Disease Prevention

All hospitalized patients must be current on their rabies vaccinations. Dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations against DA2PP (Distemper, Adenovirus type 2, Parainfluenza, Parovirus) at recommended intervals. Cats must be up to date against FVRCP (Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus and Panleukopenia). This rule is strictly enforced in our effort to prevent transmission of contagious disease within the hospital itself.

Surgical Care

All elective surgery patients shall be admitted to the hospital prior to 10A on the scheduled day of surgery to allow proper pre-surgical care. In addition, these pets should receive no food after 12 midnight the night before admission, but access to water should be permitted. Telephone reports concerning these patients may be obtained after 3P on the day of surgery.

Telephone Information

For general information or to make appointments, please call during the hospital hours listed. For case reports on in-hospital patients or direct doctor contact, kindly call between 8:30A – 9A, 12 – 3P, 5:30P – 6P daily. If the doctor cannot come to the phone, your call will be returned promptly. If any unforeseen changes of a serious nature occur with hospital patients, the doctor will contact you immediately. This will allow the doctor to give you and your pet his or her undivided attention during office hours and surgery.

Visiting

During short hospitalizations, visiting will often have negative effects on your pet as well as on other pets in the hospital. For this reason, visiting is discouraged except under special circumstances, or during longer hospital stays.

Payment Policy

In fairness to all clients, payment for professional services is expected at the time of completion of those services. A deposit may be requested in advance for certain procedures. Clients are encouraged to discuss all fees with the doctor and estimates for all elective services will be provided upon request.

External Parasites

Any hospitalized pet found to be harboring external parasites will be treated at the owner’s expense. This is necessary to prevent spread to other pets, as well as contamination of the hospital itself.

Emergency Service

In case of after-hours emergencies, please call the KATONAH-BEDFORD VETERINARY CENTER (KBVC) at (914) 241–7700 or VETERINARY EMERGENCY GROUP (VEG) at (914) 949-8779. Both facilities are full service emergency hospitals open all night and on all holidays. Services range from emergency room outpatient care to intensive in-patient care. Close contact and communication are maintained between the Croton Animal Hospital and KBVC/VEG.
*For emergencies during hospital hours, please telephone ahead so the staff will know you are coming and make emergency preparations.

Hospital Admissions

For all scheduled procedures requiring in-hospital care (i.e. x-rays, dentistry, elective surgery, etc.), please be sure to have all pets on leash or in a suitable carrier box. This is for your convenience as well as to prevent the occasional escape of a pet on their way into the hospital. Also, please walk all dogs and allow them morning “relief” prior to admission to the hospital.

Hospital Discharge

All hospitalized pets are discharged during hospital hours. This will allow the doctor time to discuss the treatment the patient has received, to explain any medications dispensed and to answer any questions you may have regarding home care.

Home Care

Pets are usually not fed on the morning of discharge. This is done to prevent vomiting and diarrhea which often follow excitement upon greeting their owners. Upon arrival home, do not offer large quantities of food or water. Rather, give small quantities of tepid water and feed only a light meal one hour or more after returning home.

Appointments

All outpatient office visits are on an appointment-only basis. Any client arriving without a scheduled appointment (emergencies excepted) will be seen only if an opening exists so as to not penalize those who do have appointments.