet’s surgery. Water can be given up until your pet comes into our office the morning of the surgery.
Do you offer routine boarding?
We do not offer routine boarding. Only pets requiring medical attention who have received doctor approval may board.
What are your hospitalization kennels like?
Our dog kennels are all indoor cages and run. Cats are typically housed in a separate area away from the dogs. Blankets and food are provided for our hospitalized patients, but we always encourage toys, blankets, and food from home (in most cases) because it helps to reduce the stress of being hospitalized. To see what they look like, please see our hospital tour, on the “Hospital Tour” tab of our website.
If you aren't giving pet vaccinations, do I still need to come in to see you every year?
Absolutely! The goal of the annual exam is to detect any major medical problems that may be beginning, as these are much more treatable when identified early. Oftentimes, early detection of disease processes like kidney disease and cancer will allow us to start treatment sooner and will give your pet the best chance at a positive outcome (i.e., longer survival time or a cure). In fact, for this very reason, we recommend that all older pets have an exam every 6 months versus every year.