Frequently Asked Questions
At Fanwood Animal Hospital, we know pet parents often have questions about veterinary care, our services, and what to expect when visiting us. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive. If you don’t see your question here, please don’t hesitate to call us at 908-955-0693 or text us at 908-869-8510 — we’re always happy to help.
General FAQs
Are you accepting new patients?
Do I need to schedule an appointment?
- Yes, please contact us to schedule an appointment. Scheduled appointments allow us to provide a better plan of care for your pet and reduce the chance of a lengthy wait time.
- We understand that unforeseen illnesses can happen at any time. We do have delegated same-day sick appointments reserved for these pets. We recommend calling our clinic as soon as possible to determine if we are able to see your pet, as these appointments fill very quickly.
- Call us at 908-955-0693 if your pet needs urgent care
What types of animals do you treat?
Dogs and Cats.
What kind of medical services do you offer?
Please see our Medical Services page to learn more about the services we offer, including wellness exams, end-of-life care, emergencies, and more.
Do you see emergencies?
We treat urgent and emergency care cases during our regular business hours if our schedule permits. If your pet is experiencing an emergency, call us to make sure we have appointment availability. Depending on the emergency or the time of the emergency, we may refer you to the closest emergency hospital.
Do you do boarding?
No, we do not have boarding.
Do you do grooming?
We do not have groomers on staff. Our technicians do grooming only on a medical need basis.
Client FAQs
What type of payments do you accept?
We accept cash, check, American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Apple Pay, CareCredit, and Scratch Pay. To learn more about the types of payment we accept and our payment policies, click here.
Do you do payment plans?
At this time, we do not do payment plans. To learn more about the types of payment we accept and our payment policies, click here.
Do you require deposits for appointments?
At this time, we do not require deposits for appointments.
What is your cancellation policy?
- We require 24 hours’ notice (one full business day) prior to your pet’s appointment. Appointment times are valuable to our clients and our staff, and your advanced notice will allow another client and their pet access to that appointment time. If you need to cancel your appointment, please call us at 908-955-0693. If necessary, you may leave a detailed voicemail message, and we will return your call as soon as possible.
- A cancellation is considered late when the appointment is cancelled less than 24 hours (one full business day) before the appointment time. A no-show is when a patient misses an appointment without cancelling or is 15 or more minutes late to their appointment.
- Please be kind to your fellow pet parents. If you cannot keep your scheduled appointment time, call to let us know. If you are running late for your appointment, please call us to let us know. After two no-show appointments, you will incur a charge of the exam fee for that visit. For surgical appointments, after one no-show appointment, a deposit will need to be made to book the next surgical appointment.
- We understand that sometimes life gets in the way, and unexpected delays can occur. We will do our best to accommodate short cancellations/late arrivals and will treat them on a situational basis. Additionally, in any situation that results in a canceled or no-show appointment, we will do our best to reschedule your pet’s services for another time, but limitations may occur with short notice.
Do you write prescriptions?
- If you would like to fill your prescription at a pharmacy aside from our own in-house pharmacy or online pharmacy, then we will write a written prescription for you to fill at the pharmacy of your choice.
- Please allow 72 hours for all prescription requests. We will call you when your prescription is ready for pick-up.
When should my puppy or kitten start getting vaccines?
We recommend that puppy and kitten vaccines be started at 8-10 weeks of age. In some cases, vaccines may be started as early as 6 weeks old. To achieve proper immunity, a series of vaccines is given every 3-4 weeks until they are 16-20 weeks old. There may be some variation from pet to pet. To maintain protection, these injections are boosted every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine.
When do you recommend spaying or neutering my cat or dog?
We recommend spaying or neutering both dogs and cats starting at 6 months of age. Both dogs and cats can be neutered or spayed when they are older as well. There are varying recommendations on exactly when to spay that should be discussed during your veterinary appointment.
Can I give aspirin or Tylenol (acetaminophen) to my pet?
Never give any medicine to your pet unless advised to by your veterinarian. Both aspirin and Tylenol can be very dangerous or even toxic.
How often should my pet see the veterinarian?
Healthy adult pets should have a wellness exam at least once a year. Senior pets should have a wellness exam twice a year. Puppies, kittens, and pets with chronic conditions may require more frequent visits to monitor their health and address changes early.
When should I bring my pet in for vaccinations?
Vaccination schedules depend on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health status. Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines, while adult pets typically need annual or periodic boosters. Your veterinarian will recommend a customized vaccination plan to keep your pet protected.
What are signs that my pet may be sick?
Common signs of illness include changes in appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, limping, excessive thirst or urination, weight loss, and behavioral changes. If you notice anything unusual, it’s best to schedule an exam as soon as possible.
Do indoor pets still need preventive care?
Yes. Indoor pets can still be exposed to parasites, infectious diseases, and hidden health conditions. Routine exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and diagnostic screenings are important for all pets—indoors or outdoors.
Why is annual bloodwork recommended for my pet?
Routine bloodwork helps detect underlying health issues such as kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes, or infections before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for earlier treatment and better long-term outcomes.
How can I tell if my pet is in pain?
Pets often hide pain. Signs may include limping, stiffness, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, decreased activity, changes in grooming habits, or behavioral changes such as irritability or withdrawal. If you suspect pain, a veterinary exam is recommended.
What parasite prevention does my pet need?
Most pets should be on year-round protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Your veterinarian will recommend the safest and most effective preventive medications based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.