Does My Pet Need a Rabies Vaccination?
Rabies vaccination is a legal requirement for Texas kittens/cats and puppies/dogs (over 12 weeks of age). If your pet has received this vaccination within the past 12 months, email or text us records prior to your appointment, or bring a copy of the records at the time of drop-off. If these are not received prior to or at drop-off, patients will receive a Rabies vaccine at a cost of $15.
Do You Offer Financial Assistance?
Free spay/neuter for cats or dogs of low-income, qualifying families may be available to any Texas resident as donations and funding allow. If you need this assistance, inquire in the Note Field during the appointment scheduling process. If you have received this financial assistance in the past, you may still use the clinic's services at our published, donor-supported prices in the future.
Does My Dog Need a Heartworm Test?
Heartworm Tests are medically required for dogs six months and older if they are not on Heartworm Prevention (this test allows you to purchase Heartworm Prevention at ABC prices and with our best rebates - learn more here). If your pet has received this test within the past year, email or text those records to us prior to your appointment or bring a copy of those records with you at time of drop-off. If these are not received prior to or at drop-off, patients will receive a heartworm test at a cost of $10. If one year of prevention is purchased on the day of the test, the test is free.
Do I Need To Bring My Pets Medical Records?
If your pet had services at another veterinary clinic, bring a copy of the records with you on the morning of surgery, or email to info@animalbirthcontrol.org, or text them to 254-776-7303. If records are not provided by the morning of surgery, rabies vaccination and/or heartworm testing will be performed. We are unable to request from veterinary clinics on the day of surgery.
How Do I Know If My Appointment Has Been Approved Or Confirmed?
A confirmation email will be sent after your appointment has been reviewed and approved 2-3 business days after requesting. You will also be contacted with a text and/or phone call and a reminder email 1-2 days prior to your pet's surgery appointment. Address verifications with an ID, utility bill, vehicle registration (or similar document) are made before appointments are confirmed.
What Age Can My Pet Be Spayed/Neutered?
The surgery age range is three months (12 weeks) to seven years for cats and dogs (younger and older exceptions are at veterinarian's discretion).
How Do You Determine If My Pet Is In Heat?
A pet’s heat status is evident during surgery through examination and visualization of the reproductive organs. When a female pet is in heat, the uterus is inflamed, swollen, and has increased blood present when the doctor is performing the spay. It can also be noted that you may not notice any outward bleeding depending on where pets are at in their cycle and depending on time of year, age, diet, hormonal exposures etc.
Why Is There An Extra Charge If My Pet Is In Heat or Pregnant?
When a dog or cat is in heat, the reproductive organs become swollen and filled with blood, making the surgery more complex. The uterus and surrounding blood vessels are larger and more fragile, requiring extra care. These spays are 10-20 minutes longer requiring more anesthesia, supplies and care from the veterinarian and team.
What are the primary phases of a dog's heat cycle?
Stage 1 – Days 1–10 A dog's body is preparing. You'll notice a swollen vulva, bloody or dark red discharge, and more licking than usual. Male dogs will be attracted to her.
Stage 2 – Days 5–14 This is when a dog can get pregnant. The discharge lightens to pink or pale yellow, and she'll actively seek out male dogs.
Stage 3 - In 1-3 weeks, the swelling of internal organs subside to normal.
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Have Questions About Your Pets Appointment?
​Use the "Note" field in the scheduling process to ask a question or text the main line at 254-776-7303.