Cat & dog surgery services in Buckeye, AZ

Yes. For their safety during the procedure, it’s important for your pet to be examined thoroughly by a veterinarian. This involves a nose-to-tail visual exam and bloodwork to get insight into your pet’s internal health. For most surgeries at Lovet, this means you’ll need to bring your pet in on a separate visit before the surgery can be scheduled.

You’re welcome to use pet insurance in conjunction with your pet’s surgery at Lovet, but coverage and reimbursement procedure may vary depending on your policy. Let your Lovet team know you plan to be reimbursed by your pet insurance policy and we’ll work with you to provide documentation.

Lovet Pay, our payment plan option, is offered at select locations and designed specifically to make procedures like surgery more affordable. Ask about Lovet Pay during your surgery consultation to see if you’re eligible. Learn more about Lovet Pay and other payment options. >

Anesthesia in pets works by blocking the signals between your pet’s brain and their nerves. Your pet is unconscious when under anesthesia, like being asleep, so they don’t feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. At Lovet, we have at least one person monitoring your pet’s vitals at all time while they are under anesthesia until they have recovered or “woken up” safely.

Spaying or neutering pets eliminates the risk of developing serious health conditions like certain cancers as well as significantly reduces the chances of developing others. In addition, the procedure prevents unwanted puppies and kittens and eliminates heat-related behaviors that can bother you or your neighbors. Learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering your pets. >

Aftercare depends on the type of surgery your pet will receive, and your vet will provide detailed and specific instructions for you to follow. Usually, that will involve antibiotics, pain management, and some length of time in which your pet’s movement should be restricted to avoid aggravating the surgery site. In addition, your pet will likely need close monitoring 24-36 hours after surgery, as they may be a little groggy or disoriented after anesthesia. Your pet may also need to wear an e-collar or “cone” to prevent them from disturbing the surgery site, or you may have specific instructions for physical therapy and rehab.

Pricing for surgeries at Lovet is variable, depending on the length and complexity of the surgery. Your team will walk you through an estimate of price at your initial consultation during your pet’s pre-op exam.

Most pets will need to refrain from running, jumping, playing, or any other strenuous activity after surgery to allow their surgery site to heal. You will also want to avoid giving your pet a bath or allowing them to swim for the duration of healing. Your Lovet vet will give you specific instructions on the day of your pet’s surgery.

Our team will reach out to check in with you to see how your pet is doing post-op. Depending on the surgery and what you report back to us, your vet may ask you to bring your pet back in for an in-person check-up.

It's true that all surgeries — whether for pets or people — involve some level of discomfort. We take your pet’s comfort very seriously at Lovet and pay special attention to administering pain control before, during, and after the procedure to safely minimize as much pain as possible.

Surgery is often a treatment for urgent needs like broken or fractured limbs, foreign body ingestion, infections like pyometra, or if your pet is struggling or unable to “go.” If you notice these or any other urgent symptoms, call Lovet or your closest emergency vet rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment. When in doubt, it's always safer to bring your pet in so we can help determine whether the situation requires immediate surgery.

Most pets are dropped off in the morning and go home the same day, once they're alert and recovering well from anesthesia. This is typically after several hours, often by late afternoon or early evening. Your Lovet team will give you a specific drop-off and pickup window based on your pet's procedure.

Recovery time varies based on type of surgery and complexity of case. Straightforward procedures like spay/neuter or dental work often involve a recovery period of a week or two, mainly focused on limiting activity and keeping the incision clean. More involved procedures, such as orthopedic surgery, can take several weeks to a few months for full healing. Your vet will give you a recovery timeline and aftercare instructions specific to your pet's surgery.