Upper Charles Animal Hospital FAQs

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. We have answers to some of our most common questions.

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Find answers to our most frequently asked questions here

Still have questions? Call our office during our operating hours to get them answered.

What are your hours?

We are open Monday and Thursday from 8 AM to 8 PM, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, and Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM

What type of pets do you see?

Our animal hospital sees dogs and cats.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes, please call our office or request to book an appointment on our website.

What vaccines are recommended for cats?

Rabies and distemper (including rhinotracheitis/calicivirus) are core vaccines recommended for all cats. Please note that Massachusetts state law requires that all pet cats receive rabies vaccine, even if they are exclusively indoors. FeLV (leukemia) is recommended for outdoor cats.

What age should I spay or neuter my cat or dog?

We recommend spaying and neutering cats at six months old. This is also our recommendation for age to spay smaller breed dogs. Please talk to your veterinarian directly about the age of spay recommendations for large breed dogs, as there are pros and cons to spaying before heat versus after, to allow them time to grow and their growth plates to close. The age to neuter your dog depends highly on your dog’s personality and lifestyle, so please talk directly to your vet about that.

Should I give my dog or cat a flea and tick preventative year round?

Yes, fleas are fairly common and much easier to prevent versus treat once an infestation occurs. Ticks are very common and are found in the environment, even during winter months.

How can I order food, medications, and preventatives for my pet?

You can pick up your prescription medications and food at our office. You can also view our online pharmacy!

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept Mastercard, Visa, American Express, Cash, Scratchpay, and Care Credit.

Do we offer payment plans?

We recommend that clients needing payment assistance apply for CareCredit or Scratchpay. The process is easy and available online. Our animal care team can help you with any questions.

Do you offer boarding, grooming, or daycare?

No, we do not at this time.

What vaccines are recommended for dogs?

Rabies and distemper (including hepatitis/parvovirus) vaccines are core vaccines that should be administered to all dogs. Leptospirosis is also now considered a core vaccine. Dogs with exposure to standing water including puddles, lakes, and rivers are at highest risk, but any dog can be affected. Leptospirosis can also be passed to people via exposure of contaminated urine, making it a public health concern. Bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine is recommended for dogs that are regularly around other dogs, including those that go to the dog park and get groomed and/or boarded. Influenza vaccine is also recommended for dogs that are regularly exposed to other dogs, and is not as common as kennel cough, but still a risk. Lyme is recommended for dogs that spend any time outdoors, as it is endemic in our area and spread by ticks.

Why should I spay or neuter my dog or cat?

There are a number of benefits to spaying/neutering. Some of these include decreasing overpopulation, limiting aggression, pyometra, roaming protecting, and cancer prevention.

Should I give my dog or cat monthly heartworm preventative year round?

Yes, we recommend administering heartworm preventative year-round as mosquitos are common in our area, even in the winter. Intestinal parasites are also very common, and can pose a threat to your pet.