FAQs

We provide care for both canines and felines.

We currently accept Debit, Visa, MasterCard, and cash as payment methods.

At this time, we do not directly offer payment plans through the clinic. However, we recommend PetCard, a veterinary and pet financing service, to assist you in maintaining your pets’ well-being. You can learn more about PetCard and their services at www.petcard.ca.

We understand that choosing the right pet insurance company can be a personalized decision based on your specific needs. Factors such as coverage for annual vaccinations, dental care, deductible preferences, and more can influence your choice. We work with various insurance companies and can assist you in processing claims with any provider. If you’re unsure where to start, we recommend OVMA PHI (Ontario Veterinary Medical Association Pet Health Insurance) https://www.ovmapetinsurance.com/, as they offer three plans catering to different needs.

It’s worth noting that starting your pet’s insurance while they’re young can be more cost-effective in the long run, as older pets with medical histories might face pre-existing condition limitations. Look for policies with exclusion review if that’s a priority for you.

Absolutely, we warmly welcome new clients to our practice. Your decision to entrust us with your pet’s care is truly appreciated.

For any inquiries or to begin the process,please feel free to contact our clinic via phone, text, email, or by using the Otto tool on our website. Otto not only facilitates appointment bookings but also enables direct communication with our dedicated staff. Our committed team is ready to assist you with all the information necessary to begin your journey with us.

While we strive to accommodate same-day appointments, we kindly ask that patients seeking immediate attention call us in advance. This helps prevent long waiting times or the need for rescheduling.

You can request an appointment using the Otto tool on our website, Otto Flow app, or by calling or texting the clinic at (905) 997-5888.

Yes, for all new clients, we do request a $30 deposit over the phone. This deposit serves as a safeguard in case of a no-show or last-minute cancellation. Should you choose to cancel at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment, a refund will be processed.

Yes, deposits are required for certain services, regardless of whether you are a new or existing client. If your pet is scheduled for a half-day hospitalization and/or surgery, a 50% deposit is necessary and should be paid at the time of drop-off.

Yes, we provide limited emergency services during our regular business hours. While we are not a full-fledged emergency hospital, we are equipped to handle urgent situations to the best of our capacity. If your pet needs immediate attention, please contact us at (905) 997-5888 for guidance and instructions. Your pet’s well-being is important to us, and we’re here to assist you in times of need.

In case of urgent medical concerns outside of our regular business hours, we recommend contacting an emergency veterinary clinic or facility that specializes in providing 24/7 care. They can address your pet’s needs promptly and ensure they receive the necessary attention.

The closest emergency available to us is Mississauga Oakville Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital at 2285 Bristol Circle, Oakville, ON, L6H 6P8. (905) 829-9444. They are open 24/7/365.

We offer underground parking with two complimentary customer spots that are clearly marked with our signage. If these spots are occupied, paid parking is available. Simply show us your receipt, and we’ll gladly reimburse you during checkout.

Currently, our facilities do not provide boarding, grooming, or daycare services for pets.

In accordance with Ontario law, core vaccines for dogs include:

• Rabies: This vaccine is crucial for preventing rabies, a deadly viral infection that can affect both animals and humans. Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement and helps safeguard your pet’s health and public safety.
• DHPP: DHPP stands for Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza. These vaccines protect your dog against several contagious and potentially severe diseases, including distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, and a type of kennel cough.

Additionally, while optional, we strongly recommend:

• Leptospirosis: Available in a combo vaccine with DHPP, Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can be transmitted to dogs from contaminated water sources, wildlife, or other dogs. This vaccine helps protect your dog from this potentially serious disease.
• Bordetella: This vaccine helps prevent Kennel Cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection that can spread quickly in environments where dogs are in close contact, such as boarding or grooming facilities. Some establishments may require this vaccine for services like grooming or boarding.

Ensuring your pet is up-to-date on these vaccines is vital to their overall health and well-being. If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations, our team is here to provide guidance and information.

As required by law in Ontario, core vaccines for all felines include:

• Rabies: Similar to dogs, the rabies vaccine is essential for cats to prevent the spread of rabies, a fatal viral disease.
• FVRCP: FVRCP refers to Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia. These vaccines protect against serious respiratory and gastrointestinal infections commonly found in cats.

While optional, we recommend:

• FeLV: The Feline Leukemia Virus vaccine is recommended, especially for outdoor cats, as it helps protect against a viral infection that weakens the immune system and can lead to various health problems.

Ensuring your pet is up-to-date on these vaccines is vital to their overall health and well-being. If you have any questions or concerns about vaccinations, our team is here to provide guidance and information.

The recommended minimum age for spaying or neutering your dog or cat is six months. It’s important to wait until your pet has reached the appropriate stage of development before considering sterilization.

We offer the option to schedule most elective surgeries, including neuters, spays, dentals, and lump/mass removals, from Monday to Friday. Drop-offs for all elective hospitalizations take place between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM.

Please be aware that elective surgeries cannot be scheduled on Saturdays.

At our clinic, your pet’s comfort and well-being are paramount. Our dedicated team ensures comprehensive pain management throughout every surgical stage, ensuring a comfortable experience and smooth recovery.

Our meticulous pain management protocol covers pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative phases. Please note that we do not permit the declination of post-operative medications by owners. As animals can’t convey their pain, we advocate for their well-being. Every medication prescribed before, during, and after surgery is administered in your pet’s best interest to ensure comfort and a safe recovery.

Yes, we provide comprehensive dental care for pets, including dental cleanings, extractions, and other dental procedures. Dental health is vital to your pet’s overall well-being, and our experienced team is equipped to ensure your pet’s oral health.

We offer a range of diagnostic services, including digital X-rays, blood tests, urinalysis, fecal testing, ultrasound, and more. These diagnostic tools help us assess your pet’s health accurately and provide the best possible care.

Choosing to microchip your pet is a thoughtful and responsible decision that can significantly enhance their safety and well-being. Microchipping is a quick and straightforward procedure in which a small device, approximately the size of a grain of rice, is inserted under your pet’s skin. Here’s why we recommend this procedure:

• Safe and Permanent Identification: A microchip offers your pet a secure and permanent form of identification. Unlike collars and tags that can be lost or removed, a microchip serves as a constant identifier throughout your pet’s life.
• Comfortable Process: Microchip implantation can be performed during any appointment, whether your pet is awake or under sedation. While the implantation needle is slightly larger than normal, sedation is optional. Opting for sedation, such as during surgery, ensures your pet’s comfort. However, it’s important to note that microchipping can also be done without sedation.
• Increased Reunion Odds: The primary advantage of microchipping, as advocated by veterinarians, is its ability to reunite lost pets with their owners. The microchip contains a unique identification number that can be read by most veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and animal control facilities. This significantly heightens the chances of a swift and successful reunion if your pet ever becomes lost.
• Universal Identification: Microchips provide a universal means of identification not limited by location or time. Whether your pet is travelling or goes missing near home, their microchip can be scanned to retrieve your contact information.

We offer several convenient methods for ordering pet food:

You can request your pet’s food through the Otto tool on our website, Otto Flow app, or from our online store, MyVetStore. Alternatively, feel free to contact our clinic directly to place your order.

For Otto or direct clinic orders:

We typically respond to food requests within 24-48 hours, based on the availability of the product at our clinic. To facilitate a smooth process, please provide details such as the brand, specific diet, size, and desired quantity of the food. Should there be any potential delays or if the product is on backorder from our distributor, we’ll promptly keep you informed.

Please note that the general waiting time for special order food is usually between 3-5+ business days for delivery to our clinic.

For MyVetStore orders:

You have the flexibility to choose between home delivery or picking up the food at Arc Animal Hospital. If this is your first request, please be aware that a staff member will review and approve your request within 24-48 hours to ensure that the chosen diet is appropriate for your pet. Your purchase will then be processed through MyVetStore.

If you’re uncertain about your pet’s current diet, don’t hesitate to consult us for guidance.

You can request your pet’s medication through the Otto tool on our website, Otto Flow app, or feel free to contact our clinic directly to refill an already prescribed medication from our clinic.

We make it a priority to respond to refill requests within 24-48 hours, provided the medication is available. Please make sure to specify the medication(s) you are requesting to refill.

It’s important to keep in mind that for special order medications, the typical waiting time is around 3-5+ business days. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.

Please be aware that certain medications cannot be refilled without a recheck or full examination. This policy is designed to ensure the utmost safety for your pet, preventing any potential misuse or harm. Your pet’s well-being is at the heart of everything we do, and this policy reflects our commitment to their health and happiness.

If your pet has been prescribed medication by another veterinary clinic, we are more than happy to assist you in obtaining the necessary medication. To ensure a smooth process, please provide us with a written prescription from the original clinic.

There are two options for sharing the prescription with us:

1. Visit our clinic and present us with a physical copy of the prescription.
2. Request the prescribing clinic to fax the prescription directly to us.

Once we have received the prescription and our doctors have reviewed it, if the medication is available, we will promptly dispense it and contact you for pick up. It’s important to keep in mind that for special order medications, the typical waiting time is around 3-5+ business days. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this regard.

Absolutely. If you prefer to have your medication dispensed at a pharmacy rather than from our clinic, we are more than happy to provide you with a written prescription – this is your right. You are free to take this prescription to any physical pharmacy of your choice.

However, if you prefer to obtain them from an online pharmacy, we strongly advise discussing your choice of pharmacy with our veterinarians to ensure the safety and efficacy of the medication.

If you require a written prescription, kindly allow us 72 hours to generate the written script. You can collect this prescription during our regular business hours and use it at your preferred pharmacy or vet clinic. Please be aware that a script writing fee will apply.

Currently, we do not offer delivery services for medications and food through our staff. However, you have the option to have food conveniently delivered to your doorstep through MyVetStore.