Surgical services
On the Day of Surgery
Everything you need to know to prepare your pet for their procedure — and what to expect from drop-off through to going home.
We're with you every step of the way
Having your pet undergo surgery can feel daunting, but our team is here to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible — for both you and your pet. We'll walk you through everything before the day, and our nurses will keep you updated throughout.
Please read through this page carefully before your pet's procedure. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to call us — we'd much rather answer a question beforehand than have you arrive on the day feeling uncertain.
Fasting before surgery
Food
Your pet must not eat anything after 8pm the night before their procedure. This is essential for safe anaesthesia — a full stomach significantly increases the risk of complications during surgery.
Water
Water is fine up until the time you leave home in the morning. Remove the water bowl when you're ready to head to the clinic.
Young animals
Puppies and kittens under 12 weeks of age should not fast for as long as adult animals. If your pet is very young, please call us for specific fasting instructions.
Medications
If your pet takes regular medications, please call us before the day to confirm whether these should be given as normal on the morning of surgery.
Drop-off
Drop-off is usually booked between 9:00 am and 9:30 am on the morning of your pet's procedure. Please arrive at your specific admission appointment time so we have time to admit your pet, complete a pre-anaesthetic check, and answer any questions you may have.
- Bring your pet on a lead or in a secure carrier
- Allow 10–15 minutes for the admission process
- A vet or nurse will go through a consent form and answer any last-minute questions
- Let us know of any changes to your pet's health since their pre-surgical consultation
- Provide a contact number where you can be reached throughout the day
Pick-up and going home
Most patients are ready to go home the same afternoon. We'll call you when your pet is ready — usually between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Please don't arrive before we call, as your pet may still be recovering.
- A vet or nurse will go through discharge instructions with you in detail
- You'll receive written discharge notes to take home
- Any medications will be dispensed and explained
- We'll book a post-operative check if required
- Please bring a secure carrier or lead — your pet may be a little unsteady
During the procedure
Once your pet is admitted, our team takes over completely. Here's what happens behind the scenes:
Pre-anaesthetic check
A vet performs a thorough physical examination before any anaesthetic is administered. If pre-anaesthetic blood work was recommended at your consultation, this will be processed now.
Anaesthetic induction
Your pet is given a sedative and then a short-acting anaesthetic agent to induce a calm, pain-free sleep. An endotracheal tube is placed to maintain the airway and deliver anaesthetic gas.
Monitoring throughout
A dedicated nurse monitors your pet continuously throughout the procedure — tracking heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature, and depth of anaesthesia.
Pain management
We use multimodal pain management — a combination of local anaesthesia, anti-inflammatories, and opioid pain relief — so your pet wakes up as comfortable as possible.
Recovery
After surgery, your pet recovers in a warm, quiet ward under close nursing supervision. They are kept comfortable and monitored until they are fully awake and stable.
Aftercare at home
Rest and confinement
Keep your pet calm and confined for the period advised by your vet. No running, jumping, or rough play — even if they seem to feel fine.
Food and water
Offer a small amount of water and a light meal when you get home. A full meal the evening of surgery is fine if your pet is alert and interested in eating.
Wound care
Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Check it daily for redness, swelling, or discharge. Do not allow your pet to lick or chew the wound — use the Elizabethan collar (cone) provided.
Medications
Give all medications as directed, for the full course. If your pet refuses medication or you have trouble administering it, call us — we can help.
Signs to watch for
Contact us immediately if your pet is very lethargic, not eating after 24 hours, vomiting repeatedly, has a swollen or weeping wound, is in obvious pain, or you have any concerns at all.
Questions before or after surgery?
Our team is always happy to help. Call us during opening hours or send us an email — we'd rather hear from you than have you worry at home.