FAQs

While we do welcome patients in need of urgent care, it is best to call ahead to reduce your waiting time and give our staff a moment to prepare for you. For routine wellness care appointments — including vaccinations — scheduling an appointments is preferred.

Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit®.

Payment is required at the time of service. We do accept CareCredit® which offers payment plans through a cardholder agreement. Please visit their website for further information.

While Spaying or neutering can be done at approximately 4-6 months of age, the best time to spay or neuter your pet may not be at 4-6 months of age. The “best” time for an individual depends on several of factors including species, breed, disposition, and lifestyle/environment. We will discuss what may be best for your pet after their initial examination. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. We also recommend a pre-anesthetic blood screen prior to anesthesia and surgery. Call us to schedule an appointment during which we can discuss these options and give you a full estimate for surgery.

This is a blood panel that our in-house lab processes prior to surgery. It checks the organ function and blood counts of your pet. This is done to help assure safety during surgery and the ability of your pet to heal post-op.

Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed 10-14 days following the surgery. For many routine procedures the sutures are placed under the skin and are dissolvable.

No, there is no medical advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However, there are plenty of advantages to having your pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include: decreasing the chances of breast tumors, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections (pyometra), decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate enlargement, helping prevent spraying and marking, and decreasing the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.

We do not offer boarding services at this facility; however, we can recommend a number of excellent boarding facilities. Give us a call for info!

Your pet’s first exam includes a comprehensive nose-to-tail physical evaluation, review of medical history, discussion of lifestyle and nutrition, and any immediate concerns you may have. Our veterinarian will recommend preventive care, vaccinations, and diagnostics, as needed, to ensure a personalized health plan for your pet.

We are a full-service animal hospital offering preventive care, veterinary diagnostics, pain management, puppy and kitten care, senior pet care, dental care, veterinary surgery, and health certificates. Our goal is to support your pet’s health through every stage of life.

We primarily operate by appointment to provide dedicated time for each patient. Same-day appointments may be available depending on scheduling and medical urgency. We encourage clients to call ahead so our team can best accommodate your pet’s needs and do so as efficiently as possible.

Yes, we are happy to schedule appointments with your preferred veterinarian whenever availability allows. We understand the importance of continuity of care and building trusted relationships, and our scheduling team will do its best to accommodate your request.

During your pet’s first visit, we’ll take time to get to know you and your pet. This includes a thorough physical exam, discussion of medical history, lifestyle, and preventive care needs. Our team strives to make the experience calm, informative, and stress-free.

Yes, we provide domestic and international health and travel certificates. Requirements vary by destination, so we recommend contacting us well in advance of your travel date. Our team will guide you through the necessary exams, vaccinations, and documentation to ensure a smooth process.

Wellness exams help detect potential health concerns early, often before symptoms become noticeable. Regular exams allow us to monitor your pet’s overall health, update vaccinations, discuss nutrition and behavior, and create preventive care plans that support a longer, healthier life.

Our facility, Lakewood Animal Hospital, is conveniently located at 36097 Goodwin Drive in Locust Grove, Virginia. We proudly serve pets and their families throughout the surrounding communities and look forward to welcoming you and your pet to our practice.

Vaccination schedules depend on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health status. Puppies and kittens require a series of vaccines, while adult pets typically need boosters annually or every three years. Our veterinarians tailor vaccination plans to provide optimal protection with minimal risk.

Signs such as lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained weight changes, limping, coughing, or behavioral changes may indicate underlying health issues. If you notice anything unusual or persistent, diagnostic testing can help identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays and ultrasound, can help identify abnormal masses or changes that may suggest cancer. While imaging alone cannot always confirm a diagnosis, it plays a vital role in early detection and helps determine whether further testing is needed.

Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery, your pet’s age, and overall health. Minor procedures may require only a few days, while more involved surgeries can take several weeks. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions to support a safe, comfortable recovery.

To schedule a surgical consultation, simply contact our office by phone or through our website. A veterinarian will evaluate your pet, discuss diagnostic findings, explain the recommended procedure, and answer any questions you may have before moving forward with surgery.

Yes, we offer professional dental cleanings performed under anesthesia. Dental cleanings include a thorough oral examination, scaling and polishing, and dental X-rays when indicated. Maintaining oral health is essential to preventing pain, infection, and systemic health issues in pets.

Professional dental procedures are performed under anesthesia, ensuring your pet is comfortable and pain-free during treatment. We also use appropriate pain management before and after the procedure. Addressing dental disease often relieves discomfort and significantly improves your pet’s quality of life.

Puppies and kittens should have their first veterinary visit between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Early visits allow us to begin vaccinations, discuss nutrition and parasite prevention, and ensure your new pet gets a healthy start with proper guidance and preventive care.

Senior pets benefit from veterinary visits at least twice a year. As pets age, health changes can occur more rapidly. Regular exams and screenings help detect age-related conditions early, allowing for timely treatment and improved comfort and quality of life.

Yes, Lakewood Animal Hospital welcomes patients from Locust Grove and the surrounding communities of Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg, Rhoadesville, and Unionville. We are located at 36097 Goodwin Dr, Locust Grove, VA 22508, and are accepting new patients. Call 540-972-2203 or book online.