Our team continues to be here for you and your cherished pets. We are OPEN and are now able to provide a wide range of services. To learn more about the changes we have implemented in response to COVID-19 and what to expect during your next visit, click here.
Spaying and neutering your pet is an important part of pet ownership, especially if you intend to let your cat outdoors. Cat overpopulation is a serious problem in the Chatham-Kent area, and intact outdoor cats are a large contributor to this. Spaying and neutering can also reduce or eliminate the risk of mammary tumours and uterine infections in female cats and testicular cancer in male cats.
Spaying is complete removal of a female cat’s ovaries and uterus. Neutering is the complete removal of a male cat’s testicles.
When should I neuter/spay my cat?
Our veterinarians recommend performing spay and neuter surgeries between 4-6 months for cats. It is before a young cat’s hormones start to affect their bodies.
With recent changes to restrictions on businesses, we can continue providing our full range of services, under certain restrictions. As our province enters the next phase of the reopening plan, we have some updates to share with you about our safety measures.
We will now see all cases by appointment only including pets in need of vaccines, wellness exams, blood work, heartworm testing, spays and neuters, dental services, parasite prevention, and more.
Beginning June 29, 2020, clients are able to come into the hospital with their pets with the following restrictions:
SAFETY MEASURES TO KEEP EVERYONE SAFE
Continue our "closed waiting room" policy to protect our clients and staff. When you arrive, please remain outside the hospital and use your cell phone to call us.
Face coverings must be worn to enter the hospital.
Use hand washing station upon entry.
Washrooms will be closed to the public until further notice.
If you wish to remain in your car during the appointment, when you call to inform us of your arrival, we will take a history of your pet's health and discuss any concerns. A staff member will then meet you outside to bring your pet into the hospital for an examination. The Veterinarian will call you to discuss the recommended treatment plan. After your appointment, a staff member will return your pet to you outside, and take care of any needed medications and payment.
Continue the use of credit cards as the preferred payment method.
Continue with curbside pickup of food and medication (unless you have used our online store and are having your order delivered directly to your home). To place an order through our online store, visit our website and click on "Online Store".
ONLINE CONSULTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE
If you wish to connect with a veterinarian via message, phone or video, visit our website and follow the "Online Consultation" link.
NEW PET OWNERS
Have you welcomed a new furry family member to your home? We’d love to meet them! Visit our Must Know New Pet Owner Information page for useful resources and helpful recommendations for new pet owners.
OPERATING HOURS
Merritt Animal Hospital: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Dresden Veterinary Clinic: Monday to Friday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Sunday: Closed
Sydenham River Veterinary Office: Monday - Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Thank you for your patience and understanding and we look forward to seeing you and your furry family members again!
