Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions, we have answers!
Check Out Our Frequently Asked Questions To See If They Satisfy Your Curiosity
How can I get a copy of my pet’s records?
We require written consent from you before releasing your pet’s medical records to you, in compliance with New York state law. Your pet’s records contain sensitive information, including your address and phone number, so your signed consent is required for safety purposes. We can send you a consent request via mail, email, or fax, and we will provide you with your pet’s records within 48 hours of receiving your signed consent.
I’m a new client…what do I need to do before my first appointment?
What vaccines do you recommend for my pet?
The vaccines that we recommend for your pet will depend on your pet’s age, medical history, and vaccination record. Unlike vaccine clinics that oftentimes over-vaccinate, we personalize your pet’s vaccination regimen with their health condition and lifestyle firmly in mind.
What kind of payments do you accept? Do you offer any payment plans?
Our primary focus is providing top-notch care for your pet and ensuring fair pricing. Prior to treatment, we provide you with a detailed estimate. Payment in full is expected at the time of service, except for cases of hospitalization, when an initial deposit is required along with full payment at discharge.
To make payment easier, we accept cash, Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and Discover, and also offer the option of using Care Credit, which features extended payment plans. We also offer a single line of credit through ScratchPay to care for your pet’s expenses. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer internal payment plans.
When should my pet be on flea/tick and heartworm prevention?
We strongly advise pet owners to keep their dogs and cats on year-round heartworm and flea prevention as a precautionary measure. Insects and parasites can make their way into your home, irrespective of whether your pets go outdoors or not, and can cause medical problems and discomfort.
Fleas are a nuisance and can lead to parasites and other medical complications, and tick prevention is necessary for dogs residing or playing around wooded and high grass areas.
Heartworm disease can be fatal if untreated in dogs, and unfortunately, there is no treatment available for heartworm disease in cats. We highly recommend year-round heartworm prevention for both, and annual heartworm testing for dogs. Most monthly medications also prevent intestinal parasites.
Our knowledgeable staff can recommend heartworm and flea protection products that are suitable for your pets. For more information on heartworm disease, visit the American Heartworm Society website.
Can I order my pet’s preventative treatments and medications online?
For a veterinarian to prescribe medication, your pet must have received an exam within the last 12 months and had any relevant blood work done, as well. We can provide medication if recommended by our veterinarians, either in person or through our online pharmacy.
Buying from a different online pharmacy comes with risks. Some have sold counterfeit or expired medications, posing a danger to pets, and there’s no guarantee that the medications they sell have been properly manufactured or stored.
Buying from a different online pharmacy also means that, for example, if your pet gets heartworm disease while using the preventative product as directed, the manufacturer will not cover the cost of treatment since they cannot guarantee that a product purchased from a different online pharmacy was indeed their product.
Many pet medications’ manufacturers will only sell their products to veterinarians. Additionally, to avoid competition with other online pharmacies, many veterinary drug manufacturers offer special discounts only available through veterinarians, which usually makes the price comparable since online pharmacies cannot offer manufacturer specials.
Be cautious and research before you decide to use a different online pharmacy. Ensure it meets the quality and safety standards provided by veterinary or local pharmacies, or avoid the risk entirely and purchase through our clinic.
You can find more information on risks associated with online pharmacies on the American Veterinary Medical Association website.
Compassionate Care for Your Furry Friends
Cicero Animal Clinic, P.C. offers pet wellness and vaccination, surgery, chiropractic care, cold laser therapy, and more for dogs, cats, exotic pets, pocket pets, avians, and rabbits in Cicero, Brewerton, Clay, and North Syracuse, New York, and the surrounding areas.
