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Frequently Asked Questions
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The following are some frequently asked questions about Moorpark Veterinary Hospital. If you do not find the answer you need on our website, please call or e-mail us.
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Phone: (805) 529-7003 (805) 529-7003
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What are your hours?
Monday and Wednesday 7:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday 9:00am - 1:00pm
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For your convenience, we remain open during lunch hours.
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Do you offer microchipping?
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We do offer microchipping at Moorpark Vet.
If your pet has had an exam with a doctor within six months, you can get a microchip at Moorpark Vet. Microchipping will cost you a fee of $38.00. A one time registration fee is required and this is something you will mail in or do online. The universal product that we use is the AKC microchip. The chip is injected into the scruff of your pet between the shoulder blades. The discomfort of this injection is no more than that of any other injection or vaccine. As an option, we like to offer microchipping at the time your pet is under anesthesia.
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Do I need to make an appointment? |
Walk in clients are always welcome. Out of respect for your time, however, we recommend scheduling an appointment in advance. You can either call us or e-mail us. In an urgent or emergency situation, if you can, please call us before you arrivemso we can prepare for your pet's particular needs. |
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Do you see late night emergencies? |
For after hours emergencies, we recommend thePet Emergency Clinic of Thousand Oaks at (805) 492-2436 (805) 492-2436. They are best equipped to help your pet between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when we are closed. |
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Can I drop my pet off on my way to work and pick her up later?
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Drop off appointments are available for clients whose pets we have seen before. When you drop off your pet (for example, on your way to work or running errands) we will ask you to fill out a brief information form and leave a phone number where we can reach you. After a doctor examines your pet, he or she will call to discuss findings and recommendations. | |
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My pet seems fine. Why should I take him or her to the vet?
Thanks to evolution, animals do not readily display signs of illness or weakness. In the wild, ill and weak animals are often abandoned by their pack/flock/herd and attacked by predators. That is why a pet can look OK even when it's ill. Only a veterinarian can diagnose and treat existing and potential health issues. Remember that dogs, cats, and other animals have much shorter life spans than humans, so pets age faster and illnesses progress faster than in people.
Interesting fact: Approximately 19% of American dogs and cats age 7 and above have problems that are undetectible by physical examination alone. Problems include liver, heart, kidney, blood pressure or a combination of these. (Source: American Veterinary Medical Association.) |
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Can I make payments?
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Payment is required at the time services are provided. | |
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How do you set your fees?
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Moorpark Veterinary Hospital is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), and our fees conform to AAHA guidelines. To learn more about veterinary health care costs, visit the AAHA Web site. | |
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Can I catch anything from my pet? |
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Yes. People can get Salmonella infections from pets and their toys. (Salmonella causes severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever) People can be bitten by fleas and ticks and can also become infected with parasites such as roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, etc. That is why proper hygiene for your family and regular exams for your pets are so important! | |
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What do you recommend for heartworm prevention?
Heartworm is spread by mosquito bites and is especially dangerous because it often kills with little or no warning. Fortunately, heartworm infestation is completely preventable by giving a pill once a month.
It is important to test all dogs annually for heartworm. Every year we see one or two infected dogs, and saving them requires extensive and expensive treatments. While heartworm may affect only 1 out of 100 unprotected dogs, that is of little comfort if it's your dog that gets infected.
Our staff is always happy to educate you more on heartworm and prevention. |
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Do you provide boarding?
For dogs and cats, we recommend boarding at:
Balcom Canyon Pet Lodge (805) 523-7076 (805) 523-7076
Westlake Pet Motel (818) 991-0606 (818) 991-0606
Critter and Castle Care (805) 532-0088 (805) 532-0088 |
What do you recommend for feeding my pets?
Diet plays a critical role in an animal's health. For example, it is unwise to give food meant for a puppy to an older dog because the high nutrient levels can eventually overwhelm the liver and kidneys. Likewise, animals with kidney disease (a common problem) require specific levels of certain nutrients.
For dogs and cats, we recommend Hill's Prescription Diets and Hill's Science Diet. As the name implies, Prescription Diet foods are available only by prescription. We carry a spectrum of Prescription Diets and are happy to special order foods for you if they are not on our shelves.
As with humans, proper nutrition prolongs and enhances health. Lower-quality foods may taste delicious but can cause damage in the long run. Healthy pets make happier and lower maintenance companions! |
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Should I feed my pet a raw meat diet?
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We strongly advise against a raw meat diet, partly due to the results of this study:
Two cats from the same household died of Salmonella Gastroenteritis and Septicemia, infections that were contracted from raw meat based diets, according to a study published in the November/December issue of the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.
"Raw meat based diets have become increasingly popular among pet owners who believe the diets will improve the health of their pets, despite the growing body of information showing that these diets pose a health risk not only for the pets that consume them, but also to their owners"
(Source: Link Welborn, DVM, president of the American Animal Hospital Association) | |
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Can I give "people food" or human medicine to my pet?
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Many human foods can cause pancreatitis (a serious inflammation of the pancreas) in dogs. Some foods, such as avocado and chocolate, are fatal to both dogs and cats.
Although certain human medicines are approved for veterinary use, many others can cause serious harm. Please check with the doctor before giving any type of human medicine to your pet. | |
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What is veterinary health insurance? Should I buy it?
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Veterinary health insurance helps you manage your pet's health care costs. That is especially important when the unexpected happens.
The pet health insurance we recommend is Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI). VPI is the only company of it's kind that has been in business for many years and enjoys an excellent reputation among pet owners and veterinarians. | |
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When should I get my puppy or kitten vaccinated?
Vaccinations should start shortly after weaning, usually at 8 weeks of age. The type and frequency of vaccinations depends on your pet's risk of picking up certain diseases. We will discuss your pet's particular needs with you during a consultation.
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Can I bring my pet in just for vaccines? Do you have a "vaccine clinic"?
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If "Fluffy" is due for a vaccination and we have examined her within the last three months, we would be happy to vaccinate her. If we have not examined your pet within the last three months, we need to do so for her protection. Here's why:
- Veterinarians are required by law to examine an animal before vaccinating it.
- Vaccines, like all human and animal medications, carry a small risk of adverse reaction. The risk increases if the animal is ill, dehydrated, or already has enough vaccine in it's system.
- Your pet may not need a particular vaccine. For example, an indoor cat may not need to be vaccinated against FIV (feline AIDS).
- Only a veterinarian can tell, after properly examining your pet, whether the time is right to vaccinate.
- When it comes to vaccines, one size does NOT fit all!
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When should I have my pet spayed or neutered?
Altering your pet decreases the risk of certain diseases, including cancer. Pets that have been spayed or neutered live an average of two years longer than those that haven't.
We typically advise that surgery be done between five to seven months of age. However, the best age for your pet depends on breed and lifestyle. We will discuss these options with you in a consultation.
Spaying or neutering may be the only surgery your pet ever has, and we do everything possible to make it pain free by using only the highest quality anesthesia, pain control, nursing care, and dissolvable stitches. Your pet can go home on the same day of the procedure. |
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How soon can I take my puppy to the park?
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For your pet's protection, make sure that he or she has had all necessary vaccinations first. We advise waiting until your puppy is at least four months of age before going to the park. It's ok to let your puppy have contact on your home ground with other pets that are fully vaccinated and friendly. | |
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I want to be a vet. How do I get into veterinary school?
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Congratulations on wanting to become a veterinarian. We can think of fewer things more rewarding than helping animals and the people who love them. For information on becoming a veterinarian, click here. | |
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