Pre-Operative Information
To help your pet have the safest possible anaesthetic and recovery, please carefully follow the instructions below prior to their surgery.
Pre-Operative Information
Everything you need to know before your pet comes in for surgery
Fasting Instructions
Dogs and Cats
- No food after 8:00pm the night before surgery
- Fasting reduces the risk of vomiting during anaesthesia, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia
- Water is allowed overnight, but please remove it first thing on the morning of surgery
- Cats must be kept indoors overnight to prevent access to food
- Please walk your dog before admission to allow them to toilet
Surgical Admission
Our team will advise you of your admission time, which is usually between 8am-12pm
Admission takes approximately 10–15 minutes and includes:
- Updated weight check
- Pre-anaesthetic health assessment
- Confirmation of your pet’s procedure and current health status
- Collection of a contact phone number for the day
- Your signature on the surgical consent form
During admission, we will also discuss pre-anaesthetic blood testing if it has not already been performed.
Why pre-anaesthetic blood testing matters:
These tests assess liver and kidney function, which are vital for processing anaesthetic medications. While beneficial for all patients, they are strongly recommended for senior pets.
- Routine discharges are usually completed with a veterinary nurse, who will provide:
- Detailed home-care instructions
- Medication guidance
- Wound and suture
Estimates & Payment
- If an estimate has not already been provided, one will be given at admission
- While we aim to be as accurate as possible, some procedures may involve variables that cannot be predicted in advance
- Payment is required at the time of discharge
- If you plan to pay online or by a method other than cash or EFTPOS, please notify reception at admission
Your Pet’s Surgery
- Most scheduled surgeries are performed between 12:00pm and 4:00pm
- Timing may vary depending on the procedure and surgical schedule
- Dental procedures are typically performed after sterile and major surgeries
Recovery & Discharge
Once your pet is in recovery, we will call you with an update and arrange a discharge time.
Every pet recovers differently from anaesthesia, and some may take a little longer — often because they’re enjoying warm blankets and a well-earned rest.
- Most patients are ready for discharge between 3:30pm and 5:30pm
- Some cases require a discharge appointment with a veterinarian to discuss results or aftercare
- Routine discharges are usually completed with a veterinary nurse, who will provide:
- Detailed home-care instructions
- Medication guidance
- Wound and suture care
- Confinement and return-to-exercise plans
- Post-operative recheck appointments (no charge)
If your pet has a wound or sutures, we may recommend an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking and aid healing.
