FAQs
There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are answers to our most common questions.

We Proudly Serve the Pets of Barrie, ON
At Barrie Animal Hospital, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at (705) 737-1900 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.
General Questions
What are your clinic’s hours of operation?
Our clinic is open Monday - Friday from 8 AM - 6 PM.
Do I need an appointment, or do you accept walk-ins?
We recommend scheduling an appointment to reduce wait times. However, we do accept walk-ins for urgent cases.
Do you offer emergency or after-hours care?
Yes, we provide emergency care during our regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 6 PM. If your pet is experiencing an emergency outside of these hours, please contact Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic at (705) 722-0377.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, and Trupanion pet insurance. We also offer financing options through Humm.
Can I bring my dog without a leash or my cat without a carrier?
For everyone’s safety — including your pet’s — it is required that all dogs arrive on a secure leash and all cats be in a proper carrier. This helps prevent accidents, escapes, or altercations in the lobby or parking lot. The only exception is in the case of a true emergency, where your pet’s immediate condition may not allow it. If you're unsure, please call us before your visit, and we’ll be happy to help.
What does “Fear Free” mean?
Fear Free is an approach to veterinary care that focuses on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress for pets during their visit. This means we use gentle handling techniques, calming pheromones, treats, and a quiet, pet-friendly environment to help your dog or cat feel more comfortable. Our goal is to make each visit a positive experience — for both you and your pet!
Pet Care & Services
What services do you offer?
We provide a range of services, including wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care, surgery, diagnostics, and emergency care.
How often should my pet have a check-up?
We recommend annual exams for pets under 7 to catch issues early and keep them healthy as they grow. For pets over 7 or those with health concerns, we recommend exams every 6 months to monitor for age-related changes and adjust care as needed.
What vaccinations does my pet need?
Core vaccinations for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. For cats, core vaccines include rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. We also recommend leptospirosis and Bordetella for canines and leukemia for felines, which are lifestyle-based vaccines. At your pet’s appointment, we can help you determine if these lifestyle-based vaccines are right for your pet.
Do you offer spaying/neutering?
Yes! Spaying and neutering have health benefits and help control the pet population. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
My pet is itching a lot. What should I do?
Excessive itching could indicate allergies, fleas, or skin conditions. Schedule an exam so we can diagnose and treat the issue.
Surgery & Procedures
Is anesthesia safe for my pet?
Yes! We follow AAHA standards and use modern anesthetic protocols, advanced monitoring equipment, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to keep your pet safe. A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is with your pet throughout the entire anesthetic procedure to ensure close monitoring and compassionate care.
How should I prepare my pet for surgery?
Typically, pets should not eat after midnight the night before surgery. We’ll provide detailed instructions when you schedule your surgery.
How do I care for my pet after surgery?
After surgery, please keep your pet quiet and monitor their incision. Avoid bathing until the stitches are removed. In some cases, your pet will be required to wear a cone or after-surgery suit. We will provide you with specific recovery guidelines when you are picking up your pet from surgery.
Diet & Nutrition
What should I feed my pet?
The best diet depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health needs. We recommend high-quality, balanced pet food and can offer specific recommendations regarding which diet to feed and how much — including treats!
Can my pet have human food?
Some human foods are safe, but many can be toxic, including chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol-containing products. When in doubt, ask us!
How do I know if my pet is overweight?
Signs of obesity include difficulty feeling the ribs, a lack of a defined waist, and low energy. We can assess your pet’s body condition and recommend a weight management plan.
Preventative Care
How can I prevent fleas, ticks and worms?
Parasite prevention is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and comfortable. All pets are at risk of picking up internal parasites like roundworms and heartworms, as well as external parasites like fleas and ticks. Ticks are becoming increasingly common in our area and can transmit Lyme disease to both pets and people.
We recommend that all dogs be on monthly parasite prevention from June through November when the risk is highest. Products like Nexgard Spectra offer broad protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworms. If you travel to warmer climates during the winter, year-round prevention may be necessary — talk to us about the best plan for your pet.
Do you offer microchipping?
Yes! Microchipping is a quick, painless procedure that helps reunite lost pets with their owners.
How can I keep my pet’s teeth healthy?
Brush your pet’s teeth regularly, offer dental chews approved by your veterinarian, and schedule professional dental cleanings as needed. We do not recommend anesthesia-free dental cleanings, as they do not address disease below the gum line and may give a false sense of security. A proper dental cleaning requires anesthesia to thoroughly and safely assess and treat your pet’s oral health. Please don’t hesitate to ask about your pet’s dental care needs; we are happy to help!
Appointments & Records
How do I book an appointment?
You can book an appointment by calling us at (705) 737-1900 or using our online scheduling system here.
Can I access my pet’s medical records?
Yes! We can provide copies upon request. Please call us at (705) 737-1900 or email us at staff@barrieanimalhospital.com.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Please give us at least 24/48 hours' notice to reschedule or cancel your appointment. You may reschedule by calling us at (705) 737-1900 or using our online scheduling system.