Please review the PRE-SURGERY instructions before arriving to your appointment.

Pre-Surgery Instructions

Thank you for getting your pet spayed or neutered!  Here’s what you can expect from your visit to The PAWS Clinic.   Please read this document thoroughly before arriving at the clinic for your appointment.

Patient Check-In

Please note that we have had to make many changes to our policies and procedures since the COVID-19 pandemic began to keep our staff and clients safe.  We ask for everyone’s cooperation and patience. 

Admission Process:
In order to expedite the check-in process, please “Docusign” the admission form that we emailed to you when you made your appointment.

• Check-in begins promptly at 8am.​
  • Be prepared to wait. This process can take up to an hour depending on your spot in the queue. We are a high-volume model clinic and everyone checks-in at the same time. Most of this wait will be done in your car.
    • Take this time to watch the post-surgery care video: Post Operation Care Video 
• When you arrive in the parking lot please WAIT IN YOUR CAR and call 734-388-8641 (this number will also be posted on a sign outside the building) to check in. Do not hang up and do not leave a message.
  • ​ Wait on hold until your call is answered by a staff member. If you do have to call back you will be placed at the end of the queue.
  • When speak with one of our staff members and we will ask for your cell phone number, pets name, and model/color of your car to add you to our electronic wait list.
• After being registered, continue to wait in your car until you RECEIVE A TEXT MESSAGE indicating it is your turn to come in and complete your check-in paperwork. Your pet remains in the car. 
• ​When you are texted, one person only from your party should come up to the building where a staff member will be waiting.
  • Please bring your pet's unexpired rabies certificate (if applicable) and your form of payment with you, as you will need these to check-in.
    • ​Forms of payment include: Cash, credit, or debit, but NOT checks, American Express, or Care Credit.
    • ​If you do not bring proof of a current rabies vaccine, or if your pet is not current on rabies vaccine and is at least 12 weeks of age,  we will administer a rabies vaccine for $20. We regret that we are unable to call your vet to check on the status of your pet’s rabies vaccine, due to the number of animals that we service each day.  Therefore it is important that you bring the proof with you, or ask your vet to fax it to us at 313-451-8202, prior to your appointment. A clear photo taken on your phone is acceptable. 
• When it is your turn, a staff member will direct you to the front counter. There you will be asked a series of basic health questions and you will have the opportunity to request additional services at this time.
  • ​Highly recommended additional services for the best patient recovery: Additional pain medication ($15 for dogs, $10 for cats) and an e-collar (cone) $12 to prevent your pet from licking their incision.
    • Your pet will receive an injectable dose of pain medication that lasts 24hours but we strongly suggest the additional pain management.
  • We offer a variety of discounted services you can see on our surgery pricing page. (Nail trimming, microchipping, vaccinations, etc.)
• Once paperwork is completed, you will be directed by a staff member to bring in your pet for drop-off.
  • ​CATS MUST ARRIVE IN SECURE CAT CARRIERS. NO EXCEPTIONS. If you do not have one, we request that you purchase a cardboard carrier PRIOR to your appointment ($5). This can be picked up anytime during normal business hours.
  • If bringing MULTIPLE cats, they must each come in their own carrier or a cardboard carrier ($5) must be purchased for discharge.
  • For their safety, dogs MUST be brought in and leave on a leash, even if they're being carried. Please, no carriers.
    • You will be asked to take your dog’s leash home with you and bring it back when your dog is ready to go home.
• Your pet will receive a brief physical exam to ensure they are a good surgical candidate.
  • ​​ If our veterinarian feels that your pet is not a good surgical candidate, surgery will be declined for your pet’s safety. Your money will be refunded less a $20 exam fee.
    • Additional bloodwork or high risk waivers prior to surgery may be required in some circumstances. This will be determined by the veterinarian.
  • Your pet will be checked for fleas immediately upon entering the clinic.  If live fleas or flea dirt (feces) are seen, we will administer a fast-acting pill that kills fleas (Capstar).  There is a $5 fee for this pill, which can be paid when you pick up your pet.​
  • Pick-up time for dogs is promptly at 4:00pm the day of surgery.  For cats, pick-up time is promptly at 7:30am the next morning.  There is a late fee for late pick-ups. See full pick-up procedures here.

FERAL CATS:
Feral cats will only be accepted for surgery by appointment. Please see full details on our Feral Cat page. Check-in procedures will be mostly the same, however, you'll be brought a document to fill out while you wait in your car.