Caring for your pet can raise questions at any time, big or small. Our FAQ page is designed to provide clear, helpful answers so you feel confident making the best decisions for your pet’s health.
We focus exclusively on dogs and cats so we can provide highly personalized care tailored to their specific health needs.
Yes. We offer urgent care visits during regular business hours. Calling ahead helps us prepare for your arrival and minimize your wait time.
Colonial Gateway Veterinary Center offers daycare, day boarding, overnight boarding, and grooming. Both locations also provide medical boarding for pets requiring additional supervision.
Yes. New families receive a $75 wellness exam credit. We also offer a referral program ($35 for you and $35 for your friend) and a military discount.
Our team. Many staff members have been here for years, and families notice the difference immediately. Combined with advanced services like orthopedic surgery, acupuncture, laser therapy, and on-site boarding and daycare, you receive the capabilities of a larger hospital while still feeling like part of a close-knit neighborhood practice.
We take a gentle, Fear Free–informed approach and tailor each visit to your pet’s comfort level to create a calm, positive experience.
Visit the CareCredit website to apply online anytime. Prefer a little help? Our front desk team is happy to assist you during your next visit.
Simply present it at checkout like any standard credit card. New accounts are active as soon as you’re approved.
CareCredit covers a wide range of your pet’s healthcare needs, including preventive care, diagnostics, surgeries, dental procedures, prescriptions, and more.
Most insurers reimburse you after your visit. You just need to submit your receipt and claim form. Some companies even offer direct payment to veterinarians.
No. Pawlicy Advisor is an independent tool designed solely to help pet parents compare plans. It’s free to use, unbiased, and doesn’t require you to enroll in any particular policy.
Think about what’s most important for your pet, whether that’s emergency coverage, ongoing illness support, or routine preventive care. Pawlicy Advisor uses your preferences to recommend the best-fitting options based on your pet’s profile and your budget.
Most wellness exams take 30 minutes or less, depending on your pet’s needs and whether vaccines or screenings are performed.
Absolutely, since indoor pets can still develop dental disease, arthritis, parasites, and other health issues that benefit from early detection.
Puppies and kittens begin their vaccine series at 6–8 weeks old and continue every few weeks until fully protected.
Yes, we do. Senior pets benefit from more frequent exams, specialized diagnostics, and lifestyle adjustments to help them feel their best as they age.
After a physical exam and diagnostics, we’ll review all treatment options with you and help you make an informed, confident decision.
We use modern pain management protocols so your pet wakes up with minimal discomfort, and we send home pain medication suited to your pet’s needs to ensure their comfort during recovery.
Most pets recover within 10 to 14 days, depending on the type of surgery. We’ll provide a clear, step-by-step home care plan.
Yes, every surgical patient is monitored continuously by a dedicated technician using state-of-the-art equipment to ensure safety from start to finish.
It’s normal for pets to be sleepy, wobbly, or have a reduced appetite for the first 24 hours. Our team will review everything to expect, including signs of potential issues, before you head home.
Most pets benefit from annual teeth cleanings, though some may need them more frequently depending on breed, age, or dental history.
Yes. Anesthesia allows for a safe, pain-free cleaning below the gumline and ensures we can thoroughly examine and treat each tooth.
Bad breath, drooling, pawing at the mouth, red gums, loose teeth, or reluctance to eat are common indicators. If you notice any of these, schedule an exam right away.
Absolutely. Daily brushing, dental chews, and veterinarian-recommended oral rinses can significantly slow plaque buildup between professional cleanings.
Yes, you can schedule your pet’s dental evaluation or cleaning at either Colonial Animal Hospital or Colonial Gateway.
Most pets tolerate acupuncture extremely well. The needles are very thin, and pets typically relax once the needles are placed and they’re able to rest without being disturbed.
This varies by condition. Some pets show improvement after just one treatment, while chronic conditions may require ongoing sessions.
Yes, acupuncture is often especially helpful for aging pets dealing with joint pain, stiffness, or chronic health issues.
Absolutely. Acupuncture works wonderfully alongside traditional veterinary care, physical therapy, and pain-management medications.
Most sessions last 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your pet’s needs.
Our facility fills quickly, especially during summer and holidays, so we recommend reserving your pet’s stay as early as possible.
Bringing your pet’s usual food is highly encouraged to help maintain digestive stability. You’re also welcome to bring a favorite toy or blanket if you’d like.
Dogs must be current on Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, and canine flu vaccines. Cats must be current on Rabies and FVRCP. A negative fecal test within the past 12 months is required for all guests.
Yes. Our trained team can administer prescribed medications, ensuring your pet stays on track with their treatment plan.
Dogs must be current on Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella, and canine flu. Cats must be current on Rabies and FVRCP. All pets must also be parasite-free, on preventives, and have a negative fecal test within the last 12 months.
Most pets benefit from grooming every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on breed, coat length, and shedding patterns. Long-haired breeds may require more frequent visits to prevent matting.
Yes. Our groomers are skilled at handling pets with a wide range of temperaments. If your pet is highly anxious, we may recommend sedation grooming to ensure a safe, stress-free experience.
You’re welcome to bring a preferred shampoo or a comfort item, but it isn’t required, as our grooming team provides everything needed for a complete spa experience.
Absolutely. We offer full grooming services for both cats and dogs, including bathing, trimming, and coat maintenance for all feline coat types.
