Understanding Surcharges

High-Risk Cases

• Seniors (Pets Over 8 Years Old):
  • Pets aged 8 years and older are considered seniors. While they are not automatically classified as high risk prior to the veterinarian’s exam, owners should be aware that older pets have a higher risk of complications.
  • Important Note:
    Your animal will not receive pre-operative bloodwork at Friends of the Animals Community Spay & Neuter Clinic. If you choose for the animal to have such bloodwork, you understand that it must be performed at a full-service veterinary clinic within 30 days of the surgery date.
  • The veterinarian may require a high-risk protocol after the exam, which includes an additional $50 surcharge.
  • Additional Consent Required:
    An additional high-risk consent form/signature will be collected to move forward with the procedure, if allowed per the veterinarian’s discretion.
• Obese/Overweight Pets:
  • Definition: Pets with a Body Condition Score (BCS) of 7 or higher are generally considered overweight or obese.
  • Additional charges or the potential declining of surgery for the day will be at the veterinarian’s discretion after the exam.
  • Surcharges:
  • $50 for small/medium dogs and cats under 50 lbs.
  • $75 for large dogs weighing 50-79 lbs.
  • Additional Consent Required:
    An additional high-risk consent form/signature will be collected to move forward with the procedure, if allowed per the veterinarian’s discretion.
• Pregnancy:
  • Pets in obvious late-term pregnancy will be evaluated during the veterinarian’s exam.
  • As our mission is to prevent unwanted litters, there will be no extra charge for most pregnant pets.
  • If the veterinarian has concerns about a late-term pregnancy, the pet will be classified as high risk, and an additional fee of $50 will apply.
  • Additional Consent Required:
    An additional high-risk consent form/signature will be collected to move forward with the procedure, if allowed per the veterinarian’s discretion.
• Brachycephalic Pets:
  • Including, but not limited to, the following breeds: French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Boston Terriers, Mastiffs, Brussels Griffons, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apsos, Pekingese, and Pugs.
  • Brachycephalic pets are always considered high risk due to their unique anatomy, which includes:
  • Narrow airways
  • Elongated soft palates
  • Tracheal abnormalities
  • These factors increase the risk of complications during anesthesia, including breathing difficulties, respiratory depression, airway obstruction during recovery, and aspiration. These pets require careful monitoring and specialized care.
  • Surcharge: $75
  • Additional Consent Required:
    An additional high-risk consent form/signature will be collected to move forward with the procedure, if allowed per the veterinarian’s discretion.

Other:

• Cryptorchid Pets (Undescended Testicles)
  • Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum. In these cases, additional surgical time and skill are required, and surcharges will apply based on the complexity of the procedure.
    If the undescended testicle can be felt in the inguinal canal (near the groin), the surgery is typically straightforward. However, if the testicle cannot be located during the physical exam, it may be in the abdomen, and the procedure becomes exploratory.
    Because our clinic does not have ultrasound imaging, we are limited in our ability to locate abdominal testicles that are not externally palpable. In rare cases, despite our best efforts, the testicle may not be found during surgery. When this happens, the pet will need to be referred to a full-service veterinary hospital with diagnostic imaging capabilities.
    • If surgery is performed and the testicle cannot be found, the full cryptorchid surgery fee will still be charged to cover the cost of anesthesia and exploratory surgery.
  • Client Options:
    • If the testicle is not palpable at the time of exam, clients will be notified prior to surgery and given the option to:
      • Proceed with exploratory surgery at our clinic
      • Decline surgery and take the pet to another veterinary facility
        • In this case, the $50 deposit will be retained to cover exam and administrative costs.
    • If surgery is performed and the testicle cannot be found, the full cryptorchid surgery fee will still be charged to cover the cost of anesthesia and exploratory surgery.

    While these cases are not common, they do occur frequently enough that it is important clients understand the risks and limitations of performing this procedure at a facility without ultrasound.