Services

Parasite prevention is essential—not only for the sake of your pet but also for your family’s safety as well. Many parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to humans.

Because most puppies and kittens are born with intestinal parasites, we will start your new pet on a comprehensive deworming program during the initial exam. You will also be given additional medication, in the form of an appetizing liquid, to continue the process at home over the next several weeks.

As your puppy or kitten matures, our veterinarians will advise you regarding the best ways to prevent fleas, ticks, heartworms, and more.

We recommend that pets be spayed or neutered between 6–8 months of age. When you bring your pet to our hospital, rest assured that he or she will receive the best possible veterinary care.

Some spay or neuter facilities promise lower prices, but there’s a reason for that. In many cases, pre-and postoperative pain medication and appointment costs are added in after the fact—if pain medication is provided at all. At SVH, nothing is more important to us than ensuring your pet is safe, comfortable, and secure. We have strict safety protocols in place, and we are very proactive when it comes to pain management.

We want your pet to have a successful surgery and a positive overall experience. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because this way he or she won’t be afraid to receive veterinary care in the future.

The chewing. The scratching. The licking. These behaviors are all too familiar to many pet parents, and they can be symptoms of a significant health problem. It could be food or environmental allergies, an infection, stress, or any one of many issues, and it’s important your pet see the vet when these symptoms start to happen.

Symptoms of Skin Problems in Cats & Dogs:

• Excessive scratching, chewing, or licking
• Rashes
• Lesions
• Irritated or dry skin
• Scabs
• Red or inflamed skin
• Hair loss
• Rubbing of face against furniture or carpets

If your pet is exhibiting any of the symptoms above, schedule an appointment for your pet by calling us at  (805) 269-6696.

Domestic & International Health Certificates

If you plan to travel with your pet to another state or country, he or she may need a certificate of veterinary inspection. We can provide a health certificate that ensures your pet has met specific health criteria. Health certificates for domestic interstate and international travel have stringent rules veterinarians cannot bend.

When you contact us about providing a health certificate, be sure to provide the following information:

• The type of animal that will be traveling
• The country of destination
• The date of departure from the U.S.
• Whether your pet will be traveling alone, as cargo, or with a person in the cabin of the plane

For travel outside the U.S., you can look up the country you are traveling to and get helpful guidelines here. For detailed information about the steps in obtaining an international health certificate for your pet, visit the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service USDA APHIS website.

There is nothing more heartbreaking than losing a beloved family member. Thanks to microchips, we have been able to successfully reunite lost pets with their families on numerous occasions. Please contact us to learn more about this simple procedure or to schedule an appointment today.

Radiographs (x-rays) provide an immediate diagnostic tool for many conditions and are usually interpreted by the examining doctor. When consultation with a specialist is indicated, images are electronically transmitted to radiologists at The Animal Medical Center or Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners for review.

Ultrasonography is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that enables us to see soft tissue and organs under the skin. Ultrasonographers come to the clinic on an as-needed basis to perform abdominal ultrasounds and echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart). Patients should be fasted for abdominal ultrasounds so the gastrointestinal tract can be adequately imaged. In addition, their fur is shaved to obtain clearer images. Most animals do not need to be sedated for these procedures.

Health problems, injuries, and illnesses can happen at any time, and may need immediate attention. Please don’t hesitate to call or come in! When your pet urgently needs to see a veterinarian, SVH offers quality emergency and urgent care.

Urgent care—Our staff will work with you to have your pet seen as soon as possible. If your pet needs emergency or urgent care, please call or come in immediately. Our number is (805) 269-6696.

Visit us to treat the following:

• Laceration & cut repairs
• Various injuries
• Urinary obstruction
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased/loss of appetite
• Bite wounds
• Parasites
• Urinating blood & urinary changes
• Toxin ingestion
• Foreign body ingestion
• Skin infection
• Pain or limping
• Infections
• Upper respiratory infection
• Scooting
• Hair loss
• Toenail injuries
• Chronic diseases
• Rattlesnake bite