FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Bryn Mawr Veterinarians Provide Answers

Do you have any questions you would like added to our frequently asked questions page? If so, please contact us. If you have a question about your pet, call (610) 557-3919 to schedule an appointment with our friendly staff.

What are the hospital’s hours?

Bryn Mawr Veterinary Hospital is open Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 5:30pm and Saturday: 8:00am – 1:00pm. We are closed on Sundays.

Do I need to have an appointment?

Yes, we require appointments for your pet to be seen by a doctor. If you prefer, we also offer drop-off service for non-urgent examinations, in which your pet can be dropped off in the morning and picked up from the hospital after their examination. This helps reduce your wait time and ensures that the doctor will have plenty of time for you and your pet.

Does it matter if I see a different veterinarian every time I bring my pet to Bryn Mawr Veterinary Hospital?

Although we always offer the option for you to choose which doctor you will see during your appointment, our doctors work cohesively to ensure that each and every one of them is equipped to see any patient that walks through the door, regardless of who was the last to see your pet. Each has access to your pet’s medical history and has been well-trained to be able to detect and address any health issues your pet may have.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, all major credit cards, and checks.

What does my dog need to attend doggy daycare?

To join our fun-loving doggy daycare pack, your dog must be up-to-date on their rabies, distemper, canine influenza vaccines, and bordetella vaccines, as well as have a current fecal examination on record.

Do you board pets?

We do board pets! See our boarding page for details.

What are your kennels like?

Our kennels are entirely indoors, and cats are housed separately from dogs. We offer a brand new selection of pampering options for your pet’s stay with us, including, but not limited to, daycare, deluxe bedding, and a specialty snack menu! See our boarding page for details.

Why does my cat need vaccines if it is an indoor cat?

All cats, regardless of indoor/outdoor status, are required by Pennsylvania Law to be vaccinated against the rabies virus. Although your cat may not go outside, it is not unheard of for bats to enter houses, and bats can be carriers of the rabies virus.

Feline “distemper,” or FVRCP, is the other core vaccine for cats. FVRCP stands for Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, and Panleukopenia vaccine. These are primarily very serious forms of respiratory diseases, which used to kill many cats, but with increased vaccination, the deadly effects of these viruses have been dulled to mild symptoms. In non-vaccinated populations, the diseases still exist and can be lethal to cats. If we were to stop vaccinating our pets, the diseases could re-emerge in owned pets, bringing serious illness and death.

Why do I need to check a stool sample on a regular basis?

Stool samples are tested for intestinal parasites, which can be transmitted to your pet through contact with infected stool or by ingestion of small animals. It is possible for these parasites to be transmitted to humans, so periodic screening is recommended. Other preventive measures include washing your hands thoroughly after working in the yard, and covering sandboxes when not in use, as they are seen as excellent litter boxes for stray animals.

Why do you perform heartworm tests on my dog?

At Bryn Mawr Veterinary Hospital, we will perform a heartworm test on your dog annually starting at one year of age. This tests for heartworm plus three tick-borne diseases: Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis.

Heartworm larvae can be transferred to your dog via a mosquito bite, which can then develop into worms that live in the heart. It can lead to coughing, exercise intolerance, and reduced appetite, and can ultimately be fatal if untreated. Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis can all be transmitted to your dog via ticks, and have signs including lameness, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If left untreated, these diseases can result in damaged joints, blood disorders, or blindness.

The good news is these are all preventable with heartworm preventative medication, and that with early detection and treatment, your dog can have a full recovery from these symptoms! Some of these infections may not be cured completely, but early intervention leads to the best prognosis. Early detection and intervention is key to why we recommend testing annually – we’d like to keep your pet in the best health we can!

Why do you recommend monthly flea and tick prevention?

Fleas and ticks are carriers of disease and can lead to problems ranging from mild skin irritation to potentially fatal diseases. To deter these potential problems from even occurring, we recommend staying on top of your monthly preventatives.

Do you provide pharmacy services? What about online pharmacies – are they cheaper?

We do have a fully stocked pharmacy on the premises! For your convenience, we can fill prescriptions during your pet’s visits with the doctor, or you can call ahead and we will have it filled and waiting for you at the front desk. Online pharmacies can be convenient, but we prefer you come to us or your local pharmacy to ensure the manufacturer’s guarantees and benefit from the extra value in old-fashioned service that the online pharmacies cannot provide.

Why should I spay or neuter?

We recommend spaying or neutering your pets, as not only does it prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens, but it also reduces many of the frustrating behavioral problems associated with mating instincts. Spaying or neutering also generally reduces the inclination to roam and has a calming effect on the pet’s behavior. In addition to behavior modification, it also helps protect from some serious health problems later in life, including uterine infections, breast cancer, prostatic disease, and testicular cancer.

Spaying or neutering does not affect your pet’s intelligence or ability to learn, play, work, or hunt.

At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

We spay or neuter pets beginning at approximately six months of age. Your pet should be examined prior to surgery to help determine whether they are healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery, as well. We offer pre-anesthetic bloodwork to test liver and kidney function prior to anesthesia, as well as pre-operative electrocardiogram, which can detect electrical disturbances in the heart that cannot be found solely by listening with a stethoscope.

My pet has had an emergency, where can I take him?

Ryan Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania

215-746-8911

3900 Spruce Street (free parking lot)

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Metropolitan Veterinary Associates and Emergency Services

610-666-1050

2626 Van Buren Avenue

Valley Forge, PA 19482

I have found injured/orphaned wildlife. Where can I take it?

You can bring injured/orphaned wildlife to:

The Schuylkill Wildlife Center

215-482-8217

304 Port Royal Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19128

Or birds to:

Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research

302-737-9543

170 Possum Hollow Road

Newark, DE 19711

What Makes Us Your Best Choice for Your Beloved Pet

  • Five Decade of Care

    For more than 50 years Bryn Mawr Veterinary Hospital has been proudly serving our community's animals' needs.

  • It Takes a Team

    At Bryn Mawr Veterinary Hospital we believe that by working as a team we can create the best care for your beloved pet.

  • Your Pet is Our Priority

    Your beloved pet is always our first priority, we believe in providing high-quality care to ensure your pets have a healthy, happy, and long life.

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