Frequently Asked Questions About Veterinary Care in Calgary
From vaccines and spay/neuter timing to what to do when your pet needs urgent attention, we have put together answers to the questions we hear most often at NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary. If your question is not listed here, please call us at (403) 930-3500.
General Questions
You can book online at nwvet.ca/book-an-appointment/ or call us at (403) 930-3500. We offer appointments for routine wellness exams, urgent and same-day visits, diagnostics, surgical consultations, and more. We are open seven days a week in Carrington, NW Calgary.
We primarily see dogs and cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes. If you have a different type of pet, please call us at (403) 930-3500 to discuss whether we can help.
Yes. We welcome new clients and their pets at any time. You can register online using our New Client Registration form at nwvet.ca/new-client-registration/ or call us to set up your first appointment.
Vaccines and Preventive Care
Puppies begin their vaccine series at 8 weeks of age, with boosters at 12 and 16 weeks. The core DHPP series, along with Leptospirosis and Rabies vaccines, are administered across these three visits. Call (403) 930-3500 to book your puppy’s first appointment at NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington.
Yes. Core vaccines including FVRCP and Rabies are recommended for all cats, regardless of whether they go outdoors. Some pathogens can be introduced into the home on clothing and footwear, and Rabies vaccination is required under Alberta law.
Adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual wellness exam. Senior pets, generally those over 7 years old, benefit from twice-yearly visits to monitor organ function, weight, and mobility more closely. Regular exams are the most effective way to catch changes before they become larger concerns.
Spay, Neuter, and Surgery
Most dogs and cats can be spayed or neutered at around 6 months of age. For large and giant breed dogs, our team may recommend waiting until 12 to 18 months to allow growth plates to close. Book a consultation at (403) 930-3500 to discuss the best timing for your specific pet.
Fasting is required before surgery, typically for 8 to 12 hours. We will give you clear instructions specific to your pet’s procedure when you book the appointment, including what to do with food, water, and any products your pet is currently using.
Urgent and Same-Day Care
Yes. We accept same-day and walk-in urgent care appointments for dogs and cats during our business hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call (403) 930-3500 before arriving so our team can prepare for your pet’s arrival.
For after-hours emergencies, please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (CARE). We recommend saving their contact information now so you have it ready when you need it most.
Fees and Payment
We accept major credit cards, debit, and cash. Pet insurance may cover part or all of your visit depending on your plan. We recommend reviewing your policy coverage before your appointment and bringing your insurance details with you.
Yes. We provide estimates before any non-urgent procedure and discuss your options before moving forward. For urgent cases, we prioritize stabilizing your pet and communicate costs as soon as the situation allows.
Explore More Services
Still have questions? Call NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary at (403) 930-3500 or book online at nwvet.ca/book-an-appointment/. Our team is available seven days a week.