FELINE SPAY/NEUTER/VACC'N INFO

THE SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC IS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.  PLEASE READ THE INFO BELOW BEFORE CALLING OR EMAILING TO FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH OUR POLICIES, REQUIREMENTS, ETC THANK YOU!!

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE S/N CLINIC: 1:  Felines vaccinated here 2:   returning s/n clients...proof of previous s/n, rabies cert, etc is required 3: ALL TNR, Outside only, ferals  IF YOU HAVE NOT MET CRITERIA 1 OR 2 AND HAVE AN INSIDE OR IN/OUT KITTY, VACCINATIONS OR AN EXAM ARE REQUIRED HERE BEFORE SCHEDULING.  WE RECOMMEND A FULL PHYSICAL EXAM, FECAL, FELV/FIV TESTING, URINALYSIS,  PRE-OP BLOODWORK AND A BIONOTE  NT-PROBNP TEST BEFORE SURGERY.

WHEN: FRIDAYS are for HOUSE CATS AND IN/OUT CATS;  SELECT TUESDAYS are for OUTSIDE and TNR CATS; YOU MUST MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!

WHERE: GREYS AND STRAYS, 2686 S Pine Grove St, Jonestown, PA 17038

APPOINTMENTS: PLEASE CALL 717-304-9987 OR EMAIL GREYSANDSTRAYS@COMCAST.NET TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT. (You will get a more expedited reply via email but it may take several days to a week to reply, ty!)

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.  ON FRIDAY: Please come inside to get your paperwork, complete in your vehicle and then bring kitty inside OR bring kitty inside with paperwork at 8am...ON TUESDAY: We will be out to give you paperwork to complete in your vehicle and once completed you can bring kitty inside

PICK UP:  FRIDAY: AT 6pm; TUESDAY: AT 5PM; we will not discharge before, ty!

PAYMENT: DUE AT DROP OFF...CASH or MONEY ORDER ONLY.   

NO SHOWS/CANCELLATIONS:  IF you do not cancel BEFORE drop off time you will not be rescheduled. 

COSTS/CONSENT FORM:
Feline Spay/Neuter/Vaccination Clinic Consent and Cost Form : PLEASE SEE THE DOWNLOADS   If you cannot personally drop off you will need to send the completed form with your feline's transporter.   UNLESS YOUR KITTY IS LESS THAN 4 MOS OF AGE WE REQUIRE MELOXICAM (not approved for use under 4 mos in the US),  SIMBADOL AND LASER AT TIME OF SURGERY so your kitty is more comfy post op!  We offer gabapentin, which can cause sedation and GI side effects,  TGH for calming purposes.. this drug does not help acute surgical pain.  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!  

FOOD:  ALL Kitties can have food until 6am... kittens under 1 year  of age should get a snack before their trip..if they typically get motion sickness then feed a small amount, like 1/2 normal meal, around  4am
WATER: DO NOT remove water access

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:  SEE THE DOWNLOADS.  PLEASE READ TO 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, minimally 2 weeks later.  There MUST BE AT LEAST A 2 WEEK  INTERVAL BETWEEN VACCINATIONS 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!  

1.5: Spaying and neutering MAY NOT ELIMINATE SPRAYING!!!! THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES!! S/N ONLY ELIMINATES THE SEXUALLY DRIVEN BEHAVIOR!! There are many reasons for spraying, see Reasons Why Cats Spray here..Fear, Anxiety, Stress, Litter Box Issues, Territorial Issues will persist after surgery

2: 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  health issues please contact your regular vet for surgery.  Any cat deemed UNHEALTHY or UNFIT, for WHATEVER reason, will NOT be  spayed or neutered.

4:  Since many purebred cats are predisposed to cardiomyopathies you will need to consult your regular vet for surgery, this means breeds like Siamese, Ragdolls, brachycephalic breeds, exotics, Bengals, Maine Coons etc
5:  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.

6: House cats 5 yrs of age and over MUST have an exam  and blood work HERE before spay/neuter

7: HEART MURMUR: 1: What is a murmur?  2: Heart murmur in cats-everything you should know  If  detected we will not spay/neuter.   Stress can cause a murmur but we often cannot discern the difference between a physiologic or a pathologic one.  Therefore, we can refer you for a gold standard echocardiogram or use our  Bionote VCheck 200  to determine the NT-proBNP.  If the level is under 100 pmol/L  heart disease is unlikely and surgery could be performed.   If you know your cat has a  murmur please consult your regular vet.

8: POST OP CARDIAC/PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS: There are some cats with an underlying heart problem, like HCM, which  cannot always be detected upon heart auscultation.   These cats can develop heart failure and  cardiogenic pulmonary edema after surgery.  Therefore, monitoring for signs of respiratory distress like difficulty breathing, lethargy etc  are important.  An echocardiogram for every cat before  surgery would be ideal though not financially feasible for most.   Should we be screening cats for cardiomyopathy? If so, how?

VACCINATION REQUIREMENTS:
HOUSE CATS and INSIDE/OUTSIDE CATS:
1:  Your house cat or in/out cat MUST be vaccinated for Distemper and Rabies  before surgery by a veterinarian.   A:  Vaccines can cause reactions like lethargy, pain at the injection site, reduced appetite, fever and in some cases, vomiting and diarrhea.   B: We want cats immunized before encountering other cats.   C: While most  vaccine reactions occur in the first 24-72 hrs, there are reported cases  that occur 1-2 weeks post injection.   

FELINE DISTEMPER VACCINE: Includes Rhinotracheitis, Calici, Panleukopenia:  CORE VACCINE: LOW RISK : <16 WKS OF AGE: VACC AT 8,12,16 WKS, REPEAT IN 1 YR THEN EVERY 3 YRS; 16 WKS-1 YR: GIVE 1-2 VACCS, 2-4 WKS APART THEN REPEAT IN 1 YR THEN EVERY 3 YRS; OVER 1 YR: VACC ONCE THEN REPEAT IN 1 YR THEN EVERY 3 YRS

HIGH RISK : <16 WKS OF AGE: VACC AT 8,12,16 WKS, THEN CONSIDER BOOSTING IN 6 MOS INSTEAD OF 1 YEAR THEN EVERY 3 YRS; 16 WKS-1 YR: GIVE 1-2 VACCS, 2-4 WKS APART THEN CONSIDER BOOSTING IN 6 MOS INSTEAD OF 1 YR THEN EVERY 3 YRS; OVER 1 YR: VACC ONCE THEN REPEAT IN 1 YR THEN EVERY 3 YRS;  

2: WE REQUIRE A RABIES VACCINATION FOR EVERY CAT.   You need to provide proof which is the  rabies certificate per PA Law.

OUTSIDE/FERAL CATS:  PLEASE DO NOT TRAP CATS BEFORE AN APPT IS SCHEDULED!!!!
We  understand that vaccinations prior to S/N for ferals 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/RULES
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.

1: Make sure carriers are CLEAN, INSIDE AND OUT!! It is unhealthy for cats to travel in carriers containing moldy food, stool, urine, dirty towels, rodent and bird droppings

2: Make sure the carrier contains something to make kitty comfy and absorb waste like a fleece, towel, shred, newspaper but NOT a litter box.  Soiled materials will be discarded.  CATS  PREFER FLEECE.

3: Kitties will not be accepted if you do not adhere to the rules below

Cats must be in SEPARATE, SECURE, HARD CASE CARRIERS
SEPARATE:  ONE CAT ONLY PER CARRIER
SECURE:  DO NOT BRING A BROKEN or DUCT TAPED CARRIER; A CARRIER HELD  TOGETHER WITH NAILS, SCREWDRIVERS, WIRE, STRING, BUSHES, PENS, PENCILS ,ETC -we do not want your cat to escape!!!
HARD CASE:  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!!

WE WILL NOT ACCEPT THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
1: CARDBOARD CARRIERS, BOXES
2: ANY TYPE OF SOFT CARRIER!! 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 or litter boxes
6: cat leashes or harnesses or flimsy bags
7: wash baskets or hampers
8:  picnic baskets or picnic basket style carriers that only open from the top 
9: duct taped carriers or litter boxes or trash cans
10: suitcases or totes or 5 gallon buckets
11: dog kennels large enough for a 30-50# dog
12: Plastic Bubble Back Packs or any other Back Pack

WHEN: A Reduced Cost CURBSIDE Vaccination Clinic is provided EVERY FRIDAY AND ONLY ON A FRIDAY from 9-10 am unless posted otherwise. Please come in to get your paperwork, complete it in your vehicle and then bring the completed paperwork  inside..we will call you when we are ready to see your pup...  YOU STAY HERE IN YOUR VEHICLE FOR THE VACC'N CLINIC, YOU DO NOT LEAVE, TY!

WHERE: GREYS AND STRAYS, 2686 S Pine Grove St, Jonestown, PA 17038

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, PLEASE DO NOT  COME TO THE VACCINATION CLINIC , A PRIVATE APPOINTMENT  IS NEEDED

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.

There MUST BE AT LEAST A 2 WEEK  INTERVAL BETWEEN VACCINATIONS!!  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 DAPP it is very  possible that it would not be effective!
 

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! WE RECOMMEND THIS FOR EVERY DOG.
ALL dogs are at risk though dogs in an environment where could 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

6: Vaccinations for your Cat: Feline VMA
7: Leptospirosis Updates

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

WSAVA Guidelines for S/N...If, when, how..

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...

This article pertains mostly to dogs...a great read before considering your dog's spay or neuter...Individualizing S/N for each pet and family

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