Ready for
surgery day.
Knowing what to expect can make preparing for your pet’s procedure feel much more manageable. This guide helps you organize the important information, questions and practical steps before surgery day.
Preparation is part
of good care.
Every procedure and every patient is different. Your veterinary team will provide instructions based on your pet, their health and the planned procedure. Following those instructions carefully helps the team prepare appropriately for your pet’s surgery.
From home to
procedure day.
Think of surgery preparation as a short journey. Each step helps you arrive informed, organized and ready to follow your veterinary team’s plan.
At Home
Review the instructions provided by your veterinary team and prepare any information or items they have requested.
Arrival
Bring your pet at the arranged time and make sure the team knows about any changes since your last veterinary visit.
Preparation
The veterinary team prepares your pet according to their individual needs and the planned procedure.
Next Steps
Your veterinary team will explain what happens next and provide instructions relevant to your pet.
Follow your clinic’s
instructions.
Food, water and medication instructions are not identical for every patient or procedure. Use the specific instructions provided by your veterinary team.
Don’t guess about fasting or medication.
If you are unsure whether your pet should eat, drink or receive a usual medication before the procedure, contact your veterinary team and confirm the instructions that apply to your pet. Do not change medication without veterinary guidance.
Before you
leave home.
Tap each item as you prepare. Your veterinary team may give you additional instructions specific to your pet and their procedure.
What should the
vet know?
Good communication matters. Make sure your veterinary team has up-to-date information before your pet’s procedure.
Tell the team about medicines and supplements your pet currently receives.
Share relevant health history and previous veterinary information when requested.
Mention changes in appetite, digestion, behaviour, energy or general wellbeing.
Ask about anything you do not understand before the planned procedure.
Keep it simple.
Keep it organized.
Bring what the clinic has requested, arrive at the arranged time and let the team know if anything has changed since your pet’s previous assessment.
Follow the arrival time arranged with the clinic.
Bring any documents or information the veterinary team has asked you to provide.
Make sure the team knows what your pet currently receives.
Ask about anything that remains unclear before leaving your pet with the team.
Before
surgery day.
Your veterinary team’s instructions for your individual pet always take priority over general information.
About this guide
This guide provides general preparation information and does not replace instructions from your veterinarian. Preparation requirements can differ depending on your pet’s health, medications and planned procedure. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your veterinary team.
Questions before
surgery day?
Contact the First Pet team before the procedure if you are unsure about your pet’s preparation instructions, medications or what to bring.