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Intake Process

What to Expect

Veterinary Specialists of Alaska is here for you and your pet! Here is what your pet can expect before, during, and post-surgery. 

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Drop Off

Our drop-off time is between 7:30-8:30am. We require that all our patients be dropped in between this time frame unless specifically stated otherwise. An early drop-off time helps our medical staff start preparing for the day and our patients to settle in. Please make sure the staff has the best phone number and email address available to contact you.

If we’re unable to reach you, please make sure your voicemail is set up and not full. We will leave detailed messages, please listen to your voicemail prior to calling back. Please be aware that the line-up of surgery is subject to change unless mentioned otherwise.

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Discharge Information

Whether your pet is dropped off for radiographs, splint changes, bandage changes, or surgery, they will be discharged same day. We no longer keep patients overnight postoperatively. Our staff will keep you updated throughout the course of the day on their recovery and expected pick-up times. If your pet has been admitted into our hospital for an emergency surgery or service, it may be suggested that they are transferred to PET Emergency for overnight hospitalization following surgery. Our surgeons will discuss this with you if it is recommended.

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Payment

Payment is due at time of pick up. We do not bill. To learn more about payment options with CareCredit click: CareCredit To learn more about payment options with Scatchpay click: Scratchpay

*We do accept all major credit/debit cards, CareCredit, Scratchpay personal checks, and cash.

Additional Information

We know that dropping your pet off for surgery may be a very stressful and taxing time for you and your pet. We strive to offer the best care for your pet because that is what we would seek for our own. While your pet is with us, you are always more than welcome to contact our front desk for updates and peace of mind. We want to make the whole process as smooth and painless as possible and are more than happy to let you know how they are doing.

When to Expect Phone Calls on Surgery Day

We will call you before your pet’s surgery begins and once the surgery is complete. We cannot guarantee start or end times for surgeries as there may be complications, emergencies, or other unforeseen issues that change the course of the day. We will also call you when the surgery is complete. You are more than welcome to call and check on the status of your pet.

Fasting Instructions

Any patient coming in that will be sedated or put under anesthesia, should fast after 10pm the night before. We know it can be difficult to resist those puppy dog eyes and kitty cat yowls begging for food, but fasting helps minimize risks and keep your pet safe while they’re here with us.

Medication List

If your pet is on any of these NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) medications, please alert our staff: Aspirin; Rimadyl/Novox (carprofen); Metacam (meloxicam); Deramaxx (deracoxib); Zubrin (tepoxilin); Previcox (firocoxib); Etogesic (etodolac). These medications may alter our fasting instructions for you. Please also note any other medications including supplements that your pet is currently taking.