Do you have questions before your appointment?

We’ve Got Your Answers

Learn what you need to know about our clinic with our Frequently Asked Questions below. Still have questions? Give us a call at (925) 372-9200.

Appointments

What are your clinic hours?

Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital is open:

Mon-Fri: 7:30am – 6:00pm
Sat: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Sun: Closed

Please note that our office will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

How do I schedule an appointment?

For your convenience, we offer the following methods to schedule your appointments:

  • Call our office at (925) 372-9200.
  • Email us at movh@comcast.net with your preferred date or day of the week and time range, and our scheduling coordinator will contact you to confirm your appointment.
  • Fill out our online request form and our office will contact you shortly to confirm your appointment details.

What do I need to bring to my pet’s first appointment?

  • Completed registration forms (click here to download)
  • Insurance card/information – if applicable
  • List of pet’s current medications and medical conditions

What if I need to reschedule?

Please call our office at least twenty-four hours in advance of your appointment. We’ll work with you to help you find another date that fits your schedule.

How long can I expect to wait before my pet is seen?

We do our very best to get clients and patients in and out as quickly as possible, however we cannot always predict wait times. All staff scheduling is based on typical daily patient load to ensure expediency. Please note that critical patients take precedence over wellness visits.

General Care

Can I visit my pet in the hospital?

If your pet requires an extended hospital stay, we absolutely encourage you to visit. Family visits keep pet spirits up while lessening fears or insecurities your pet may be feeling while away from home. We believe visits from loved ones actually speed up the recovery process!

Do you board pets?

We board pets our hospital and have state-of-the-art boarding facilities, including outdoor play areas for dogs and a very peaceful and quiet cat ward. We require reservations for your pet’s stay. Call for current boarding rates. We encourage you to call to set up a tour at your convenience! All boarding pets must be current on required vaccines before staying at Muir Oaks Veterinary Hospital facilities.

What vaccines will my puppy need?

Puppies require a series of several vaccines to protect them from contagious and fatal diseases and viruses. We offer all core vaccines for dogs – rabies, distemper, and parvovirus – as well as all electives vaccines that are administered if the patient has exposure risk – canine influenza, bordetella (kennel cough), lyme disease, and leptospirosis. Rattlesnake vaccines are available for patients considered at risk. Puppies are also evaluated for intestinal parasites with stool samples and routinely administered worming and other parasite preventatives.

What vaccines will my kitten receive?

Kittens require a series of several vaccines to protect them from contagious and fatal diseases and viruses. We recommend rabies, feline distemper, leukemia, and feline upper respiratory disease. The feline leukemia vaccine is recommended for all kittens, 1 year-old cats, and cats who are both indoor and outdoor. They will also receive several deworming treatments and stool checks to protect them from intestinal parasites.

What is heartworm and how do I protect my pet from it?

Heartworm is a deadly disease that pets can get from infected mosquitos. Because pets are vulnerable to mosquitos year-round, we recommend annual screening and year-round heartworm prevention for all dogs and indoor/outdoor cats.

SURGERY

How do I prepare my pet for surgery?

If your pet is coming in for a routine scheduled surgery, an overnight 12-hour fast prior to the appointment is typically required. Water is okay until drop off. Plan on arriving early that morning for routine blood work and any other necessary diagnostics. When you arrive, a team member will go over the pre-surgical authorization form while also covering important electives for your pet’s comfort and health which will require your approval. This is an ideal time to ask any questions you may have about the procedure and/or recovery. At discharge you will receive thorough discharge instructions regarding post-op medications, what to expect from your pet, and when to return to the clinic for a recheck.

What are common effects of anesthesia?

While some pets are sleepy for the remainder of the day following anesthesia, today’s anesthetic methods are more advanced and allow pets to return to their normal demeanor much quicker than in the past. To avoid stomach upset, we recommend only small amounts of water and little to no food in the first 24 hours of surgery.

What are the protocols for post-surgical care?

Your pet should rest for the remainder of the day following surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, cage rest may be recommended for several days. If your pet is sent home with prescriptions, please finish all medication to ensure that he remains pain- and infection-free.

Is there anything specific I should watch for following my pet’s surgery?

Monitor your pet throughout the day to make sure they’re not licking or chewing at their wound or bandages. This can cause permanent tissue damage or infection and may require a repeat procedure if either the sutures or wound site is damaged.