Everything You Need to Know Pre & Post-Op

Pre-Surgical Information

You must have an appointment for spay/neuter. Exceptions may be made for feral cats; please click on the Feral Fix tab for more information. To schedule an appointment for your owned pet, visit the “Home” or “Book Now!” tab.

  • Pets may have water up until the time of surgery, but no food after midnight the night before surgery.

  • All dogs must be on a leash or small dogs and all cats must be in a carrier before entering the clinic. This is for everyone’s safety and comfort.

    • If you do not have a carrier for your cat, a cardboard carrier can be purchased at our clinic for $7.

  • Feral cats should be in a COVERED humane trap or COVERED carrier. This will greatly reduce their stress throughout the process.

  • Please note: we can spay/neuter CATS that are in heat/pregnant, but for DOGS we prefer to reschedule their appointment after the heat cycle has finished.

Arrival Instructions

CHECK-IN | DROP-OFF TIME: 7:30AM-8:15AM

  • Please plan to arrive on time to avoid a late fee. Animals arriving after the scheduled check-in time may be asked to reschedule or charged a $15 late fee.

  • We suggest leaving your dog in the car until you have completed the check-in process. You will then be directed to bring your dog inside. You may bring your cat inside during the check-in process. Please bring your cat in a secure carrier.

  • Please plan on a 30+ minute wait time to complete the paperwork and admission process.

  • Payment is expected at the time of check-in. We accept cash and/or credit and debit cards. There is a $2 credit card processing fee. We do not accept CareCredit or checks.

  • During check-in, you will have the opportunity to choose any additional services you may want.

  • Rabies vaccinations are required UNLESS you can provide proof of a current rabies. Proof must be in the form of a rabies vaccination certificate from a licensed veterinarian as per state code. Rabies tags are not an acceptable proof of vaccination. If your pet is not up to date on their Rabies vaccine, we can give the vaccine at the time of the surgery.

  • Please note: any pet with evidence of active fleas will be given a Capstar (which kills all live fleas within 24 hours) at an additional charge of $6-$8. There are no exceptions. This is done for the health of your pet and other pets in the waiting/kennel area. It is important that active fleas are not present during the time of surgery. You may purchase additional take-home flea medication if you wish.

  • After check-in, your pet will be given a pre-surgical examination by our medical staff.

  • If there are any health issues preventing surgery, your pet will not be admitted for surgery and will be sent home with antibiotics or additional treatment (if needed). Our staff will be happy to provide an explanation and/or refer you to a full-service veterinarian office for a follow-up if necessary.

  • If your pet has an umbilical hernia, or undescended testicles (cryptorchid), there will be an additional $25-35 charge for this extra procedure needed for your pet.

Post-Operative Instructions

PICK-UP | DISCHARGE TIME: 2:30PM-4:30PM This time is subject to change depending on the surgery schedule.

  • Provide a clean, warm, and dry indoor space for at least 7-10 days for recovery. If your pet stays primarily outdoors, we recommend keeping them in a spare room, garage, barn, etc. for at least 72 hours after surgery. Anesthesia can take up to 48 hours to fully wear off, therefore your pet might not act like themselves during this time period.

    • This is crucial to allow the tissue time to heal, in order to avoid the incision opening or becoming infected. Cats should be confined indoors and dogs should be taken out on leash-walks only to use the bathroom, then returned inside to rest. If your pet gets wet, please gently pat the incision site dry.

  • Feral/stray community cats should be kept covered and confined to their trap OVERNIGHT for at least 12-24 hours (with a small amount of food/water if you can) and release them back to their original location the following morning.

  • Food and water can be offered immediately upon returning home. However, it is normal if your pet does not feel like eating. Their appetite should return gradually within 24 hours after surgery. Do not change the animal’s diet or give table scraps, milk, excessive treats, etc. during the recovery period to avoid gastrointestinal distress.

  • Do NOT give any pain medication tonight – injectable pain medication for today has already been administered.

    • Dogs go home with an additional 3 days worth of pain management. Please read and follow the instructions on the label. Cats receive a 24-hour pain injection. You may purchase additional take-home pain medication if you’d like for $12.

  • Your pet received a small, green tattoo next to the incision. The tattoo is a scoring process and not an incision. This tattoo identifies that your pet has been sterilized.

RECOVERY FOR THE NEXT 7-10 DAYS:

  • Restriction is extremely important to allow the tissue time to heal and to avoid complications. Even if your pet appears to be ready for their normal activities, it is your responsibility to ensure they receive proper rest and recovery care. Too much activity can cause increased drainage and further complications. 

  • Dogs should go out on a leash to urinate/defecate and then return inside to rest.

  • Cats should remain confined to indoors for at least 72 hours, but preferably for the entire recovery period.

  • Check the incision at least twice daily. Minimal redness and swelling of the surgery site should resolve within 7-10 days, but if it persists longer, please bring your pet back in for a recheck.

  • Do not apply ointments or any other medication on the incision unless instructed by the veterinarian otherwise. No baths for at least 14 days after surgery.

  • Do NOT allow your pet to lick or chew at the incision. If this occurs, an e-collar (cone) MUST be purchased and worn at all times. Excessive licking can lead to infection and further complications. We sell e-collars for $10 or you can purchase from most local pet stores, such as PetSmart and PetCo.

    • All females have dissolvable sutures and the top of the incision is covered in a water-soluable surgical glue. Females should have no drainage.

    • Male cats’ incisions are left open on purpose to allow for drainage. The incision for male dogs is closed with absorbable suture. 

RECHECKS & FOLLOW-UPS:

  • Contact us immediately if you notice any of the following: pale gums, depression, unsteady gait, loss of appeitite, labored breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty urinating or defeciating, discharge or bleeding from the incision, or persistent swelling around the surgical site. Do NOT give any human medication to your pet.

    • Office hours are Monday-Thursday from 8AM-4:00PM. If we’re closed, please contact your primary veterinarian or nearest emergency clinic for after hours care. Kanawha Valley Veterinary Emergency Hospital (304) 768-2911

  • Vaccinations: If your pet received a vaccine at our clinic other than Rabies, please return in 3-4 weeks during our Wellness/Preventative Care Hours for a “booster” vaccine after the first vaccine for maximum effectiveness. A weekly schedule is posted on our Facebook and our website under “Hours of Operation.”


We will make every reasonable effort to treat any post-operative complications resulting directly from the surgery. Owners must assume all financial responsibility and understand that post-operative care instructions must be followed in full to avoid complications. The Fix’Em Clinic will not be held responsible for emergency visit charges unless a verified surgical error/negligence has occurred.