Before & After Care

Time & Cancellation / No Show Policy

Pick-up time is usually between 1pm and 4pm. We will give you a call to confirm pick-up time after your pet/s have recovered from surgery.

Latest pick-up time is 4pm. Please be aware we have had to introduce a late pick-up fee. Any pick-ups after 4:30pm will incur a $15 per 15mins fee.

Please note our 24hr cancellation/no show policy, sent in a separate email or via our website.

Before Surgery

• Your cat must be transported in a suitable, secure, clean carrier to and from the clinic. Place a clean towel or pet blanket inside to help make your pet more comfortable. If your cat is harder to handle, please bring a hard carrier, rather than backpack or soft carrier, as we can recover them from surgery in them easier.
• Remove all access to food from 9.00pm the night before the surgical procedure. Access to water overnight is ok.
• Kittens (up to 5 months old) can have food until 12.00am, then it must be removed. A small amount of their regular food (maximum 1 level tablespoon) can be given no later than 7.00am on the morning of surgery. Water is allowed.
• Do not feed your cat breakfast or use treats to encourage them into the carrier on the day of surgery.
• A vet will examine your pet before surgery and contact you if they have any concerns, however if you are aware of any health issues with your pet, please let us know prior to your appointment day.
• If your pet has a microchip, can you please reply to this email with their microchip number prior to surgery.
• As most senior pets require a blood test prior to surgery to check vital organ function we are unable to desex pets over the age of 7 years.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our staff.

At Home After Surgery

It is important to keep your pet as quiet as possible once you take them home. Like people, animals can respond differently to anaesthetics, and it may take some time for the effects to completely wear off.  Keeping them in a safe, quiet place will help the wound to heal and prevent further injury or complications. The pet should remain indoors during its recovery period of 10-14 days. Your pet will have received pain relief at the time of their surgery to help keep them comfortable with minimal pain.

Once home:

• Provide a small, warm, confined space for the first few days.
• When arriving home, feed your pet a small amount of their regular food (1/4 of their regular meal). If they eat this and there is no vomiting, then your pet can have their dinner per usual. Inappetence can be expected for the first 24 hours after surgery due to nausea.
• Limit activity i.e. jumping, running or playing for up to 14 days.
• It is important to check the surgery site daily for any signs of bleeding, redness, swelling or discharge. You should not need to clean the wound.
• BOYS – there are no stitches to be removed and he shouldn’t be licking the wound excessively. If he does, he will need an Elizabethan Collar for 3 to 5 days, available from the clinic at an extra cost or at most pet stores.
• GIRLS – there are usually no stitches to be removed unless you are told otherwise. Internal stitches dissolve over several months. The wound may be on her tummy or on her side and can look a bit lumpy initially, which will settle down in a few weeks. She must not lick the area excessively or it will get infected. If she starts licking, she will need an Elizabethan Collar for 5 to 7 days, available from the clinic at an extra cost or at most pet stores.
• Make sure their bed and rest area is clean to reduce chances of infection.

Treatment or medications required due to overactivity / licking will incur additional fees.

Most cats recover within a few days, however if you are concerned, please contact the clinic asap on 9364 8742 or info@wcd.org.au