Frequently Asked Questions

Caring for your pet can raise questions at any time, big or small. Our FAQ page is designed to provide clear, helpful answers so you feel confident making the best decisions for your pet’s health.

Appointments

Do I need an appointment for urgent care at Memorial Veterinary Hospital?

Appointments aren’t required for urgent care at our Throop Urgent Care and Wellness Center, but calling ahead is always appreciated. This helps our team prepare for your pet’s arrival and ensures we can provide prompt attention when you arrive.

Our Throop hospital offers both wellness services and same-day urgent care for sick or injured pets. The Dickson City location provides comprehensive veterinary care including surgery, dentistry, and health certificates for domestic and international travel.

We specialize exclusively in the care of dogs and cats, allowing our veterinarians to focus on providing the most up-to-date and effective treatments for these beloved companions.

Please bring any previous medical records, vaccination history, a list of medications or supplements your pet takes, and any questions or concerns you’d like to discuss. For cats, we recommend a secure carrier to make the visit less stressful, while dogs should be on a standard leash.

Our hospitals combine small-town warmth with modern medicine. Led by Dr. Noto, an eight-time Times-Tribune “Best Veterinarian” award recipient, we take pride in building lasting relationships with pets and their families.

We recommend calling ahead whenever possible so our team can prepare for your arrival and reduce your wait time. Walk-ins are accepted based on availability.

Our urgent care is equipped for many urgent medical needs but does not operate 24/7. For life-threatening emergencies, we’ll refer you to a trusted local emergency hospital.

Our compassionate team uses gentle handling techniques and pain relief when needed to keep every visit as calm and stress-free as possible.

Financing

Apply securely online at carecredit.com, or let our team at Memorial Veterinary Hospital help you complete your application in person.

Once approved, just present your CareCredit details like a regular credit card. If you applied in our animal hospital, we can instantly access your account and process payment.

CareCredit can be used toward nearly any service we provide, from exams, diagnostics, and dental care to surgery, medications, and more.

Most plans reimburse you directly after care. Simply submit your invoice and claim form. Some companies even offer direct payment to your veterinarian. Our team will gladly help with any paperwork your provider requires.

No, Pawlicy Advisor is an independent comparison platform. It’s completely free to use, doesn’t sell insurance, and helps you make an informed choice based on your pet’s unique needs.

Consider what matters most: coverage for emergencies, chronic conditions, or preventive care. Pawlicy Advisor factors in your preferences and your pet’s details to recommend options that align with your budget and lifestyle.

Services

Healthy adult pets should be seen annually, while puppies and kittens need more frequent checkups as they grow. Senior pets or those with health conditions benefit from biannual or quarterly exams.

Your Throop or Dickson City veterinarian will perform a full physical, review vaccines and parasite prevention, run screening tests if needed, and discuss your pet’s diet, lifestyle, and behavior.

Yes, we update vaccines during your pet’s wellness exam and keep a detailed record so you always know what’s due next.

Absolutely. Preventive bloodwork helps us catch underlying conditions early, even before symptoms appear, so we can take action quickly.

We’ll provide clear instructions before your pet’s procedure, including when to stop feeding them the night before and what to expect on surgery day.

We use modern pain management protocols before, during, and after surgery to keep your pet as comfortable as possible. You’ll also receive medications to continue at home if needed.

We use advanced anesthetic agents and continuous monitoring throughout the procedure to make anesthesia as safe as possible. Pre-anesthetic testing helps us identify any risks ahead of time to ensure your pet’s safety.

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and your pet’s age and health, but most pets bounce back within a few days to a couple of weeks. We’ll guide you through every step of aftercare.

Laser surgery is ideal for many soft tissue procedures, and we’ll let you know if it’s a suitable option for your pet’s specific surgery.

Most pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, though some may need more frequent care depending on their age, breed, and oral health.

Yes. Anesthesia allows us to clean below the gumline and take X-rays safely and thoroughly — something that can’t be done while your pet is awake.

Bad breath, red or bleeding gums, difficulty eating, drooling, or pawing at the mouth are all signs your pet may need a dental exam.

Absolutely. Daily brushing is the best way to prevent tartar buildup. We can show you how to start and recommend safe, effective products.

Yes. Bacteria from dental disease can enter the bloodstream and affect major organs, including the heart and kidneys, making oral care essential for long-term health.

Urgent visits are best for conditions that cause discomfort, pain, or abnormal behavior but are not immediately life-threatening, such as vomiting, limping, ear infections, or minor wounds.

Dickson City