FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.

We proudly serve the pets of Penticton, BC and beyond.

At Anderson Veterinary Clinic, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 250-493-0503 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
How do I book an appointment?
Booking an appointment is available through our website, the Petdesk app or calling our office
Are we accepting new patients?
Yes we are! Please note that there may be a wait list for new patients due to high demand. We are trying our best to accommodate our clients and triage urgent cases.
Do we offer payment plans?

We take Scratchpay.

Do I need an appointment for drug refills?
The Anderson Veterinary Clinic and its veterinarians are licensed through the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia. Without that license we are not permitted to practice veterinary medicine. In addition to this provincial accreditation, we also have to follow the Pharmacy Operations and Drug Scheduling Act. This means that as veterinarians we have a legal responsibility when selling or dispensing medications. We are potentially liable for any adverse reactions or drug interactions that may occur as a result of dispensing any product. If we have not seen your pet recently, we can’t be sure the medication is appropriate for the condition.

These rules can often be difficult for our staff to explain to clients who come to the clinic to purchase a product assuming they can do so without having a veterinarian examine their animal. We understand that this may be inconvenient, but regulations exist to protect the well-being of your pet and we are duty-bound to abide by them.

Why does my pet need a physical examination before receiving a vaccination?
The physical exam helps the veterinarian determine whether your pet is well enough to receive the vaccination. The physical exam also enables the veterinarian to find any health problems.
What happens after my pet is dropped off for surgery?
Once they are with us, we again examine them to make sure we are feeling confident we can give sedation and possibly a general anesthetic. We may take blood to for pre-anesthetic testing to help look for issues. Your pet is then given a sedation injection. This makes things smoother for going forward with a general anesthetic. This could also be what is required for the procedure that your pet needs.

After your pet has had the necessary procedure needed, next, we make them comfortable with blankets, heating and monitoring. As the day progresses and they start to awake they are nearing time to go home.

At any point in the day, we would gladly have you call us to see how your pet is doing. We can keep you updated on how awake they are and when would be good to go home.

What do I do if my pet is having an emergency?
Call Ahead. During our regular business hours, call us as soon as possible. We will do our best to prioritize your pet’s needs. If your emergency is occurring outside of our regular hours, please call Fairfield Animal Emergency (250 – 860 – 6550) to let them know you are on your way.

Please be advised, there could be an emergency fee applied if we need to move an appointment to accommodate the emergency.

Do you see any pets other than cats and dogs?
Yes, we also see pocketpets: Ferrets, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Rodents (Rats, Hamsters, Gerbils, etc.)
Do you offer boarding?
No. Unfortunately, we are not set up for around the clock care.
What does is cost to spay/ neuter my pet?
The cost of a spay/neuter can vary so much. We recommend coming in for a pre-surgical exam prior to booking a surgery appointment so we can provide an accurate treatment plan.
Will my pet see the same doctor/technician each visit?
Just like your own family doctor or dentist, everybody is happier when you get to see the same veterinarian each time you come in. When you call to schedule an appointment for your pet, you can request that it be with your usual doctor. (Or if you want to try someone new, you can request that as well!) The doctors have their own schedule for surgery and appointments so hopefully we can accommodate your request. If your pet is sickand really needs to be seen that day and your preferred vet isn’t available, PLEASE don’t wait! See the doctor that is on shift at that time! We all talk to each other and collaborate on cases.