Frequently Asked Questions for Animal Care

All patients receive customized care to best fit their needs. Discuss your budget with your veterinary team before treatment. Call us at 601-856-5333 to request an estimate for your visit. 

Payment is expected at the time of services rendered. We accept cash, most credit cards, and checks. We also accept CareCredit. 

CareCredit is a credit card that can be used to pay for veterinary bills. As is the case with all credit cards, CareCredit charges fees and interest on purchases made with the card. It’s not a line of credit through your vet but a separate credit company you can use for a variety of pet health-related expenses. Go to CareCredit.com for more information.

We recommend yearly visits for most pets and biannual visits with our elderly patients. An annual exam includes a detailed physical exam by a doctor, any annual vaccinations needed, parasite screening, and other lab testing. This is also a great time to speak one-on-one with your doctor and answer any questions you may have. Senior pets are recommended to have comprehensive lab panels performed every 6 months, allowing for early detection of some common diseases and helping monitor existing concerns. Early detection leads to greater success in the treatment or management of many illnesses. 

No one enjoys bad breath! But more than that, your pet cannot express dental pain, and dental disease means heavy amounts of bacteria in their mouths. This bacteria is released directly into the bloodstream and can increase the risk for heart, liver, and kidney disease along with significant oral pain. Routine cleanings before significant periodontal disease occurs mean less time under anesthesia, reduce the need for advanced oral surgery, and increase the quality and length of your pet’s life. 

External parasites are often missed by owners of animals with thick coats or who spend more time outdoors. Fleas and ticks can carry serious diseases and make our pets very uncomfortable with constant scratching and painful skin. These are easily prevented and treated with the many safe and effective prescription products we carry. 

All Creatures recommends waiting until most pets are 6 months of age before a spay or neuter. We are happy to discuss specific details based on the species, breed, and size of your pet. There are many health and behavioral benefits along with preventing overpopulation. 

Yes! Mosquitoes carry and transmit heartworms. Here in Mississippi especially, these mosquitoes are found even during our colder months and even indoors! Mississippi was reported as one of the highest states of heartworm incidence in 2022, along with many other southeastern areas. You must have an annual heartworm test to obtain a prescription for heartworm prevention. 

Congratulations! It is best to establish care with your veterinary care team from the start. This way, we can be sure you are on the right track with vaccines, prevention, and at-home care. All previous medical records should be brought with you and/or sent to us ahead of time for the doctor to review. New patients and new clients will be expected to fill out paperwork when you arrive, so please come 15 minutes early to ensure you have plenty of time with our veterinary staff. Adult pets usually require annual vaccines, and most puppies and kittens will need 2-4 sets of vaccines by the time they turn 15 weeks old. We can’t wait to meet you and your new fur baby! 

A microchip is not a GPS locator. In the event your pet gets lost and is brought to a veterinary clinic or shelter, the microchip can be scanned, and the company will contact you to ensure your pet is returned safely to you. Microchipping involves inserting the chip under the skin at the back of the neck. The needle is slightly larger than most vaccine needles and can be done without sedation or under a routine procedure such as spay or neutering. You should keep up with your microchip information so you can update your contact info as needed. 

When you arrive, you will come into our front lobby and speak with our reception staff. They will get your pet checked in and begin any necessary paperwork. From there, a certified veterinary technician will meet you in the lobby to take you to one of our exam rooms. Your technician will ask you important questions, record any history given, and go over your pet's medical records to see what they are due for. Your pet is usually taken to our treatment room for their doctor's exam, any injections, blood draws, or procedures such as nail trims, ear cleanings, or radiographs. your veterinarian will come into the exam room and discuss exam findings, recommend any further work up, treatments or medications. Once a treatment recommendation has been made, the veterinarian can answer questions or concerns that you may have. Just ask a staff member should you want your pet to stay in the room with you during your appointment, and we will make any possible accommodations. 

We also offer drop-off appointments. Our veterinary staff members will call you to discuss history, recommended diagnostics, exam findings, and treatment plans. This is also an opportunity to discuss questions directly with your doctor. Please monitor your phone for any calls from us during the day. Pick-up is expected by 5:45 pm the same day as your drop-off unless otherwise specified by you or our veterinary staff. 

There are two emergency clinics in the Jackson metro area.

Animal Emergency & Referral Center- a Mississippi State University Extension. 

• Address: 1009 Treetops Blvd, Flowood, MS 39232

• Hours: Open 24 hours

• Phone: (601) 939-8999

Urgivet Emergency Vets of Madison

• Address: 15 Olympic Way, Madison, MS 39110

• Hours: Open 5 pm-7 am on weekdays and 24 hours from Friday evening to Monday morning.

• Phone: (601) 790-1918

During the day, our kennel staff members will take your dog out for individual outdoor time in one of our safe, fenced-in dog areas at least 3 times from opening to closing time. Your pet is always given fresh water and/or a litter box for our feline friends. You are welcome to bring your pet’s food for meal times, and please let us know if your pet needs to eat during a single-day stay.