FrequentlyAsked Questions
We proudly serve the pets of Fairbanks, AK, and beyond.
At Golden Heart Veterinary Services, we get many interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 907-479-4791 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
I think my pet ate something that’s making them sick, and they have lost consciousness/is having a seizure/trouble breathing. What should I do?
- During our normal business hours, bring in the pet immediately. Please call before arrival so that we
can properly prepare for the situation. - If it is after normal business hours, please take your pet immediately to After Hours Veterinary Emergency Clinic: 907-479-2700
I think my pet ate something that could be poisonous, but they seem to be fine. What should I do?
Don’t panic. If your pet is not showing any adverse symptoms, you can call ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. You may be charged a consultation fee. If your pet is showing symptoms, please contact us right away, or for non-business hours contact After Hours Veterinary Emergency Clinic. 907-479-2700.
I think something’s wrong with my pet. Can I call you and have a veterinarian give me a diagnosis over the phone.
Veterinarians cannot diagnose over the phone. Besides being unethical and illegal, diagnosing by phone doesn’t allow veterinarians to physically examine a pet. A physical exam is necessary, so your veterinarian can provide an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Treating a pet for the wrong disease or condition will cost more in the end and could be harmful or even deadly to your pet.
My pet has the same thing wrong that they were just treated for. Can the veterinarian just prescribe the same medication they did the last time?
Even though your pet may be showing the same symptoms as they did the last time, the problem may be different. Many diseases have similar symptoms, and your veterinarian needs to examine your pet to ensure that he or she correctly diagnoses the cause.
My pet needs to have surgery. Should I be worried about the anesthesia?
Modern anesthesia is generally relatively safe. We offer blood work before anesthesia and highly recommend blood work on animals over 6-7 years old. The blood work allows us to make sure your pet does not have any hidden health issues. In addition, a skilled veterinary technician should monitor your pet’s vital signs during the procedure to ensure your pet’s safety or to catch and treat potential concerns as quickly as possible. Anesthesia and patient monitoring vary greatly from clinic to clinic. Ask your hospital what they do to protect your pet before, during, and after the use of anesthesia.
My pet’s just been diagnosed with a medical condition/disease I’m not familiar with. I want to find out more about the condition. Where can I find information I can trust?
You can turn to the Pet Health Section of our website, which offers current, trustworthy information on various topics. In addition, many veterinarians will also be happy to discuss your pet’s health in more detail.
Can’t I just give my dog/cat a Tylenol or Advil to help with pain, rather than paying for more costly veterinary pain medication?
Never give your pet medication intended for people unless your veterinarian has prescribed it. Most over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Mortin), can have serious, potentially fatal consequences if a pet ingests them. A variety of pain medications are available for dogs and cats. Your veterinarian can help you determine which will fit your budget and help alleviate your pet’s pain.
Can I get health insurance for my pet? If so, what’s covered?
Several companies offer health insurance for dogs and cats (and other pets). These plans have premiums and deductibles, just like human health insurance plans. The premiums and deductibles vary based on the level of coverage you select. Many routine services, such as office visits and diagnostic testing, are covered, as well as prescriptions, procedures, and surgeries for various diseases and conditions. However, there are restrictions and limits, as well as specific guidelines to follow, including ensuring your pet receives regular preventive care. Pet insurance is different than human insurance. Even if you have a policy, you would pay the veterinary hospital the total amount and get reimbursed by the insurance. Even if you have a policy, you would pay the veterinary hospital the full amount and get reimbursed by the insurance company. We would recommend you look online and compare different insurance companies to find the one that fits your family best.
What vaccinations does my dog/cat really need?
Your veterinarian will determine which vaccinations are appropriate for your dog and cat based on individual factors, such as lifestyle and health status. Veterinarians commonly recommend that dogs be vaccinated against rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Cats are vaccinated against rabies and panleukopenia (feline distemper), as well as additional vaccines, such as feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), are recommended depending on your cat’s risks. Bordetella (kennel cough) is recommended for dogs that are often out around near unknown dogs.
Many of these diseases can be fatal to your pet. Preventing them is far easier and less expensive than treatment. If you would like more information regarding the vaccines above, please feel free to consult with our veterinarians.
I recently found an injured stray dog/cat. I paid for the initial veterinary care and the animal is living at my house, but I can’t afford any additional treatment or medication. What can I do?
Legally, once you decide to adopt or “take in” an animal, you become the owner. As the owner, you are responsible for the pet’s care. When you take in a stray, they may be injured and require veterinary care. Because the amount you pay for their care isn’t related to how you acquired the pet, you need to carefully consider whether adopting a stray pet is a financially advisable decision. If you can’t afford the pet’s care, you have the option to relinquish the animal to the local humane society or shelter (although some shelters cannot guarantee that the pet will not be euthanized).
Veterinarians often come across such cases, and many of them will work out an arrangement for people who want to help the animal. However, make sure you tell the veterinarian the situation before he or she examines and treats the pet.
If you find a stray, you should also ask the veterinarian to check for a microchip to determine whether the animal had an owner.
Do you offer any payment plans?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any payment plans at this time. We request that you pay for services provided during your pet’s visit. If you have any questions about our payment policy, please feel free to ask.
We recommend you include the cost of veterinary care in your annual expenses. However, we understand that this sometimes is not possible. If you contact us, we can help you determine ways to keep costs down and stay within your budget. For instance, some preventive veterinary care can be spread out over several visits. Your veterinarian will work with you to come up with a cost-effective plan not keep your pet current on vaccinations and other necessary services.
We do accept major credit cards. Veterinary insurance plans are also a good idea since they can cover many routines and emergency services.