FAQS
General & Appointments
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can call or text us at (952) 884-1868, request an appointment through the PetDesk App, or email southhyland@southhyland.com.
Do you accept walk-in appointments?
Our services are by scheduled appointment to ensure dedicated time with your pet. Walk-ins can disrupt care for other patients. For urgent concerns, please call us, and we will advise you on the best next steps.
Why do I need an appointment for my pet?
Appointments ensure we can provide dedicated time, staff, and equipment for your pet. This allows for thorough exams, accurate records, and high-quality care rather than rushed or incomplete visits.
Why do I need to reschedule if I am running late?
Appointments are scheduled back-to-back. If one visit runs long, it delays care for every pet after you. Rescheduling allows us to give your pet the full attention they need without affecting others.
More information on our No Show & Late Cancellation Policy can be found here.
Why can’t I just talk to my vet about my pet’s new health concern? Why do I need an appointment?
A diagnosis cannot be made safely without examining your pet. Many serious conditions look similar at home. An appointment allows us to assess your pet, run diagnostics if needed, and provide the right treatment.
Why do you sometimes need to muzzle, sedate, recommend PVPs, or ask us to come back another time?
Your pet’s safety, your safety, and our staff’s safety matter. When a pet is fearful, painful, or stressed, handling can become unsafe. Muzzles, gentle sedation, or pre-visit pharmaceuticals (PVPs) reduce fear and prevent injuries while making the experience less traumatic for your pet.
Do you microchip pets?
Yes — we offer microchipping as part of our services to help reunite lost pets with their families.
Where are you located?
Our hospital is at 5400 W Old Shakopee Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55437.
Wellness & Preventative Care
How often should my pet have wellness exams?
Puppies and kittens typically need more frequent visits in their first year. Adult cats and dogs benefit from annual exams. Senior pets usually need exams every 6 months.
Why are wellness visits important?
Routine exams help detect health issues early, monitor changes over time, update vaccines, and support preventive care.
Why does my pet need vaccines, bloodwork, microchipping, dental care, and fecal testing?
These are all part of preventive medicine. They help detect disease early, protect against dangerous infections, prevent parasite spread, and maintain long-term health. Preventive care often saves lives and reduces future medical costs.
More information about Wellness and Preventative care can be found here.
Diagnostics & Testing
What kinds of diagnostic services do you offer?
How soon will I get my diagnostic test results?
Many tests (like in-house blood work) provide same-day results. Specialized lab testing may take longer, and we will communicate results as soon as they arrive.
More information about Diagnostics & Testing can be found here.
Surgery & Anesthesia
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
How should I prepare my pet for surgery?
Fasting instructions and specific preparation details will be provided when your surgery is scheduled.
More information about Surgery & Anesthesia can be found here.
Laser Therapy & Surgery
What is therapeutic laser treatment?
Therapeutic laser therapy supports pain relief, reduces inflammation, and accelerates healing for conditions like arthritis, wounds, and post-surgical recovery.
More information on therapeutic laser can be found here.
What are the benefits of laser surgery?
More information about the benefits of laser surgery can be found here.
Dental Care
Does my pet need dental cleanings?
Yes — dental exams, cleanings, and radiographs help prevent periodontal disease, which can affect overall health.
More information about dental care can be found here
Behavior & Training
Do you offer training services?
We partner with The Dog Evolved, certified trainers using science-based, force-free methods aligned with AVSAB standards. Training options include puppy classes, life skills classes, private sessions, and fear/anxiety support.
More information about Dog Training can be found here.
What if my pet has anxiety or behavior issues?
We offer behavioral counseling, evaluations, and referrals to certified trainers or veterinary behaviorists. Medication support is available when appropriate.
More information about Behavioral Counseling can be found here.
Exotic & Small Mammal Care
Do you care for exotic pets?
More information on Exotics & Small Mammals can be found here.
End-of-Life & Hospice Care
What options are available for end-of-life care?
We offer compassionate hospice support and peaceful euthanasia, along with aftercare choices such as individual or communal cremation and guidance on burial.
Can someone be present during euthanasia?
Yes — you may choose who will be present, or you may choose not to be in the room. We support whatever you and your family need.
More information about End-of-Life & Hospice Care can be found here.
Pharmacy & Prescription Refills
Do you carry prescription foods and medication?
Yes — we have a fully stocked pharmacy offering prescription diets, medications, and preventive products.
Why should I purchase medications and prescription food from you?
When you purchase through us, you receive verified, properly stored, manufacturer-guaranteed products. We can also ensure the medication or diet is correct for your pet’s specific medical needs and can assist immediately if there are any issues.
Why do you need to see my pet for an exam to fill or refill medication, give vaccines, etc.?
Veterinary law requires that we have a current Veterinarian–Client–Patient Relationship (VCPR) to prescribe medications or give vaccines. More importantly, your pet’s health can change quickly. An exam ensures the medication, dose, or vaccine is still safe and appropriate and that no new medical issues have developed.
Learn more about the VCPR here.
More information on our Pharmacy & Prescription Refill Process can be found here.
Emergencies, Urgent Care & Referrals
Why are you called a hospital if you cannot see my pet in an emergency?
We are a full-service veterinary hospital, but we are not staffed 24/7 like an emergency facility. Emergencies require around-the-clock doctors, technicians, and equipment. When a case needs immediate or overnight care, we refer to emergency hospitals that are fully equipped to provide continuous monitoring and treatment.
Why are you sending me to emergency or urgent care?
Some situations need immediate diagnostics, surgery, oxygen therapy, or continuous monitoring that we cannot safely provide during regular business hours. Emergency hospitals are set up specifically for these critical cases and can give your pet the best chance of a positive outcome.
More information on our Urgent and Emergency Care Information can be found here.
Payment & Cost
Why is veterinary care expensive?
Veterinary medicine has advanced significantly and now includes digital imaging, in-house laboratories, advanced anesthesia, and modern medications. These tools allow us to provide higher-quality care, earlier diagnosis, and safer procedures. Like human healthcare, these services require trained professionals, advanced equipment, and ongoing education.
Why can’t you just bill me for my pet’s care?
Unlike human hospitals, veterinary hospitals do not have insurance companies to bill after the visit. We must collect payment at the time of service to continue providing care, pay staff, and maintain medical equipment.
Why do I need to pay in full at the time of service?
Veterinary clinics operate on immediate payment systems. We offer payment options such as CareCredit and other third-party financing to help make care more manageable.
More information on available Payment Options can be found here.
Still have questions?
Call or text: (952) 884-1868
Request an Appointment: PetDesk App
Email: southhyland@southhyland.com