Hospital FAQs

One-of-a-kind vets for one-of-a-kind pets.

General Questions

Q. Does the new building include shelter or adoption facilities for your rescue animals?

A. No the Community Animal Hospital (CAH) will be used to provide medical treatment and care to dogs and cats. Our capital campaign continues to focus on the funds needed to re-build the shelter lost in the April 2007 fire. Click here to read more about our campaign.

Q. Can anyone make an appointment at the hospital?

A. Yes anyone is welcome to make an appointment to bring their cat or dog to the hospital. We offer a full range of services at affordable prices for all customers.

Q. Can I make an appointment for my rabbit, iguana or ferret?

A. Our focus will be on dogs and cats. We can provide information on veterinary practices that do offer care for other companion animals.

Q. Will you provide credit or payment plans?

A. The hospital will not be able to provide credit or payment plans however we will have one or more third party services customers will be able to apply to if credit is needed.

Q. Will you offer cat or dog boarding?

A. That is not a service we are able to offer.

Q. The Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is a non-profit organization. What happens to the revenue that the hospital will generate?

A. After all hospital operating expenses are covered any and all remaining dollars will benefit the JHS mission and programs.

Services Questions

Q. Why do dogs and cats over 5 years old require pre-anesthesia blood work and when over 8 years geriatric blood work before surgery?

A. As animals age there is the potential for development of conditions that can make routinely used anesthesia drugs difficult for their system to handle. Blood work can help identify problems that should be considered before anesthesia is administered and helps lower the risk of potential complications.

Q. What is the earliest age spay/neuter surgery can be done for my puppy or kitten?

A. Surgery can be done as early as 8 weeks of age.

Q. Is dental care something my pet needs to stay healthy?

A. Bad breath from your pet is no smiling matter. Oral disease can lead to serious consequences for both cats and dogs. This can include serious infections, severe pain and even organ damage. With regular oral health maintenance and check-ups, most of these problems can be avoided. Check your pet between visits for these warning signs:

Tartar buildup on the teeth
Swollen, receding or bleeding gums
Fractured or abscessed teeth
Change in eating habits
Bad breath

Keep these three important steps in mind:
STEP 1: Bring your pet in for a dental exam if you suspect a problem, don’t wait for their annual checkup.
STEP 2: Begin a dental care regimen at home.
STEP 3: Schedule regular veterinary checkups for oral cleanings and maintenance.

These simple steps will ensure proper pet dental health care for your pet!

Any proceeds from the JHS Community Animal Hospital will benefit

the mission and programs of the Jacksonville Humane Society.