Chelsea Animal Hospital FAQs
Have questions about your pet’s care or what to expect at Chelsea Animal Hospital? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to some of the questions we hear most often from our clients. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to give us a call—our team is always happy to help.
Frequently Asked Questions at Our Hospital
Find some of our most frequently asked questions below. Don’t see your question here? We’re always happy to hear from you. If your question isn’t covered here—or if you’d simply rather talk to a member of our team—give us a call at 734-475-0615 during regular clinic hours. We’re here to help.
Are you accepting new clients?
Yes—we’re actively welcoming new clients and would love to become your pet’s veterinary home. Getting started is easy. Give us a call at 734-475-0615 and our team will help you schedule your first visit. We also invite you to complete our new client form in advance to help us prepare for your pet’s appointment.
What dental products do you recommend for my pet?
We recommend products that have been reviewed and approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). VOHC-approved products have been independently tested and proven effective at reducing plaque and tartar in pets. You can browse the full list of approved products at vohc.org. If you’d like personalized recommendations for your specific pet, our team is happy to discuss options at your next visit. Learn more about our approach to pet dental care.
My pet has diarrhea—should I come in right away?
How often should my pet take heartworm prevention?
We recommend monthly heartworm prevention for all dogs and cats, year-round. Consistent, uninterrupted prevention is the most reliable way to protect your pet—and skipping months, even in winter, can leave gaps in coverage. If your pet isn’t currently on a prevention protocol, give us a call and we’ll help you get started.
Learn more about our pet parasite control services.
Do you see emergencies?
Yes, we do see urgent and emergency cases—and we always recommend calling ahead before you come in. A quick phone call allows our team to assess the situation, prepare for your pet’s arrival, and advise you on the best plan of action. For situations that occur outside of our regular hours, we maintain a list of trusted after-hours emergency facilities in the region. Visit our after-hours emergency resources page for contact information and locations.
When should I spay or neuter my pet?
For cats, we generally recommend spaying or neutering at 6 months of age or older. For dogs, the ideal timing varies depending on breed and size—larger breeds in particular may benefit from waiting longer before the procedure. We encourage you to call us for a consultation so we can make a recommendation tailored to your specific pet and lifestyle.
Learn more about our pet spaying and neutering services.
Do you offer financial assistance or payment options?
Yes. We offer CareCredit as a financing option to help make veterinary care more accessible for our clients. You can apply for CareCredit before your appointment or at the time of service to find out whether you qualify.
For more information on payment options at Chelsea Animal Hospital, visit our payment options page.
How can I protect my pet from ticks?
We recommend year-round tick prevention for all dogs and cats in our area. Ticks can become active at temperatures just slightly above freezing—which means Michigan’s milder winter days can still pose a risk. Year-round flea and tick control eliminates the guesswork and keeps your pet consistently protected regardless of the season. Our team can recommend the most appropriate product for your pet’s lifestyle and health needs.
Learn more about pet parasite control.
When should my pet have a wellness panel done?
We recommend that all pets have a baseline wellness panel performed between 1 and 5 years of age. This gives our veterinarians a reference point for your pet’s normal values, which makes it much easier to identify meaningful changes in future testing. We also encourage wellness panels for middle-aged pets, as some conditions develop gradually and may not produce obvious symptoms in the early stages. For senior pets, routine bloodwork becomes an even more important part of proactive health monitoring.
Learn more about our approach to pet diagnostics and imaging.