FELINE SPAY/NEUTER/VACCINATION INFO

THE SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  PLEASE CALL 717-304-9987 OR EMAIL GREYSANDSTRAYS@COMCAST.NET TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. (You will get a more expedited reply via email.)

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE S/N CLINIC: 1:  Felines that have been vaccinated here 2: regular client kitties 3: clients that we have provided s/n services for WITHIN THE PAST 3 YEARS;  proof of a previous s/n is required 4: ALL TNR,  Outside, ferals, strays that are not house cats (as defined by a cat  that spends ANY time inside) 5: IF YOU HAVE NOT MET CRITERIA 1-3 AND YOU HAVE AN INSIDE OR IN/OUT KITTY, THAT KITTY NEEDS AN EXAM OR VACCINATIONS HERE BEFORE SCHEDULING AN APPT FOR S/N

WHEN: FRIDAYS are for HOUSE CATS AND IN/OUT CATS; CERTAIN TUESDAYS are for OUTSIDE and TNR CATS; YOU MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR S/N SERVICES

DROP OFF: FRIDAY: AT 8am and TUESDAY: AT 7:30am IF YOU ARRIVE LATE YOUR CAT WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  MAKE  SURE TO BRING YOUR VACCINATION RECORDS OR OUR BOOKLET/FOLDER AT TIME OF  DROP OFF. WE DO NOT HAVE TIME TO LOOK UP YOUR VACCINATION INFO.  PLEASE wait in your vehicle and we will be out to check in your feline. Please bring a pen to complete your consent form.

NO SHOWS/CANCELLATIONS:  IF you do not cancel your appointment BEFORE drop off time your appt  will not be rescheduled.  We understand that ERs can occur but at least  24 hours notice would be appreciated so others can be scheduled, thank  you.

PICK UP:  FRIDAY: AT 6pm; TUESDAY: AT 5PM; this means you can pick up kitties at the designated times and not before said times, ty!

COSTS/CONSENT FORM:
Feline Spay/Neuter/Vaccination Clinic Consent and Cost Form : PLEASE SEE THE DOWNLOADS  FOR THIS FORM   The MINIMAL requirements at time of surgery are spay or neuter, ALL THREE of the pain products listed unless your kitty is under 4 mos of age,  and a rabies vaccine if your kitty does not already have it!  This  means: UNLESS YOUR KITTY IS LESS THAN 4 MOS OF AGE WE REQUIRE MELOXICAM,  SIMBADOL AND LASER AT TIME OF SURGERY.  We require  ALL pain products so your kitty is more comfy post op! IF kitties are 4  mos or under we will only give simbadol and perform therapeutic laser therapy  as meloxicam is not approved for kitties under 4 mos of age in the US.  We also offer gabapentin for you to take home post op to help keep your  kitty calm but this drug does not help with acute surgical pain. This  drug can cause GI side effects and sedation.  Your feline MUST be up to date  with at least the distemper series before s/n and IDEALLY rabies as  well.  If you have not been here before these vaccinations must be done  HERE OR an exam is required HERE for females before a surgery  appointment can be scheduled.   We provide the form here so you DO NOT  need to print it.  HOWEVER, if you cannot personally drop off your cat  you will need to send this completed consent form along with the person  transporting your cat OR a signed letter giving us permission to perform  surgery. If your female is pregnant, lactating, in heat, has a hernia,  or there are any other complications at the time of surgery additional  costs will be incurred.  MAKE SURE YOU LIST A CORRECT PHONE NUMBER ON YOUR FORM IN CASE WE NEED TO CONTACT YOU!  

PAYMENT: Payment is due at the time of DROP OFF and is CASH or MONEY ORDER ONLY.  There is NO pay on pick-up.

FOOD: FOR FRIDAY: ALL Kitties can have food until 6am; kittens under 1 year  of age should get a snack before their trip..this means: if kittens are  not used to eating early in the am just give them their food before the  trip..if they typically get motion sickness then feed something around  4am or so and give a smaller amount than normal
WATER: no water restrictions; do not remove water sources 

Discharge Instructions: SEE THE DOWNLOADS.  You will be provided with a copy at time of drop off. PLEASE MAKE SURE  YOU READ THE INSTRUCTIONS SO THAT YOU CAN PROPERLY CARE FOR YOUR CAT  AFTER SURGERY!!!!

GENERAL INFO
****SEE PREPARING YOUR CAT FOR THE TRIP, Cat Carrier Training Video You Tube, 5 Cat Carrier Tips and VISITING YOUR VET ****

1: If your kitty is receiving vaccinations here we will ONLY schedule surgery AFTER vaccinations are completed

2: Unless there are extenuating circumstances,  we cannot accommodate more than 2 kitties per household per clinic

3:  CATS MUST BE HEALTHY FOR SURGERY. Your cat cannot be on antibiotics. If  your cat was on meds please consult us about this when scheduling. If your cat has any other health issues you will need to contact your regular vet for surgery.

4:  Any cat deemed UNHEALTHY or UNFIT, for WHATEVER reason, will NOT be  spayed or neutered. IF WE CANNOT GET YOUR CAT OUT OF THE CARRIER DUE TO  FEAR/STRESS/ANXIETY FOR EXAMINATION, HE/SHE WILL NOT BE NEUTERED/SPAYED!

5:  Since many purebred cats are predisposed to cardiomyopathies you will need to consult your regular vet for surgery.
6:  If you just applied a flea/tick prevention product,  administered/applied dewormer, etc, wait a few days for surgery since  some cats can have reactions to these products and let us know this when  scheduling.

7: House cats 5 yrs of age and over MUST have an exam  and blood work HERE before spay/neuter regardless if you have been here  before.
8: We do like females to weigh around 4# and be at least 18  wks of age, if possible. Ideally we like cats to be spayed and neutered  around 18-20 wks or by 5 mos of age. 
9: We will only s/n 2 weeks  after the last vaccination..for instance, if you received FVRCP and opt  to get rabies at time of s/n there must be a minimum of 2 wks between  the fvrcp and the s/n and rabies vacc

10: HEART MURMUR: 1: What is a murmur?  2: Heart murmur in cats-everything you should know   If a heart murmur is  detected when your cat's heart is ausculted here, we will not  spay/neuter.  Cats may have a benign heart murmur detected due to stress  BUT because we cannot distinguish the difference between that or a pathologic murmur, we will not spay/neuter.  If you know your cat has a  murmur please consult your regular vet for surgery.  If you do not have a  regular vet you can make an appointment here to see if your cat has the  same murmur at a personal appointment.  If the murmur persists then we  recommend pursuing an echocardiogram which is gold standard for heart  murmurs in cats.  We do have the Bionote VCheck 200 (click on Bionote for an explanation of the product and test) to  determine your kitty's NT-proBNP.   If the level is under 100 pmol/L  heart disease is unlikely and surgery could be performed.

11: POST OP CARDIAC/PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS: There are some cats with an underlying heart problem, like HCM, which  cannot always be detected upon auscultation of the heart.  These cats,  despite not having a heart murmur, can develop heart failure and  cardiogenic pulmonary edema after surgery.  Therefore, monitoring for signs of respiratory distress like difficulty breathing, lethargy etc  are important after surgery.  An echocardiogram for every cat before  surgery would be ideal though not financially feasible for most of you.    There is a SNAP test that can be used though sometimes it will not  identify affected cats and sometimes incorrectly identifies normal  cats.  Here is a journal abstract:
Should we be screening cats for cardiomyopathy? If so, how?

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS:
HOUSE CATS and INSIDE/OUTSIDE CATS:
1:  Your house cat MUST be vaccinated for AT LEAST the Distemper series  before surgery.  Though NOT IDEAL we can give rabies at time of spay or  neuter but prefer ALL vaccinations UTD.  If  you have not met the eligibility criteria 1-3 above then it is  mandatory that your house cat or in/out cat get either their  vaccinations here, meaning rabies and distemper, OR if already  vaccinated, have an examination here before scheduling.  It is ideal to have vaccinations, deworming, examination etc done before spay/neuter.   Due to the fact that we see outbreaks of Panleukopenia, aka Distemper,  in our area we highly recommend vaccination before spay/neuter. You can  read about this deadly virus on this site. FVRCP is a CORE vaccine! Vaccines may cause lethargy, pain at the injection site, reduced  appetite and fever.  This is the reason we like them done prior to  surgery.  Plus, we want them immunized before encountering other cats.   We will NOT give distemper at the time of surgery.  Again, vaccines may  cause reactions.  Therefore, if your pet gets sick after the surgery, is  it from the spay/neuter or from the vaccine? We do not consider felines  vaccinated for FVRCP by owners as properly immunized.  We require proof  of vaccinations from a veterinarian for many reasons.
2: WE REQUIRE A RABIES VACCINATION FOR EVERY CAT.   You will need to provide proof of rabies per PA State Law which is the  rabies certificate. If you do not have proof of rabies, it is required.   Though it is not ideal, we will administer a rabies vaccine at the time  of spay/neuter to unvaccinated cats.  Surgery does not affect the  ability of the immune system to mount a response, and therefore, the  rabies vaccine should be effective. BUT, there MUST BE AT LEAST A 2 WEEK  INTERVAL BETWEEN VACCINATIONS!! This means, if your cat requires rabies  at the time of surgery you will need to wait at least 2 weeks after any  other vaccination.  You must wait at least 2 weeks so that the response  of the immune system can subside before stimulating it again. IF we  would give a rabies vaccination 1 week after the FVRCP it is very  possible that it would not be effective!
3: While most  vaccine reactions occur in the first 24-72 hrs, there are reported cases  that occur 1-2 weeks post injection, this is the reason we like to do  S/N 2 weeks after vaccinations.

OUTSIDE/FERAL CATS
We  understand that vaccinations prior to S/N for feral or TNR cats is  impossible and will give rabies at the time of S/N. We also understand  that some trapped cats will weigh less and be younger than 4-5 mos of  age.
TRAPS: YOU CAN BRING FERAL/TNR CATS IN THEIR TRAPS BUT PLEASE COVER THEM TO REDUCE THEIR STRESS. If you want to bring a  carrier to recover your feral in after surgery that would be great!

CARRIER INFO
Fear  Free recommends covering carriers with a towel to decrease anxiety,  spraying the towel with Feliway 30 minutes before transport, playing  soft music on the trip or Through a Cat's Ear CD, and placing the  carrier on the floor behind the passenger seat.
THERE  IS INFO ON THIS WEBSITE ABOUT GETTING CATS INTO CARRIERS UNDER CARRIER  WARS AND MAKING THEIR TRIP TO THE VET MORE FEAR FREE. PLEASE CHECK OUT CATFRIENDLY.COM FOR MORE INFO.

PLEASE  MAKE SURE YOUR CARRIERS ARE CLEAN, INSIDE AND OUT!!!! IT IS NOT HEALTHY  FOR YOUR CAT TO TRAVEL IN A CARRIER WITH MOLDY FOOD, PETRIFIED STOOL,  URINE FROM A PREVIOUS VISIT OR SOILED/DIRTY TOWELS; RODENT OR BIRD  DROPPINGS, ETC ..PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PROPER CARRIER, AS LISTED HERE, WE WILL NOT ACCEPT YOUR CAT FOR SURGERY. PUT SOMETHING IN THE CARRIER TO ABSORB WASTE LIKE a fleece, fabric  towel, shred or newspaper but NO LITTER BOXES in the carriers or litter.  Soiled materials will be discarded so do not use cherished items. CATS  PREFER FLEECE.

Cats must be in SEPARATE, SECURE, HARD CASE CARRIERS-NO HARNESSES OR LEASHES OR SOFT CARRIERS OR WIRE CRATES!
SEPARATE: THIS MEANS ONE CAT PER CARRIER; YOU CANNOT PUT 2 CATS IN THE SAME CARRIER;
SECURE: THIS  MEANS DO NOT BRING A BROKEN or DUCT TAPED CARRIER, OR A CARRIER HELD  TOGETHER WITH NAILS, SCREWDRIVERS, WIRE, STRING, BUSHES, PENS, PENCILS ,  DUCT TAPE, ETC ETC ETC-we do not want your cat to escape!!!
HARD CASE: This  means your carrier must be constructed of hard plastic (cats prefer carriers with top and front openings) MAKE SURE YOUR CARRIER IS SIZE  APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR PET!!

DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS--THEY WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED:
1: CARDBOARD
2: ANY TYPE OF SOFT CARRIER!! we have seen cats frequently chew out of these..
3: ANY TYPE OF WIRE CRATE..cats are too stressed in these...
4: THE FLIMSY PLASTIC CARRIERS THAT DO NOT CLOSE PROPERLY
5: hay or straw
6: cat leashes or harnesses
7: wash baskets
8: hampers
9: duct taped carriers
10: suitcases
11: flimsy bags
12: boxes
13: duct taped trash cans
14: 5 Gallon buckets
15: picnic baskets
16: picnic basket style carriers that only open from the top 
18: Back packs
19: Litter Boxes
20: dog kennels large enough for a 30-50# dog
21: A tote

22:  Plastic Bubble Back Packs 

WHEN: A Reduced Cost CURBSIDE Vaccination Clinic is provided EVERY FRIDAY from 9-10 am unless posted otherwise.  We will come to your vehicle with paperwork. Please bring a pen to complete the form.

YOU  DO NOT NEED AN APPOINTMENT FOR THE VACCINATION CLINICS!! PLEASE NOTE:  THE ONLY SERVICES OFFERED AT THE VACCINATION CLINIC ARE VACCINES AND  DEWORMERS. WE WILL NOT MICROCHIP,  EXPRESS ANALS, TRIM CLAWS, CLEAN EARS, VACCINATE/DEWORM LITTERS, ETC  AS WE DO NOT HAVE THE TIME NOR THE STAFF DURING A VACCINATION CLINIC  TO PROVIDE THESE SERVICES, SORRY AND THANK YOU!!!

FOR SAFETY REASONS, YOUR DOG MUST BE LEASHED AT ALL TIMES!!!!!
IF YOUR DOG DOES NOT GET ALONG WITH OTHER DOGS/CATS/PEOPLE OR  WILL NOT ALLOW ANYONE ELSE TO HANDLE HIM/HER BUT YOU, PLEASE DO NOT  COME TO THE VACCINATION CLINIC . YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT  FOR VACCINES
PAYMENT: CASH or MONEY ORDER due at time services are rendered

COST FORM   See the DOWNLOADS for the Cost Form and Vaccination Info.  See "What to Expect After Vaccinations" for possible side effects.   We will not vaccinate unhealthy dogs. We will not vaccinate pregnant or nursing moms. We will not give more than one vaccine to small dogs w/the exception of Bordetella.
 

PLEASE  BRING YOUR DOGS IN HUNGRY SO WE CAN GIVE THEM TREATS AND MAKE THEIR  EXPERIENCE GETTING VACCINATED MORE PLEASURABLE. IF THEY HAVE A FOOD  ALLERGY PLEASE TELL US. YOU CAN ALSO BRING ALONG SPECIAL TREATS FOR YOUR  PUP.  IF YOU HAVE A PUPPY OR SMALL DOG PLEASE FEED THEM A SMALL AMOUNT  BEFORE COMING.

Rabies is required by law at 12 - 16 weeks of age. Since Rabies is endemic in  PA make sure to get your pet vaccinated!  You will receive a 1 year  license with the FIRST Rabies vaccine despite the fact that we use a 3  year vaccine for dogs.  A 3 year license is given with the SECOND Rabies  vaccine as long as you provide proof of previous vaccination. In PA,  you MUST present the Rabies certificate to be issued a 3 year license,  NOT the tag. 

The DISTEMPER combo vaccine (Distemper,  Parvovirus, Adenovirus and Parainfluenza) is a CORE vaccine. ALL dogs  must receive this vaccination!!  Our area commonly has outbreaks of  Parvo, which can be fatal, so make sure to get your pet up to date!
PUPPIES: VACCINATE AT 8,12,16 WKS OF AGE; 16 WKS -1 YR: GIVE 2 VACCINATIONS, 2-4 WKS APART; OVER 1 YR: VACCINATE ONCE; BOOST ALL VACCINES IN 1 YR THEN EVERY 3 YRS; THE 1 YR VACCINATION IS VERY IMPORTANT
This is a combination vaccine to protect against Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza
Distemper is a contagious and often fatal viral infection that causes fever and  respiratory, gastrointestinal and CNS signs in unvaccinated dog in  contact with an infected domestic or wild dog.  Adenovirus is spread to unvaccinated dogs through saliva and feces and most often causes signs associated with liver disease and failure. Parvovirus is a severe gastrointestinal virus spread by contact with infected  feces with most cases in puppies 6 wks - 6 mos of age.  Death can occur  even with aggressive treatment though the new CPMA product is saving  many lives and a very encouraging new treatment!!! Parainfluenza can be a viral component of kennel cough that can damage the  respiratory tract allowing bacteria to invade it.  It is transmitted  through the air or by contact with infected secretions. Revaccination cannot exceed 6 wks.

CANINE LEPTOSPIROSIS 4: VACCINATE TWICE, 2-4 WKS APART, THEN EVERY YEAR
This  vaccine protects against 4 serovars of Leptospirosis, an organism that  can be present in the urine, semen and vaginal secretions of dogs, deer,  rodents and ALL wildlife.  After contact with the organism by sniffing,  licking or through a wound, it can cause kidney disease, chronic kidney  failure, liver disease and even death.  THIS IS ZOONOTIC-PEOPLE CAN  CONTRACT!
ALL dogs are at risk though dogs in an environment where  they can be in contact with urine from other dogs or wildlife, with  access to ponds/water and show dogs, are at an increased risk.  The 4  serovar vaccine is recommended for ALL dogs. Lepto is in our area and  protection against this disease is very important. WE USE BI’S RECOMBITEK LEPTO 4: IT PREVENTS INFECTION AND SHEDDING
 

CANINE LYME DISEASE VACCINE: VACCINATE TWICE, 2-4 WEEKS APART, THEN EVERY YEAR
This  vaccine will help to prevent Lyme disease; however, no vaccine is 100%  effective.  If ticks are endemic in your area or your dog frequents tick  infested areas, hunts, hikes or goes camping, this vaccine is  recommended.  Also, year round flea and tick prevention is  also  recommended for these dogs.  For dogs encountering ticks, your best line  of defense against Lyme disease is by vaccination AND using a flea/tick  prevention product year round.  WE USE BI’S LYME VACCINE

INTRANASAL CANINE BORDETELLA /PARAINFLUENZA or ORAL BORDETELLA VACCINE: VACCINATE EVERY YEAR
Bordetella  and Parainfluenza protect your dog against some of the causes of Canine  Infectious Respiratory Disease and it is recommended for dogs that may  be exposed to infected dogs in a kennel, grooming parlor, dog show, dog  classes, or hospitalization.  Please note:  infected dogs can shed the  Bordetella organism for 3-6 months after the infection is resolved AND  this will not prevent infection, only REDUCE clinical signs.

CANINE INFLUENZA: Recommended For: Socially active puppies and adult dogs, 8 weeks and  older. Dogs at highest risk for Canine Influenza Virus are those that  are frequently in contact with other dogs. The highest risk includes  dogs frequently attending dog parks, doggy day care, training classes,  boarding and grooming facilities.
Recommended Protocol: Any puppy or  dog (8 weeks of age or older) that has never received a Canine Influenza  Virus vaccine will receive an initial vaccine followed by a booster 3-4  weeks apart. An annual booster vaccination is recommended. Protective  immunity after the initial vaccine series (2 injections given 3-4 weeks  apart) does not begin until 2 weeks after the  2nd injection. Keep this in mind before boarding, grooming, or placing  your dog into situations where higher risk of infection is possible.
What  it Does: The Zoetis Canine Influenza Virus vaccination we use provides  coverage against both known strains of the Canine Influenza Virus – H3N8  and H3N2.

We ONLY use BI vaccines for dogs,  except influenza, due to their efficacy and low risk of adverse vaccine  reactions.  BI uses cutting edge technology for vaccine development.

We  utilize the most current vaccination guidelines along with the most up  to date information we acquire every year at continuing education  classes.

A  VACCINATION CLINIC IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR AN EXAM.  ANIMALS ARE NOT  EXAMINED AT THE VACCINATION CLINIC.  ALL PUPPIES AND KITTENS NEED AN  EXAM.  ALL DOGS AND CATS NEED AN ANNUAL OR A SEMI-ANNUAL EXAM. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INDIVIDUAL PETS CAN BE MADE AT THE EXAM.

 

This has been touched on in our Canine and Feline Vaccination Clinic section but feel free to peruse these as well.  Please read the following articles to give you current vaccination guideline recommendations.  See more articles on specific feline vaccinations under the FELINE tab.
 

1: Vaccination Information for Dogs and Cats: SEE DOWNLOADS
 

2:What is CORE vs NON CORE Vaccines
 

3: Vaccinations

• Vaccination  (FAQs)
• Canine parvovirus
• Canine parvovirus type 2c (FAQ)
• Canine distemper
• Leptospirosis 
• Canine influenza
• What to expect after your pet's vaccination
• Vaccines and sarcomas: cause for concern

4:Canine infectious respiratory disease complex (Kennel cough)

5: Dog Flu Outbreak Maps and Dog Flu Info from the CDC

Rabies is a serious concern in PA.  In PA, Rabies vaccines are required, by  law, for dogs at 12-16 weeks of age.  Cats that are inside or  inside/outside also require the vaccine.  We STRESS that ALL CATS and  DOGS must be vaccinated against Rabies for everyone's protection!  PA  has been the #1/#2 hotspot in the US for many years.  Not only could you  die from getting bit by your rabid pet or barn cat, but if your  unvaccinated pet bites someone else, they can request that the animal be  euthanized to check for rabies.  It is better to be safe than sorry and  get those dogs and cats vaccinated!! Many ask,  "Why do I need to vaccinate my house cats, they do not come in contact with rabid animals?"  Well,  cases of rabid bats in the house happen quite frequently and we all know  cats love to play with flying creatures!! 

 Feline Fix By 5 and the United Spay Alliance

When to Spay/Neuter Your Dog...MOST RECENT INFO FROM UC DAVIS 2024..there is a link in this article elucidating this info in 40 breeds...

Do we need a paradigm shift in canine neutering?? 2022 info

Early Age Spay/Neuter and Obesity and Orthopedic Problems

Early Neutering and German Shepherds