What to confirm before surgery day
Before the day of the procedure, it often helps to confirm the details directly with the clinic. Check the planned procedure, the expected drop-off and pick-up times, and any forms that should be completed in advance. Ask whether pre-anesthetic bloodwork or imaging is needed beforehand, and whether results from your primary veterinarian can be shared ahead of time. Confirming these points early reduces last-minute uncertainty and helps the surgical team plan appropriately. If anything about your pet's health changes before surgery, let the clinic know promptly, because the plan may need to be adjusted depending on the individual patient.
| Records to bring | History, recent bloodwork, imaging, vaccination status |
|---|---|
| Fasting | Typically the night before — follow your clinic's exact timing |
| Medications | Ask which to continue or pause; never stop without guidance |
| Arrival | Allow extra time; bring a leash or secure carrier |
Records, bloodwork and medications
Recent records help the surgical team make safe, informed decisions. Where possible, bring your pet's medical history, recent bloodwork, any relevant imaging and current vaccination status. A written list of all medications and supplements — including doses and timing — is especially useful. Some medications are typically continued before anesthesia while others may be paused, but this depends on the drug and your pet, so always ask the clinic rather than deciding alone. Never stop a prescribed medication without veterinary guidance. If your pet has a known condition such as diabetes or heart disease, mention it early so the anesthetic and monitoring plan can be tailored.
Fasting and anesthesia instructions
Fasting instructions exist to support anesthetic safety, and they should be followed precisely. Many clinics ask that food be withheld the night before, while water is often allowed until a stated time — but the exact window depends on your pet's age, size and health, so use the instructions your clinic provides. Very young, very small or diabetic patients sometimes follow different guidance. The AAHA anesthesia and monitoring guidelines emphasise individualized planning and careful monitoring throughout the procedure. If you accidentally feed your pet outside the fasting window, call the clinic before travelling, because the team may need to reschedule for safety reasons.
Transport and arrival
A calm arrival can make a real difference for an anxious dog or cat. Plan to leave earlier than usual so you are not rushing, and use a secure leash for dogs or a stable carrier for cats. Keeping the environment quiet during transport often helps reduce stress. On arrival, the team will typically review the plan, confirm contact details and answer questions before admitting your pet. Allow time for this check-in. If your companion becomes very stressed by travel, ask the clinic in advance whether any anxiety-reducing strategies are appropriate, as recommendations vary depending on the patient.
What to bring on the day
Bringing a few practical items can help your pet feel more settled and give the team useful information. Consider a current medication list, any relevant records not already shared, and a familiar blanket or item if the clinic allows it. Make sure your phone is reachable so the team can update you during the day. For cats, a secure, well-ventilated carrier is best; for dogs, a properly fitted leash and collar or harness. Confirm pick-up arrangements before you leave. These are general suggestions — your clinic may have specific requests, so follow their guidance for your individual situation.
What not to do before surgery
A few common missteps are worth avoiding. Do not feed your pet outside the agreed fasting window, and do not give any new medications or supplements without checking first. Avoid strenuous exercise immediately beforehand, and try not to introduce stressful changes to your pet's routine the night before. If your pet seems unwell — for example vomiting, coughing or unusually lethargic — contact the clinic before travelling rather than proceeding, because surgery may need to be postponed for safety. When in doubt, call and ask; the team would always rather answer a question than have a preventable issue arise on the day.
Talk through your companion's case with our team
Every recommendation depends on an individual veterinary evaluation. Book a consultation or reach out — we are happy to help you understand the options.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Should my pet fast, and exactly when should food and water be withheld?
- Which of my pet's medications should continue or pause before anesthesia?
- What pre-anesthetic bloodwork or imaging is recommended first?
- What are the drop-off, pick-up and contact arrangements for the day?
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Should my dog fast before surgery?
Often, yes — many clinics withhold food the night before to support anesthetic safety, and water is frequently allowed until a stated time. The exact window depends on your pet's age, size and health, so always follow the specific instructions your clinic gives you.
Can my pet take regular medications?
It depends on the medication. Some are typically continued and others may be paused before anesthesia. Bring a full list and ask the clinic which to give and when. Never stop a prescribed medication without veterinary guidance.
What records should I bring?
Where possible, bring recent history, bloodwork, any imaging, vaccination status and a current medication list. Sharing these in advance with the surgical team can help them plan appropriately for your individual pet.
What if my pet seems sick before surgery?
Call the clinic before travelling. If your pet is vomiting, coughing or unusually lethargic, the team may recommend postponing for safety. It is always better to check than to proceed when something seems wrong.