Frequently Asked Questions & Resources
Have Pet Care Questions? Carlisle Veterinary Clinic Can Help!
At Carlisle Veterinary Clinic, we spend each day helping people around the Des Moines metro take the very best care of their dogs and cats. We answer a variety of questions and concerns about pet habits, health, and treatment.
On this page, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about our clinic and the animals we treat. Please reach out to us if you have other questions that we can answer, or if you want to schedule an appointment!
When Is Carlisle Veterinary Clinic Open?
We’re open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We’re also open from 8 a.m. to 12p.m. on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays.
Do I Need an Appointment?
Yes. We require pre-scheduled appointments for all non-emergency visits. To set up an appointment, give us a call or schedule your visit online. If you are experiencing an emergency situation, please call the clinic directly at 515-989-4075.
How Can I Pay for My Pet’s Appointment?
You can pay with cash, check, credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. We require payment at the time of the visit.
When Should My Dog or Cat Be Spayed or Neutered?
We can spay or neuter your pet when they are 6 months old. We’ll examine your pet before the procedure to be sure they are healthy enough to have the surgery.
What Tests Do You Run Before a Surgery?
We perform a blood screening before every surgery to determine that your pet’s organs are functioning normally, that they aren’t experiencing anemia or infection, and that their blood is clotting. This screening helps us keep your pet safe during the procedure. It also helps us be sure they will be able to heal correctly during their recovery.
How Long Will My Pet’s Stitches Stay In?
We use dissolvable stitches when we can, which means we do not have to remove them after the surgery. Some surgeries do require non-dissolvable stitches or staples. These stitches typically must remain in place for seven to 10 days before we remove them.
Should My Dog or Cat Have at Least One Litter?
There’s no advantage to allowing your pet to have at least one litter. There are many benefits to spaying and neutering before puberty. Health benefits include decreased risks of breast cancer, cystic ovaries, uterine infections, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and other negative health effects. Pets that are spayed and neutered before puberty generally experience fewer behavioral issues.
Online Forms for Your Pet’s Next Visit
For your convenience, you can fill out the following online forms before your visit.