Question 1

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

We are open Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays.

Question 2

Where is Skyway Animal Hospital located?

Accepted Answer

We are located at 3258 5th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712. We are conveniently situated near the intersection of 5th Avenue South and 34th Street, serving the St. Pete community since 1961.

Question 3

What areas do you serve in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

We proudly serve pet owners throughout St. Petersburg and the surrounding Pinellas County area, including Gulfport, South Pasadena, Pinellas Park, and nearby neighborhoods. Our convenient location at 3258 5th Avenue South makes us easily accessible from most St. Pete communities.

Question 4

What if my pet needs to be seen right away?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (727) 327-5141 during business hours and we'll do our very best to fit you in same-day. For non-urgent visits, we recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure we can give your pet the time and attention they deserve.

Question 5

How do I schedule an appointment?

Accepted Answer

You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (727) 327-5141. Our friendly team will find a time that works for you.

Question 6

How long will my appointment take?

Accepted Answer

A typical wellness exam takes about 20-30 minutes. More complex visits, such as sick pet appointments or consultations, may take longer. We always take the time needed to provide thorough care.

Question 7

Can I wait with my pet during the appointment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you are welcome to stay with your pet during most appointments. For some procedures, we may ask you to wait in our comfortable reception area while we work with your pet.

Question 8

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer comprehensive veterinary services including wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery (including spay/neuter), in-house diagnostics with digital X-rays, and urgent care during business hours.

Question 9

Do you see cats and dogs?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We provide full-service veterinary care for both dogs and cats of all ages, from puppies and kittens to senior pets.

Question 10

Do you see exotic pets?

Accepted Answer

We primarily care for dogs and cats. For exotic pets such as reptiles, birds, or small mammals, we can recommend specialists in the area.

Question 11

Do you offer boarding services?

Accepted Answer

We no longer offer boarding services. However, we'd be happy to recommend trusted local boarding facilities in the St. Petersburg area.

Question 12

Why does my pet need anesthesia for dental cleaning?

Accepted Answer

Anesthesia allows us to safely clean below the gumline, take dental X-rays, and perform a thorough oral exam without causing fear or pain. We use modern anesthesia protocols with continuous monitoring for your pet's safety.

Question 13

When should I spay or neuter my pet?

Accepted Answer

We typically recommend spaying or neutering between 6-9 months of age, but timing can vary by breed and individual health factors. During your pet's wellness exam, we'll discuss the best timing for your specific situation.

Question 14

What vaccines does my pet need?

Accepted Answer

Core vaccines include Rabies and DHLPP for dogs, and Rabies and FVRCP for cats. Additional vaccines like Bordetella (kennel cough) may be recommended based on your pet's lifestyle and risk factors.

Question 15

Do you offer microchipping?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Microchipping is a quick, safe procedure that provides permanent identification for your pet. It causes minimal discomfort—similar to a routine vaccine—and no anesthesia is required.

Question 16

Do you have an in-house laboratory?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our in-house lab provides results in minutes rather than days. We can run complete blood counts, chemistry panels, urinalysis, and more—so we can diagnose and begin treatment quickly.

Question 17

Do you have X-ray capabilities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have digital X-ray (radiography) equipment that provides instant, high-quality images. Most pets tolerate X-rays well without sedation.

Question 18

Is heartworm prevention necessary in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Yes, heartworm prevention is essential for pets in Florida. Our warm, humid climate supports mosquitoes year-round, which transmit heartworm disease. Without prevention, dogs and cats are at high risk. We recommend year-round heartworm prevention for all pets in the St. Petersburg area.

Question 19

Why does my pet need blood work before surgery?

Accepted Answer

Pre-surgical blood work helps us ensure your pet can safely undergo anesthesia. It checks organ function (liver, kidneys), blood cell counts, and identifies any hidden health issues. This allows us to customize the anesthesia protocol and catch potential problems before surgery, keeping your pet as safe as possible.

Question 20

Why does my dog eat grass?

Accepted Answer

Dogs eat grass for several reasons: to settle an upset stomach, to add fiber to their diet, out of boredom, or simply because they like the taste. Occasional grass eating is usually harmless, but if your dog is eating grass frequently or vomiting afterward, it may indicate an underlying digestive issue worth checking.

Question 21

What are signs my pet is in pain?

Accepted Answer

Signs of pain in pets include: changes in eating or sleeping habits, excessive licking or grooming one area, limping or reluctance to move, hiding or being withdrawn, aggression when touched, panting or restlessness, and vocalizing (whimpering, growling). Cats often hide pain by being quiet and withdrawn. If you notice these signs, schedule a visit.

Question 22

Do you offer ultrasound imaging?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we have in-house ultrasound imaging capabilities. Ultrasound is a non-invasive way to examine internal organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and bladder. It helps us diagnose conditions that X-rays alone cannot detect and is safe for all pets.

Question 23

What forms of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, all major credit cards, debit cards, and CareCredit. Payment is due at the time of service.

Question 24

Do you offer payment plans?

Accepted Answer

We partner with CareCredit to offer flexible financing options for veterinary care. Ask our team for more information about applying.

Question 25

Do you accept pet insurance?

Accepted Answer

We accept all pet insurance plans. Payment is due at the time of service, and we can provide detailed invoices for you to submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Question 26

Can I get an estimate before treatment?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We provide written estimates for procedures and treatments before beginning any work. We believe in transparency and want you to understand all costs upfront.

Question 27

How much does a vet visit cost?

Accepted Answer

Wellness exam costs vary depending on your pet's needs. We recommend calling us at (727) 327-5141 for current pricing. We always provide estimates before any treatment and accept multiple payment options including CareCredit financing to help manage costs.

Question 28

Do you accept Scratchpay?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we accept Scratchpay as a financing option in addition to CareCredit. Scratchpay offers flexible payment plans to help make veterinary care more affordable. Ask our team for details on applying.

Question 29

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Please bring any previous medical records, vaccination history, a list of current medications, and your pet in a carrier or on a leash. If you have them, bring your pet's favorite treats to help them feel comfortable.

Question 30

What happens during a new patient visit?

Accepted Answer

During your first visit, we'll gather your pet's medical history, perform a comprehensive physical examination, discuss any concerns you have, and create a personalized care plan. This visit typically takes 30-45 minutes.

Question 31

How do I transfer my pet's records from another vet?

Accepted Answer

You can request your records from your previous veterinarian and bring them to your appointment, or we can contact them directly with your authorization. Just provide us with their name and phone number.

Question 32

How long have you been in business?

Accepted Answer

Skyway Animal Hospital was founded in 1961—that's over 60 years of caring for St. Petersburg's pets! We're proud to be a trusted part of this community.

Question 33

Who are your veterinarians?

Accepted Answer

Our veterinary team is led by Medical Director Dr. Dan Jones, DVM, with over 40 years of experience. Dr. Shannon Dalene, DVM, a graduate of Long Island University's inaugural veterinary class, and Dr. Jeff Cartzendafner, DVM (known as Dr. C), who holds a Master of Science from Johns Hopkins University, round out our veterinary team.

Question 34

Is Skyway Animal Hospital locally owned?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Skyway Animal Hospital is a locally owned and operated veterinary practice in St. Petersburg. We've been proudly serving the St. Pete community since 1961—that's over 60 years of trusted care for local pets and their families.

Question 35

Are you accepting new patients?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We are always happy to welcome new furry family members. Call us at (727) 327-5141 to schedule your pet's first appointment. We look forward to meeting you and your pet!

Question 36

How often should I take my pet to the vet?

Accepted Answer

Adult pets should have a wellness exam at least once a year. Puppies and kittens need more frequent visits for vaccinations and growth monitoring. Senior pets (7+ years) benefit from twice-yearly checkups to catch age-related issues early. We'll recommend a schedule based on your pet's specific needs.

Question 37

What constitutes a pet emergency?

Accepted Answer

Emergencies include difficulty breathing, seizures, severe bleeding, inability to urinate, collapse, suspected poisoning, severe trauma, pale or blue gums, heatstroke, or sudden changes in behavior. When in doubt, call us!

Question 38

What should I do if my pet has an emergency during business hours?

Accepted Answer

Call us immediately at (727) 327-5141. We'll do our very best to fit you in and help find the best solution for your pet.

Question 39

What do I do if my pet has an emergency after hours?

Accepted Answer

For after-hours emergencies, we recommend VEG St. Petersburg at (727) 342-4334, which provides 24/7 emergency care. They can handle any emergency and we can coordinate care once we reopen.

Question 40

Should I call before bringing my pet in for an emergency?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please call us first at (727) 327-5141. Calling ahead allows us to prepare for your arrival and give you guidance on immediate care. We'll do our very best to fit you in.

Question 41

My pet ate something toxic. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Call us immediately at (727) 327-5141 during business hours. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed—some substances cause more damage coming back up. Know what and how much they ate. For after-hours, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435.

Question 42

Can you see my pet same-day if something is wrong?

Accepted Answer

Call us at (727) 327-5141 during business hours. We'll do our very best to fit you in same-day when your pet needs us. We never want to turn our clients away when they need us most.

Question 43

My pet is choking—what should I do?

Accepted Answer

Try to look in the mouth for a visible obstruction, but be careful not to get bitten. If you cannot easily remove it, get to us immediately. Keep your pet as calm as possible during transport.

Question 44

My pet is having a seizure—what do I do?

Accepted Answer

Keep your hands away from their mouth (they cannot swallow their tongue). Clear the area of objects they could hurt themselves on. Time the seizure. Call us once it stops, or immediately if it lasts more than 2-3 minutes.

Question 45

My pet was hit by a car—how do I transport them?

Accepted Answer

Move your pet carefully using a flat surface like a board if possible. Support the spine and avoid twisting. Cover with a blanket for shock. Get to us or the nearest emergency vet immediately.

Question 46

How much does emergency care cost?

Accepted Answer

Emergency visits start with an exam fee, then costs depend on diagnostics and treatment needed. We always discuss costs and get your approval before proceeding with non-life-saving treatments. We accept CareCredit and Scratchpay for financing.

Question 47

Can I call you after hours for advice?

Accepted Answer

Our phones are not staffed after hours. For emergencies, please contact VEG St. Petersburg at (727) 342-4334 or ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. You can also email us for non-urgent questions.

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