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Surcharges

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.