Frequently Asked Questions

Client education is so important to our team at Beaver Meadow Veterinary Clinic. On this page, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions that we hear from our clients.

If you don’t see your question or are looking for more information, please contact us directly!

Q. What do I do if my pet has an emergency?

During business hours: Current clients can call: (315) 896-2658.

After business hours: If your pet is experiencing a LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY, drive directly to one of the following emergency locations 24 hour emergency services are provided at:

Veterinary Medical Center – (315-446-7933) 5841 Bridge Street, East Syracuse
Upstate Veterinary Specialties – (518-783-3198) 152 Sparrowbush Rd, Latham
Cornell Companion Animal Hospital – (607-253-3060) 930 Campus Rd, Ithaca

If your pet ingests a potentially toxic substance (medications, grapes, onions, chocolate etc) call: ASPCA Pet Poison Control – (888) 426-4435

After hours, clients whose pets are experiencing a non-life threatening emergency can call (315) 896-2658 and speak with GuardianVets Triage Service’s licensed veterinary technicians who will talk you through the next steps.

Q. Do you accept pet insurance?

Yes! We work with all pet insurance companies!

Q. Do you accept payment plans?

We accept CareCredit as an option for our clients to split up payments. You can learn more about this service at: Veterinary Financing | CareCredit

Q. What age should puppies and kittens start their vaccines?

Puppy and kitten vaccines are typically administered at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age. We highly recommend bringing in a fecal sample so that we can screen for intestinal parasites.

Q. What age should puppies and kittens get spayed or neutered?

As a general rule, we recommend spaying or neutering your pet around 6 months old. This varies for very tiny dogs and cats or for large breeds. We will be happy to discuss the right timing for your pet at their next appointment!

Q. My pet is always kept indoors, do they need a rabies vaccine?

Rabies is a lethal virus, that can be transmitted to humans and is nearly 100% fatal. Though the risk of rabies is greatly reduced for indoor pets, the risk is not completely eliminated. It is not uncommon for wildlife to get into homes.

New York State law requires all pets to be vaccinated against rabies.

Q. What kinds of pets do you see?

We see all breeds of cat, dogs and small furred mammals (hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, ferrets, mice, and rats). We are currently not taking new reptile, amphibian, or bird patients.

Q. How can I get my pet’s prescription refilled?

– Call us at (315) 896-2658 and follow the phone prompts to leave a message.
– Your pet’s veterinarian will review your request.
– Your pet must be up to date on their annual exam to receive a refill.
– Once the veterinarian approves your request, it will be filled within 24 hours.
– Please allow 24 hours for prescription refills.

Q. What flea and tick and/or heartworm prevention do you carry?

Simparica Trio – a once per month tablet for DOGS that controls fleas, ticks, heartworm, and some intestinal parasites.
Interceptor Plus – a once per month tablet for DOGS that controls heartworm and some intestinal parasites.
Heartgard Plus – a once per month tablet for DOGS that controls heartworm and some intestinal parasites.
Credelio – a once per month tablet for DOGS that controls fleas and ticks.
Seresto – an 8 month collar for CATS AND DOGS that repels fleas and ticks.
Revolution Plus – a once per month topical liquid for CATS that controls flea, ticks, heartworm, and some other parasites.

Q. What pet food do you suggest?

It is best to have a conversation with your pet’s veterinarian to help you choose the option that includes complete nutrition for your pet and meets their physical needs. Cats and dogs have very different nutritional needs as do small and large breeds. The nutritional need of young pets differs from senior pets and some pets have sensitivities to certain ingredients. We will happily discuss options at your pet’s next appointment.

Q. My pet’s veterinarian asked us to bring in a fecal and/or urine sample – what do I do?

Fresh samples are best! Urine samples should be brought to us within the hour of collection. If it is warm out, please use an icepack for transport. We need about 1 tablespoon or more of liquid urine (no clumping litter samples, please!). Fecal samples should be brought in within 24 hours. We need about 1 tablespoon of sample. Use a clean container with a tight lid (or ziplock bag for fecal samples). If you are having trouble collecting the sample, give us a call and we can help!

Q. What do I do if I find injured wildlife?

Most importantly, do not try to pick it up or capture it.
Contact animal control or a wildlife rehabilitator.
– Rome Animal Control: (315) 337-6260
– Utica Animal Control Division: (315) 735-3301
– Herkimer Animal Control: (315) 866-4330
– Wildlife Rehab: Special Licenses Search System – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (ny.gov)

If you didn’t see the answer to your question here, please email us at BEAVERMEADOWVET1@GMAIL.COM and we would be happy to help you.