Belleway Veterinary Hospital FAQs

It is an initiative and training program designed to reduce stress, fear, and anxiety in pets during vet visits and other care experiences. It involves educating veterinary professionals, trainers, and pet owners through a series of protocols that utilize methods like gentle restraint, positive reinforcement, and environmental changes to make experiences calmer and safer for both the pet and the care provider.

Cat-friendly means we are using specific criteria to reduce stress for cats and their owners during visits. For us, this means utilizing feline-friendly handling techniques, having a feline-friendly exam room, and meeting the specific needs of each individual cat.

We may recommend a PVP if we notice your pet’s level of fear or stress in the clinic is causing them emotional distress. Dogs and cats show fear and stress in different ways. Some may freeze and not take an offered treat, some may try to hide behind you, and others may growl or bite. Fear and stress can prevent your pet’s veterinary team from completing a true assessment of your pet’s health. These emotions can cause your dog to “hide” the limping you noticed at home, or may not allow your veterinarian to get close enough to perform a physical exam.

If your pet allows a physical examination, their stress may cause a falsely elevated temperature or heart rate, and increased or decreased reactivity to touch – interfering with an accurate and complete physical examination, and causing the loss of valuable clues about their health status. We take the emotional well-being to heart, just like their physical well-being.

Most puppies and kittens require exams, parasite checks, and vaccinations. Veterinary clinics can usually provide general estimates over the phone. Fees for similar services tend to be fairly consistent across clinics, but be sure to ask exactly what’s included in the price — and whether there are any additional costs.

Veterinary care is actually a great value relative to human medicine. Fees reflect the cost of maintaining modern facilities, trained staff, and medical equipment. Annual veterinary costs should be considered part of the long-term commitment of pet ownership — regardless of the pet’s initial purchase or adoption cost.

Veterinarians complete a minimum of six years of university-level education, including two years of pre-veterinary studies and four years in a veterinary medical program. This includes roughly 4,000 hours of classroom, lab, and clinical training. Their learning continues throughout their career through ongoing education and training.

Yes. Admission to veterinary schools is highly competitive. Applicants must complete their pre-vet studies with strong academic standing and may benefit from practical experience with animals or additional years of undergraduate education.

Like other professional services, veterinary fees are usually due at the time of service. However, you can always call your clinic ahead of time to ask about accepted payment methods or options. Many accept major credit cards, and some services can be spread out over time based on urgency and medical priority.

Spaying and neutering help control the pet population and provide significant health benefits. While these are major surgeries, they are routine procedures requiring anesthesia, sterile equipment, and a skilled surgical team. The cost is very reasonable when compared to the long-term cost of raising unwanted litters.

If you choose to take in a stray, you assume ownership and responsibility for its care. Veterinarians may work with you to develop a treatment plan, but it’s essential to define your financial commitment early. If you’re unable to provide care, contact a local animal shelter or humane society.

No. A rabies certificate only requires a rabies vaccine. However, this vaccine can’t be given without a physical exam. Your veterinarian will also recommend other important vaccines to keep your pet protected against common and potentially fatal diseases.

Yes. Many companies now offer third-party pet insurance. Coverage, premiums, and deductibles vary widely depending on the plan. Contact your veterinarian for information on which providers they recommend and how pet insurance could benefit your pet.

Veterinary fees are set by individual clinics and reflect differences in staffing, facilities, and the types of medications or technology used. While one procedure may appear similar on paper, the materials, anesthesia, post-op care, and monitoring protocols can vary significantly.