This advice is directed towards adopters from Last Chance Animal Rescue. Other rescue groups and shelters may have other protocols in place but the following offers basic, common-sense information you will find useful.
The veterinary clinic you choose should be clean and odor free. Vets, staff and technicians should be polite, helpful and happy to answer your questions. If they are not, try another clinic. Write down any questions that you have for the vet before your visit so that you do not forget anything. While the vet is talking, it’s a good idea to take notes as there can be a lot to remember.
If you adopt from Last Chance Animal Rescue, your new pet will have been spayed or neutered, dewormed, tested negative for feline leukemia and feline AIDS and had a series of vaccinations. They will also have been treated for fleas, ticks and ear mites.
Because almost all of Last Chance animals are rescued from high kill shelters and may have been exposed to contagious diseases, it is extremely important that your new pet be quarantined from any other animals for a period of two weeks after adoption.
When you take your new pet home, your initial veterinary office visit should be to establish a shots schedule, check for any unforeseen issues, and address any residual parasites. The visit should include a full physical examination. The cost will likely range between $40 and $85.
Your new feline pet will also need a fecal test, and it is extremely important to bring a recent stool sample on the first veterinary visit. The vet will examine it microscopically for parasites and worms. The fecal test may cost between $15 to $35.
Depending on the results the cat may need additional deworming. This is not unusual as deworming is an ongoing process rather than a single event. The cost is generally between from $10 to $25.
If the cat is sneezing or coughing it may need antibiotics. Rarely will your kitty need x-rays or blood tests, which can be expensive. If this is the case please call us and we can get you in to see our vet.
If your cat is not eating or drinking you must get immediate vet care. You can call the emergency number on our office recording, and the number is also listed on your contract. Please do not call the emergency number with routine questions.
We can often help you with advice, and we also have our own veterinary clinic that you can visit.