Q. What are your hours of operation?
A. Surgery is performed Monday through Thursday. We will admit your pet at 8 AM on the day of surgery and you will pick up at 7:30 the next morning. It is very important that you arrive on time.
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Q. Do I have to qualify to use your clinic.
A. No, Fix For Life is open to the general public. Everyone is welcome to schedule an appointment.
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Q. Does my pet have to stay overnight? Can I make special arrangements to pick up my pet late/early?
A. All of our patients are kept over night. They are kept calm and quiet at the clinic in private cages with soft bedding. When you schedule an appointment please make sure that your pet can be picked up at 7:30 am the day after surgery. There is a late pick up fee for all animals that are not picked up on time. Due to space constraints we cannot board animals.
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Q. Does my pet have to be vaccinated or do I have to bring my shot records with me?
A. We do recommend that you have your pet vaccinated prior to coming to the clinic. Vaccines take up to two weeks to take effect. You do not have to bring any shot records with you. Vaccines are available at the time of surgery.
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Q. Can I take my pet there for vaccines or microchips only?
A. No. We only administer vaccines and microchips at the time of surgery. If your pet is already spayed/neutered you will need to visit a full service veterinary clinic for vaccines and other wellness services.
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Q. Do you perform an exam and weigh my pet before surgery?
A. Yes. Our veterinarian will perform a brief pre-operative physical examination on your pet. Every dog and cat (except feral cats) is weighed at this time. We reserve the right to refuse surgery if we feel that your pet is not a good candidate. Of course, we cannot detect every health issue at this time. If you have any specific health concerns about your pet or he/she is over 7 years of age, we recommend that you have blood work performed at a full service veterinary clinic prior to surgery.
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Q. Will my pet be sedated during surgery?
A. Yes. Your pet will receive an injectable sedative called Telazol. Your pet will be intubated (except for male cats) and maintained on gas anesthesia during surgery. All pets are closely monitored while sedated and during recovery. A monitoring device called a Pulse Oximeter will measure your pet's heart rate and oxygen saturation during surgery.
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Q. Will my pet receive pain medication?
A. Yes. All dogs and cats receive pain medication. Extra pain medication will be sent home if we feel it's necessary.
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Q. Do I need to bring my pet back to have any stitches removed?
A. No, we use absorbable suture that does not have to be removed.
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Q. What if I notice something unusual or have a problem after surgery?
A. Please call us immediately if you think your pet is having a problem related to the spay/neuter surgery. Contact the emergency number listed on the pink aftercare sheet that you received when admitting your pet if the problem occurs outside of normal business hours.
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Q. Do you charge extra for large dogs or in-heat/pregnant females?
A. No. There is no upcharge for in-heat or pregnant females or for large breed dogs.
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Q. Will my pet receive a tattoo?
A. All female cats and dogs that are spayed at Fix For Life will receive a small green tattoo at the incision line. This will identify your pet as having been spayed and may prevent unnecessary surgery in the future should they become lost.
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Q. How do you keep your costs so low? Do your low prices mean that you don't perform surgery like a full service veterinary clinic?
A. Your pet will receive excellent care while visiting our clinic. Like any other veterinary clinic, our facility has been inspected by the state and holds a premise permit. Our veterinarian is licensed in the state of Tennessee, is experienced, and specializes in spay/neuter surgeries. We use only high quality medical materials and have excellent anesthetic protocol. Our prices do not cover our costs, but the generosity of grantors and private donations make our low-cost services possible.
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Q. Do you help feral cats?
A. Snip & Tip is our feral cat Trap/Neuter/Return program. The number to reach this program is 615-444-8299. Snip and Tip is a free program dedicated to feral and free roaming cats. For more information about Snip and Tip visit http://www.newleashonline.org/content.aspx?id=23
We will also spay/neuter feral cats at Fix For Life. Feral cats do not receive a physical examination prior to surgery. Please call the clinic for an appointment.
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Q. Do you have any programs to assist low-income pet caretakers?
A. Yes. Qualified low-income pet caretakers may be eligible for a discounted or free surgery through the Spay Station.
For more information about the Spay Station please call (615) 444-1196 or click
http://www.newleashonline.org/content.aspx?id=6
We also accept vouchers for several spay/neuter programs in Middle Tennessee.
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Q. Do you offer discounts to animal rescue groups?
A. Everyone who uses our clinic receives the lowest price that we are able to offer. There are no additional discounts to rescue groups or shelters. We do work with many animal welfare agencies. If your group would like to become a "transport partner" please call the clinic at (615) 453-2349.
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Q. I lost my rabies tag. Can you issue me a new tag?
A. If you lose your proof of vaccination, we can email or fax you a copy of the certificate at no charge. If you need a new tag for your dog there is a $3 charge.
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Q. Do you have information about other spay/neuter services throughout Tennessee?
A. For information about services in your area, you can call SPAY TN at 1-888-SPAYME2 or find information from the Companion Animal Initiative TN at http://www.vet.utk.edu/cait/counties.php
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