Clinics - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Check-in process - questions about staying in the cars?

You will stay in your car with your animal(s) for check-in. Traffic control volunteers will line up cars in order of arrival, and you will be directed to drive through the intake line by our volunteers. The check-in process begins at 7:30 am, though cars begin lining up well before this time, as it is a first come, first served clinic. This process can take several hours in the morning. Please bring drinks and snacks, and plan your day accordingly. Please be patient and kind with our volunteers and staff.

Does my pet need vaccines before coming to the clinic?

Unvaccinated animals are more susceptible to contagious diseases., so vaccines are an important part of your pet’s health plan. Vaccines will be given for free at the clinic for animals getting surgery, so your pet does not need to be vaccinated prior to coming to the clinic. If your pet has had a rabies vaccine within the last year, please bring a copy of the rabies certificate from your vet.  A rabies tag alone is not adequate to prove vaccination.

How many animals can I bring?

There is no limit on the number of animals per car. Intake stops once we reach full capacity each morning.

Can I bring an animal if it is currently in heat?

Yes, although it does slightly increase the risk of surgical complications, animals that are in heat (estrus) can still have surgery at our clinic.  Please ask staff if you have specific questions.

Can I bring an animal that is pregnant or nursing?

Yes. All animals admitted will be sterilized, regardless of pregnancy status. If your pet recently gave birth and the puppies or kittens are nursing, please alert staff at the time of admission. If kittens are under 3 weeks old and you do not have a way to feed them at home, you may bring them in the carrier with the queen. Please alert the staff at the time of admission.

Are feral cats ok to bring in if the cats are in a permitted cat trap and covered?

We encourage people to trap and bring free-roaming cats to be sterilized. They must be in a humane trap and covered. The cats will be scanned for a microchip before surgery. If you are attached to your trap cover, please let the check-in team know so they can swap for a different cover, as they tend to get lost with our laundry. 

Are there breed/size restrictions for dogs?

This is a high-volume clinic designed to treat animals in overall good health.

We will accept all breeds and sizes of dogs within the following limits:

• must be at least 2 months of age AND 2 pounds in weight
• 10 years of age or younger
• in overall good health

A veterinarian will perform a brief physical exam before surgery to assess health prior to anesthesia. Please disclose any medical conditions or medications at the time of drop off.

This clinic can be a stressful environment for sensitive and/or aggression prone dogs. If your dog is aggressive, or noise-triggered, this is not the place for him/her.

What is ear tipping?

An ear tip is surgical removal of the tip of the left ear while the cat is under anesthesia, ¼ to ⅓ the length of the ear. This indicates the cat’s sterile status once returned to its colony or home. This will prevent the cat from being trapped repeatedly and undergoing unnecessary stress or trauma. Ear tipping will be required for all cats that arrive in traps. Ear tips will be strongly suggested for owners with indoor/outdoor cats at risk of being trapped.

Who are the veterinarians performing surgery?

Good Fix, a program of Greater Good Charities, deploys specially trained high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter (HQHVSN) surgical teams from all over the world. Our team consists of highly-experienced, and licensed (mostly volunteer) veterinarians from around the US traveling in to help the community.