A hand gently pets a cat with its eyes closed

FAQs at Porter Square Veterinarian

Have questions about our services, policies, or how to care for your pet? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive at Porter Square Veterinarian.

Are You Currently Accepting New Clients?

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Yes, we are currently welcoming new clients at Porter Square Veterinarian. To get started, prospective clients will need to complete a new client intake form and provide their pet's previous medical history before we can schedule an initial exam. This helps our team prepare for your visit and ensures we have the background information needed to provide the best possible care for your pet from day one.

How Far in Advance Can I Schedule a Wellness Exam?

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Wellness exams can typically be scheduled about two weeks out, and we encourage booking your pet's annual checkup as early as possible to secure the time that works best for your schedule. If your pet needs to be seen sooner for an urgent concern, please call our team directly so we can help determine the most appropriate next step.

My Pet Has Diarrhea—How Concerned Should I Be?

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It depends on whether diarrhea is the only symptom your pet is experiencing. If your pet has diarrhea but is otherwise acting normally—eating, drinking, and behaving as usual—we recommend starting them on a probiotic and a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. We also recommend dropping off a stool sample so our team can screen for parasites and ova.

If your pet is experiencing additional symptoms alongside diarrhea, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, we recommend that they be seen urgently, either by our team or at an urgent care facility. A combination of symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying condition that warrants prompt emergency attention.

Will the Doctor Call Me With My Pet's Lab Work Results?

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Yes. Once your pet's lab work results are available, a doctor will call you with the findings as soon as they are back in the office. We know that waiting for results can be stressful, and we make it a priority to communicate findings to you as promptly as possible. If you have questions in the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

Do You Carry Prescription Diets?

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Yes. We carry both Royal Canin and Hill's Veterinary Prescription diets in clinic, as well as a limited selection of Purina veterinary diets. Because we stock only a small supply at any given time, we ask that existing clients call ahead to confirm that their pet's specific diet is available before making a trip to the clinic. Prescription diets require a valid prescription and are available to patients currently under our care.

I Found a Tick on My Pet—What Should I Do?

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You can safely remove a tick at home using a tick remover tool, available at most pet stores, or a fine-tipped pair of tweezers. Remove the tick as close to the skin as possible and avoid crushing or twisting it during removal.

After removal, make sure your pet is current on their monthly parasite preventatives. A heartworm and tick test is typically recommended 4 to 6 weeks following a tick bite. If your pet develops any symptoms in the days or weeks after the bite—such as lethargy, limb weakness, or loss of appetite—we recommend having them seen by our team for parasite control services regardless of how much time has passed.

Do You Offer Spaying, Neutering, and Other Surgical or Sedated Procedures?

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Yes. Porter Square Veterinarian offers a range of surgical and sedated procedures, including spaying and neutering, dental cleanings and oral surgery, and mass removals. We also perform non-invasive procedures such as ultrasound. All procedures involving sedation or anesthesia are performed with careful monitoring and individualized pain management to keep your pet comfortable throughout.

Do You Provide International Health Certificate Services?

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We do offer international health certificate services, but this is available exclusively to existing clients who have been receiving care at Porter Square Veterinarian for a minimum of one year. If you are planning international travel with your pet and meet this requirement, please contact our team as early as possible, as the documentation process for international travel can have specific timing requirements depending on your destination country.

Which Monthly Preventatives Do You Carry?

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We carry a full range of veterinarian-recommended flea, tick, and heartworm prevention products at our health store, including Heartgard Plus, Sentinel, Nexgard, Nexgard Combo for Cats, Simparica Trio, and Seresto Collars. Our team can help you determine which product is the best fit for your pet based on their species, lifestyle, weight, and health history. You can also purchase preventatives through our online pet health store for home delivery.

Which Vaccines Does My Dog or Cat Need?

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The rabies vaccine is required by law for both dogs and cats regardless of lifestyle. Beyond that, vaccine recommendations depend on your pet's species, age, and individual risk factors.

For cats, we recommend the Feline Distemper combo vaccine (FVRCP) and the Feline Leukemia vaccine in addition to rabies. For dogs, additional recommended vaccines include the Canine Distemper combo (DA2P-P), Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Flu, and Bordetella. Our team will review your pet's vaccination history at each visit and recommend a schedule tailored to their specific needs.