Frequently Asked Questions

Following are some of our most frequently asked questions and the answers we provide our clients. If a question you have doesn’t appear below, please don’t hesitate to call us, and we will be glad to assist you.

Q. Do I need an appointment?

We are a walk-in clinic, so you do not need an appointment. We allow you to bring your pet whenever it is convenient for you.

Q. What are your hours?

Our clinic hours are as listed below:

Colerain Township, OH
Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm
Saturday, 8am-2pm
Closed Sunday & holidays

West Chester, OH
Hours:
Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm
Saturday, 8am-2pm
Closed Sunday & holidays

Ft Wright, KY
Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm
Saturday, 8am-2pm
Closed Sunday & holidays

Florence, KY
Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm
Saturday, 9am-2pm
Closed Sunday & holidays

Springdale, OH
Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm
Saturday, 9am-2pm
Closed Sunday & holidays

Q. What do I do if I have a veterinary emergency?

For after-hours veterinary emergencies, we recommend you call Grady Veterinary Hospital at (513) 931-8675 Greater Cincinnati Emergency Services at 859-572-0560.

Q. How do I pay for my veterinary visit?

Payment in full is expected at the time of the service. We accept cash, checks and all major credit cards. To help guardians with planning and managing their finances for their pets' veterinary services, Noah’s Ark also offers CareCredit. Speak to a clinic receptionist about how we can best accommodate your needs.

Q. We just found a stray pet, what do we do?

Good question. We get calls like this frequently. The first thing you need to do is see if the pet has a rabies tag on its collar. If so, the tag should have the phone number to the pet’s veterinarian. Please first call the number on the tag. They may be able to help identify the pet’s owner. You can also take the pet to a veterinary clinic or shelter to have it scanned for a microchip. If there are no tags on the pet you have found, you should contact your local Animal Shelter.

Q. How can I make my pet's visit to the vet less stressful?

First, come prepared with a leash or cat carrier for the safety of your pet and other pets in the clinic. Although your pet may be fine off-leash, other patients in the clinic may feel stress, which may make your pet nervous. Second, practice positive reinforcement. Bring a few of your pet’s favorite treats to the visit. By rewarding your pet, you may help her actually learn to look forward to the visits. If you pet is particularly nervous or has a history of aggression, contact our front desk for suggestions on how we can help accommodate you and your pet.

Q. What is a WellPlan Exam?

WellPlan exams are the foundation of your pet's health care program. We agree with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) that twice a year, preventative care exams are critical to your pet's health and well being. We recommend, at minimum, you take your pet to the veterinarian yearly for an exam and to update vaccinations. Pets age quicker than people. This means medical problems can develop much faster as well. It has been demonstrated that the sooner an issue is diagnosed and treated, the better the outlook will be.

Q. How should I care for my dogs/cats teeth?

Dental care, as well as daily brushing, should start early in life. An oral examination will detect problems early and help determine when dental scaling, polishing and sealing are needed. We help make this financially feasible keeping our prices reasonable.

Q. Why do you need a fecal sample if I can’t see any worms?

When we perform an intestinal parasite screen, a fecal sample is examined under the microscope. Not all adult worms shed segments that are visible to the naked eye. With the use of the microscope we are able to determine if parasites are present by the presence of eggs.

The cost of an intestinal parasite screen is $14.

Q. What is “kennel cough?”

Kennel cough is a respiratory disease usually contracted in areas where large numbers of dogs are housed. The most common symptom is a dry hacking cough sometimes followed by retching. Many owners describe the cough as having a “honking sound”. A watery nasal discharge may also be present. With mild cases, dogs continue to eat and be alert and active.

Q. What is parvo and how does my dog get it?

Parvo is a viral intestinal disease usually affecting unvaccinated puppies. The virus invades the cells of the intestine, leading to severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and death if not treated aggressively and immediately. It is contracted by contact with the virus either through infected feces or in the environment. Vaccination is critical to preventing this disease. If you suspect your puppy has Parvo, it needs to be seen immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Q. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

We recommend spaying or neutering your pet between 4 and 6 months of age. Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

Q. How does my pet get fleas and ticks?

Pets get fleas from other animals – pets, strays or local wildlife. The flea eggs get spread by these animals, and they are dropped into your yard or environment. As the eggs mature, the fleas jump onto your pet. Ticks are usually picked up in the woods or high grasses, typically where they wait patiently for a host. They linger until a human or animal "vehicle" walks by, and then hitch a ride on the animal fur, human clothes, or skin. While keeping a pet clean helps prevent some infestations, even indoor pets can pick up parasites. A good preventive is your best insurance against these annoying and unhealthy pests.

Q. Is a flea collar a good choice for my pet?

Sadly, fleas have become resistant to the class of insecticides, called pyrethroids, contained in many over-the-counter preventives such as flea collars. We recommend you discuss the proper preventive for your pet with your veterinarian at your annual wellness

Q. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?

This is a blood test that is run prior to surgery. It tests the organ functions and blood counts. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

Q. Why does my pet need to have blood work done before undergoing anesthesia?

Performing blood work before anesthesia alerts the doctor to potential risks your pet may have in undergoing anesthesia. The pre-anesthetic blood screen shows liver and kidney values, blood cell counts, glucose levels, etc. If the blood work is abnormal, the scheduled procedure may need to be rescheduled and additional testing may be needed.

Q. When should I start a training program for my pet?

Training any animal begins as soon as you bring your new pet home. Even a young puppy or kitten will respond to repeated rewards for good behavior. We recommend enrolling in obedience training classes. This will equip you with tools for fundamental training, such as house-training, and give both demonstration and hands-on experience.
Behavioral problems should be brought up at your annual wellness visit, where we can discuss the issues and give you expert advice or guidance.

Q. What should I feed my pet?

Begin discussing the best foods for your pet at your wellness visits. Your veterinarian is able to advise you on the most current research in this area, as well as the newest pet food products.