Getting Ready for Surgery Day
Scheduling your pet's spay or neuter is a big step, and a little preparation goes a long way toward making the experience smooth for both of you. At Pets Alive Indiana, our team walks every client through the process — but having a clear picture in advance makes drop-off morning much less stressful.
Here's everything you need to know before your pet's appointment.
The Night Before Surgery
Fasting Is Essential
The most important pre-surgery instruction is fasting. Your pet must not eat after midnight the night before their procedure.
- Dogs and cats: No food after midnight
- Water: Small amounts of water are OK until you leave for the clinic in the morning
- Kittens and puppies under 3 months: Check with our staff — very young animals may have different fasting requirements
Fasting reduces the risk of complications during anesthesia. An animal with food in their stomach can aspirate (inhale stomach contents) while under sedation, which is a serious and preventable danger. Please take this seriously even if your pet seems hungry and pitiful in the morning.
Set Up a Recovery Space
Before drop-off day, get your home ready for your pet's return:
- Designate a quiet, low-traffic room or corner for recovery
- Lay out clean bedding or blankets
- Have their water bowl accessible but not where they'll have to jump or climb to reach it
- For cats, place the litter box in the same room so they don't have to navigate the house while groggy
- Locate the e-collar (cone) you'll receive from us — your pet will need to wear it continuously for 10–14 days
Check on Medications
If your pet is currently taking any medications, call us ahead of time at (812) 349-1349. Some medications need to be paused before surgery; others can be given as usual. Do not assume — always ask.
The Morning of Surgery
What to Bring
- Your pet in a secure carrier or on a leash — cats must be in a hard or soft carrier, not loose
- Your appointment confirmation — you'll receive this after booking through our appointments page
- A list of any current medications your pet takes, including dosages
- Your contact phone number — we'll call you when your pet is ready for pick-up
Drop-Off Timing
We operate on a same-day drop-off and pick-up schedule, which means your pet comes in the morning and goes home the same afternoon. Specific drop-off windows are confirmed with your appointment, but plan to arrive during our morning hours (Mon–Thu, 8:00–9:30 AM). Arrive on time — a late drop-off can affect the surgery schedule for every patient that day.
What to Expect at Check-In
A staff member will greet you, confirm your pet's information, and ask a few brief health questions:
- Has your pet eaten since midnight?
- Are there any health changes since you scheduled?
- Is your pet on any medications?
This is the right time to mention anything unusual — a cough, lethargy, an open wound, or a recent illness. We want to know before we proceed.
Special Circumstances
Female Pets in Heat
If your female pet appears to be in heat (restlessness, swelling, increased vocalization), let us know before or at drop-off. We can still perform the procedure, but the surgery carries slightly higher risk due to increased blood flow to the reproductive organs. We'll discuss your options.
Pets with Health Conditions
Pets with known health conditions — diabetes, heart disease, obesity, or a history of anesthesia complications — should be discussed with our team when you schedule. We want to make sure every patient is an appropriate candidate for the procedure.
TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) Cats
If you're bringing in a community cat through our TNR program, keep them contained in a humane trap or secure carrier. Do not transfer them to a soft-sided bag or attempt to handle them directly. See our services page for TNR-specific information.
A Note on Anxiety
It's completely normal to feel nervous sending your pet into surgery, even a routine one. Spay and neuter procedures are among the most commonly performed veterinary surgeries, and our licensed team performs them every day with excellent outcomes.
If you have questions the morning of drop-off, ask. No question is too small. We'd rather you leave feeling confident than worry all day.
Ready to Schedule?
If you haven't booked yet, visit our appointments page to schedule online, or browse our services page to see pricing and what's included. We're open Monday through Thursday, and we're here to make this as easy as possible for your family.
Questions? Call us at (812) 349-1349. We're happy to help. After surgery, our post-surgery care guide walks you through the full recovery timeline day by day.
