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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 companion animal's health changes before surgery, let the clinic know promptly, because the plan may need to be adjusted depending on the individual patient.
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| Records to bring | History, recent bloodwork, imaging, vaccination status |
|---|---|
| Fasting | Follow the fasting and water instructions provided by the clinic |
| 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 companion animal'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 companion animal, so always ask the clinic rather than deciding alone. Never stop a prescribed medication without veterinary guidance. If your companion animal 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. Food and water instructions depend on the patient and procedure. Confirm the timing with your clinic rather than using a general overnight rule. 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 companion animal 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 companion animal. 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 companion animal 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 companion animal 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 companion animal's routine the night before. If your companion animal 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.
Questions to ask your veterinarian
- Should my companion animal fast, and exactly when should food and water be withheld?
- Which of my companion animal'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?
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Sources & further reading
For more detail on the topics in this guide, explore these professional resources.
American Animal Hospital Association
2020 AAHA Anesthesia and Monitoring Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (opens in a new tab)Individual pre-anesthetic assessment, monitoring and the transition into recovery.
American Animal Hospital Association
Section 3: Responsibilities Before Referral (opens in a new tab)The clinical question, records and responsibilities to clarify before a referral.
This guide provides general educational information and does not replace an individual veterinary examination or case-specific advice.