Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is my pet’s procedure?

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals uses all the latest techniques and standards to ensure safety while your pet is at the hospital. While all procedures carry some risk, our staff works hard to keep your pet safe and on the way to healing with no complications.

How often should my pet have an exam and blood work?

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals recommends that all animals considered “adult” visit at least once a year for necessary vaccination boosters and physical exams to identify any potential problems that may be detrimental to their health. Younger pets will need to visit more often to receive their vaccinations and de-worming medications that are required in their first year of life. Senior pets will need more frequent visits as well in order to address age-related illnesses and conditions and to keep a good quality of life for the pet.

Why does my pet need a dental procedure?

Harmful bacteria can build up in your pet’s mouth if their teeth are not cleaned regularly. Shelby Center Hospital for Animals recommends dental cleaning and tooth extraction if your pet is experiencing dental pain. An abscessed tooth can cause a lot of systemic damage if not treated due to infection entering the blood stream.

How important is nutrition for my pet?

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals recognizes that you want to keep your pet in the best of health. We strive to educate our clients on not feeding our pets table food, too much food or the wrong types of food. Pet food is specially formulated to help your pet grow appropriately, lose weight as needed and encourage hair and bone growth. We carry a variety of foods and treats inside our hospital.

How long should I wait to bring my pet in if I notice a change in behavior?

If you happen to notice your pet has become standoffish or lethargic, whimpers, is not eating, or is in some cases, aggressive—please call Shelby Center Hospital for Animals immediately. Your pet will not usually let on that they are in pain or not feeling well due to their natural predator/prey instincts. Your pet may be suffering from acute illness or advanced disease and need medical attention as soon as possible.

What should I do if I notice visible parasites on my pet?

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals recommends that the first thing you should do if you notice parasites on your pets or in their fecal matter is to separate them immediately from other pets and small children. Next, please call Shelby Center Hospital for Animals to bring your pet in for an evaluation and some blood work. Most parasites can easily be terminated through medicine.

What is my pet has an after-hours problem?

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals recognizes that not all illness and injury occurs during normal business hours. We are not open for emergencies and recommend our clients take their pets in emergency situations to:

PetMed Emergency Clinic
555 Trinity Creek Cove
Cordova, TN
901.624.9002

We work closely with their staff, and they will be in touch with our veterinarians concerning your pet’s health

At what age should my pet be spayed/neutered?

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals recommends that your pets be sterilized no earlier than six months of age. This is necessary in order to allow your pet to mature enough to recover from surgery adequately.

What are heartworms and how can I prevent my pet from contracting them?

Heartworms are a parasite that is passed from infected pet to pet by a mosquito. Heartworm treatment is very costly and lengthy, so Shelby Center Hospital for Animals recommends a monthly preventative to keep your pet safe from heartworm transmission. Shelby Center Hospital for Animals carries a variety of heartworm preventatives that we sell in our clinic.

When is pain management recommended for my pet?

If your pet’s quality of life is suffering from pain issues, then Shelby Center Hospital for Animals recommends several types of pain management. We offer chiropractic medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy and traditional medicines.

What financing options do you offer, and is payment expected at time of service?

Shelby Center Hospital for Animals strives to provide the best care to its clients. In order to do this, we require payment at time of service. Shelby Center Hospital for Animals accepts credit cards, personal checks and cash. If you find yourself unable to pay for a necessary procedure, we work with Care Credit, a health-care finance line of credit that allows you to make monthly payments.