FAQs
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.
Why Do You Do It?
Because we love the animals and love what we do. We never want to see an animal put to sleep or suffer simply due to financial constraints. We hope that with our affordable prices, people will never have to choose between saving their pet’s life or paying their bills. Learn more about our animal care team!
What about Emergencies or cases after business hours?
We do not keep emergency hours. If you have a pre-diagnosed pet who requires an emergency procedure after hours or on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, call our emergency number at 804-420-2770. We cannot always pull together a team, but if we can, we will!
A flat rate of $2195 including bloodwork for any procedure (other than a C-section) will be charged at the time of drop off for any after hours surgery.
If a C-section is needed, the rates including bloodwork is $2195 with spay or $3855 without spay assuming our veterinarian is able to save the uterus. (In some instances, the uterus can be compromised and an emergency spay may be required.)
This does not include a biopsy. For updated biopsy pricing and to confirm all current pricing, please visit our pricing page.
When handling an after-hours emergency, we call in only enough staff to complete your pet’s surgery. We always recommend you transfer your pet to your veterinarian or an emergency hospital for overnight monitoring at your expense. We also strongly recommend discussing follow up care with your primary veterinarian.
Drop Off/Pick Up Times
Drop-off is at 7:30 am. Plan to pick up your pet no later than 5:00 pm.
Occasionally pets will be ready to go home sooner, but we are unable to promise an earlier pickup. Pets not picked up by 5:15 pm will incur a staffing fee of $75 per 15 minutes.
What Do I Need To Do To Prepare My Pet For Their Appointment?
For pets over 5 pounds, please make sure your pet does not eat anything after 10:00 pm the evening before. It is okay to give water on the morning of your appointment. If your pet is 5 pounds or under, please give a small snack (3 pieces of dry food or 1 tsp of wet food) in the morning to prevent low blood sugar.
If they are dirty or have fleas, give them a bath. A dirty pet prior to surgery can lead to infection post-op. We do not have a bathing area. Your pet must arrive on a leash and your cat in a cat carrier.
How Do You Keep Your Costs Low?
Because pet surgery and pet dental care are all we do, we are able to handle a higher volume of cases safely and efficiently.
We are a day facility, meaning all of our patients arrive in the morning, then go home the same afternoon. By cutting out consultations and hospitalization services, we are able to avoid charging additional fees and keep costs to you as low as possible.
What If My Pet Is Sick?
Please visit your full-service veterinarian for a diagnosis first. If it is decided that your pet requires surgery, ask your veterinarian to fax or email us the notes. We will then contact you to set up an appointment.
Do I Get To Speak To The Veterinarian On The Phone Or In Person?
We keep our costs low by cutting out office visits and consultations, which incur additional fees. When your pet arrives at Helping Hands, you should already know what service they need. If your pet is facing a more detailed or challenging case, ask your full-service veterinarian to provide us with your pet’s information so that our doctors can understand how best to treat them.
If there is something specific the doctor needs to discuss with you, they will reach out. Please be sure to ask any/all questions you can think of. If our team doesn’t have an answer, we will try to get you one!
Dental Questions
How often does your pet need a dental? Take a look and smell. Bad breath, tartar, pain while eating, or chewing on only one side may indicate that your pet is in need of a dental cleaning. You may prefer to confirm with your full-service veterinarian that your pet needs a dental procedure, as one is often not necessary.
We see many pets semiannually or annually for dental cleanings. During this process, your pet will be examined by one of our veterinarians. They will then be sedated, and their teeth will be cleaned. The veterinarian will do a thorough oral exam, extracting loose or decayed teeth. The doctor will not call you prior to pulling teeth, as they will extract any/all teeth recognized as unhealthy from a visual exam.
You will be sent home with a dental chart describing your pet’s mouth and any needed medications. If dental radiographs are recommended by your regular veterinarian, have them performed prior to coming to us. They can be e-mailed or hand-delivered for our review.
What Should I Expect When I Pick Up My Pet?
You will receive written discharge instructions and all needed medications when you pick up. Depending on your pet’s procedure, they may/may not be mildly sedated when you pick them up. If your pet is having surgery, the area will be shaved.
Will My Pet Have To Spend The Night?
We are a day facility only. Pets are discharged at the end of the day. We or your full-service veterinarian may recommend post-op care. All post-op care should be provided by your full-service veterinarian or a veterinary emergency center.
Our services are intended to get your pet through surgery at a lower cost so that you will be able to afford post-op care if needed. We are available during normal business hours for suture removals or rechecks if related to a procedure performed in our hospital. Please call for availability.
Do You Offer A Payment Plan?
While we do not offer our own payment plan, we do offer flexible financing with the CareCredit credit card.
CareCredit gives you a convenient, flexible way to pay for care for the whole family—including pets! With no interest if paid in full within 6 months on qualifying purchases of $200 or more, you can pay over time with convenient monthly payments.* Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional balance is not paid in full within the promotional period. Minimum monthly payments are required.
See if you prequalify with no impact on your credit score.
*No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. For new accounts: Purchase APR (interest rate) is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Is This Facility Right for Me?
Our doctors and staff specialize in pet surgery and dentistry, and we are intimately familiar with these procedures from conducting them each day. This expertise allows us to treat more pets every day and keep patients under sedation for less time, further safeguarding their health.
Because we do not offer health consultations or overnight hospitalizations, our services will never incur additional hidden fees. However, this means we require that you know your pet’s health needs when you arrive. Please refer to your regular veterinarian if you need diagnostics or an examination. We are happy to communicate with these facilities if surgery is necessary.
Following your pet’s procedure, we recommend you follow up with your regular full-service veterinarian or a veterinary hospital for recovery. We will give you post-op care instructions when you leave. Our goal is to charge you only for care from our doctors, not an office visit or hospitalization, to keep the cost to you as low as possible.