Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I schedule an appointment?

We are excited to announce our new online scheduler where you can check availability for your request and schedule in real time! This feature will be LIVE on June 1 from our website www.dehartvetservices.com. You can also call us to schedule an appointment, but our phones stay very busy, so it is definitely easiest to schedule from our website. Beginning June 1, everyone will be required to pay a $15 deposit per pet when scheduling, whether online or by phone. If you have a voucher that covers the entire cost of your visit, we will not require a deposit for your first scheduled appointment; however, if you reschedule, you will have to pay to reschedule. If the voucher does not cover the entire cost, you will be required to pay a $15 deposit to schedule. All deposits go toward the cost of your appointment day services. You may reschedule 48 hours prior to your appointment one time without losing your deposit; if you need to reschedule inside 48 hours, you will be required to pay a new $15 deposit.

2. When I visit the scheduling link, why don’t I see the location or day I wanted?

The scheduler checks for available appointments, so if you don’t see a day you wanted, it usually means there are no appointments available for that day you selected.

3. How does this work?

On your scheduled surgery day, you will drop off your pet at the time assigned according to your pet: 8:30am for female dogs, 9:00am for male dogs, and 9:15am for all cats. Dogs must arrive with a collar and leash, and cats must be in hard-sided plastic carriers lined with something absorbent such as newspaper, a towel, or a pee pad. We require our surgery check-in form to be completed; you can print and bring it completed from our website or fill it out when you arrive. It is very important that your contact information is correct so we can reach you in an emergency on surgery day. The form is available here: Surgery Check-In Form. After check-in, we will review and verify the form, weigh your pet, and perform a brief exam inside the trailer to approve surgery and give you a pickup time.  Pickup times are based on the number of surgeries for that day. Generally, your pet will be with us most of the day and pickup is not typically until after 1-2pm. It is recommended that all dogs and indoor cats wear an e-collar or recovery suit for 7–10 days after surgery. At pickup, please verify charges, ensure you understand discharge instructions, and confirm you received all items you paid for. Because we are a low-cost service, receipts and documents will be emailed to you.

4. I cannot drop off my pet. Can someone else drop off or pick up my pet from surgery?

Yes, someone else can drop off or pick up your pet. If someone else is dropping off your pet, please print and complete the surgery check-in form from our website and have them bring it with your pet. Forms are available at https://www.dehartvetservices.com/online-forms/.

5. Can you see my pet for illness?

No, we do not see sick or injured pets. You will need to see a full-service veterinarian.

6. Does my pet have to be vaccinated before the surgery appointment?

The only vaccination we require is Rabies, and we can give it the same day as surgery. We also offer other vaccinations that can be given during surgery. Rabies vaccination is required by the State of Texas annually.

7. My pet had Rabies elsewhere, can I just show you the receipt or the tag?

No, we require a Rabies certificate, not a receipt and not a tag. The certificate can be shown on your phone, and the veterinarian who provided the vaccine can supply it.

8. How much do you charge? Is it cash only? Do you take cards?

Prices are listed on our website and any changes are reflected there at www.dehartvetservices.com/pricing. We accept cash, cards, or checks. There is a 3% or $3 fee (whichever is greater) for debit or credit cards, and a $35 fee for returned checks. We do not take CareCredit.

9. Why do you need my email address and cell phone number?

We use an automated system to confirm appointments and send reminders via email and text, and our patient management system requires a phone number to set up your account. Only one phone number can be used per account holder, so if you are scheduling for someone else, their contact information must be used. Keeping your email and phone number up to date is very important, as schedule changes or cancellations are communicated by email, and we ask that you check your email daily leading up to your appointment.

10. How do I know my appointment is scheduled?

You will receive an email confirmation within minutes of scheduling, provided your email address is correct. This email includes all appointment details and electronic consent forms, so please do not delete it.

11. I don’t know how much my dog weighs, why do you need that?

We operate out of a mobile medical trailer with kennels of different sizes, so we need your dog’s weight to schedule the appropriate kennel. We can weigh your pet at no charge at any clinic.

12. Why are you booked so far out for my dog who weighs over 40 lbs?

Each trailer only has a limited number of kennels for large dogs over 40–60 lbs, and those spots fill quickly. You may be able to get an appointment sooner if you are willing to travel to a farther location.

13. I have called several times. Why does no one answer the phone?

To keep costs low, we have minimal staff and only one person answering phones. When they are on a call, they cannot answer incoming calls, but we try to return missed calls in order. You can also text us, visit our website for answers, or email us through the Contact Us form. The fastest way to get an appointment is to schedule online.

14. Do I have to bring my pet for flea, tick, or heartworm meds?

For heartworm medication, pets must have had a heartworm test within the last 12 months, and you can bring a copy if it was done elsewhere. If your pet has been seen by us within the last year, we only need their current weight. If it has been more than a year, you can bring your pet to a clinic between 10am and 3pm for services so we can help with prevention.

15. Do you have discounts for people on disability, Medicaid, veterans, etc.?

We offer a 10% Veterans discount with a valid military ID. As a low-cost service for everyone, we do not offer additional discounts.

16. Do I need to wait until my pet is older than 6 months or has their first heat cycle?

Absolutely not. Earlier than 5 months is best, and we can spay or neuter pets as long as they are over 8 weeks old and weigh more than 2 lbs.

17. Do you fix pigs or rabbits?

Yes, we spay or neuter small pigs under 20 lbs and rabbits at the same cost as a dog spay.

18. How can I get my pet’s flea medicine from you sooner?

We offer an online mail-order pharmacy with USPS shipping for $8.50 on all orders. You can order here: Online Order Form.

19. My pet was spayed or neutered at this clinic and now I have a problem within 7–10 days. What do I do?

Call or text us immediately at 903-590-7722 or bring your pet back for a recheck at any clinic location by 10am. Rechecks are free if we performed the surgery, though additional medications may be at your expense. Locations are listed here: Find Us.

20. Where are you today?

Visit our Find Us page for our live calendar showing where we are each day at www.dehartvetservices.com/find-us.

21. My dog or cat is in heat or pregnant. Do I need to cancel?

No, we still spay pets that are in heat or pregnant as long as they are not in active labor. There is an additional $10 fee for pets in heat and $30 for pregnancy. Cats are typically not charged an in-heat fee.

22. Can you email me my pet’s records?

Yes, you can request records anytime through our website at https://www.dehartvetservices.com/request-update-records-form/.

23. Do you accept vouchers?

Yes, we accept many vouchers. The organization that issued your voucher will tell you where to schedule your appointment. If you are using a voucher with us, you must print it out and bring it with your pet at drop-off.

24. Do you offer vouchers we can use for discounts on surgery?

No, we do not offer vouchers, but you can visit The No Strays Project for information and apply at thenostraysproject.org.

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