Frequently asked questions

Schedule spay, neuter, and vaccine appointments in the client portal

You can schedule new spay, neuter, and vaccine appointments through the GAVC client portal: Open the booking portal

When vaccine appointments are full

If vaccine appointments aren’t loading in the portal, the available slots have been booked. More vaccine appointments open over time, so check back daily.

You can schedule new spay, neuter, and vaccine appointments through the GAVC client portal: Open the booking portal

Our staff can help you schedule a dental appointment by text.

No walk-in surgeries

We don’t accept walk-in surgeries. You must schedule with us before receiving surgical care.

Scheduling surgery by text

Our staff handles surgery scheduling by text.

Walk-in vaccines accepted

We accept walk-ins for vaccinations.

Walk-in vaccine fee

Walk-in vaccine fee: $10

Walk-in wait times

Walk-in vaccine waits can reach 1–2 hours.

Weekday walk-in vaccine arrival times

For weekday walk-in vaccines, the best times to arrive are 9:30 am–11:30 am or 2:00 pm–3:30 pm.

Saturday walk-in vaccine arrival times

For Saturday walk-in vaccines, the best time to arrive is 9:00 am–11:30 am.

Late vaccine arrivals

If you are more than 5 minutes late for a vaccine appointment, the visit is treated as a walk-in.

For appointments handled by our staff, scheduling is arranged by text.

Our staff can help you cancel or reschedule an appointment by text.

Guardian Angel Veterinary Care offers affordable surgery, low-cost spay/neuter, and dental options to Denver, Westminster, Thornton, and the rest of Colorado.

Pets must be spayed or neutered before or during surgery to use GAVC low-cost surgery pricing. This requirement does not apply to vaccines.

We use monitoring equipment while pets are under anesthesia. Monitoring includes pulse oximetry, temperature, and blood pressure for longer procedures. Pulse oximetry measures heartbeat and oxygenation levels. The surgeon and pet nurses also watch for signs of problems.

Hospitalization limits

We don’t offer hospitalization after surgery. Most surgery patients recover at home. Transfer to an urgent or emergency clinic may be an option after surgery, depending on the receiving clinic’s availability.

Wellness, sick exams, and checkups

We don’t offer general sick visits, wellness exams, or regular checkups. We recommend maintaining a relationship with a full-service veterinary clinic for those services.

Other service limits and exceptions

We do not offer:

• Wellness or sick visits
• Mammary mass removal
• Standalone diagnostic imaging

Non-mammary mass removal may be available when the Mass Removal service requirements are met. Procedure-specific x-rays may be included; see the Dental, Mass Removal, and Amputation service details.

Diagnostic imaging

We don’t offer standalone diagnostic imaging appointments, such as x-rays or ultrasound for diagnosis. Some procedure-specific x-rays may be included or available. See the Dental service details for dental X-rays, or the Mass Removal and Amputation service details for optional chest X-rays with non-mammary mass removal or amputation. If your pet may need surgery with us but still needs diagnostics or a diagnosis, urgent care resources are recommended first.

Orthopedic, neurologic, and specialty surgeries

We do not offer these surgeries:

• TPLO
• ACL tear or knee surgery
• Bone fracture repair
• IVDD or back surgery
• Patellar surgery
• FHO, hip joint procedures, or hip replacement
• Gall bladder surgery

Declawing, euthanasia, and certificates

We do not offer declawing of cats, euthanasia, or health certificates.

Grooming add-ons, boarding, and overnight stays

We do not offer boarding, hospitalization, or overnight stays. Nail trims and anal gland expression are offered only with surgery.

We do not offer EKG.

All spay/neuter pricing includes the procedure, general anesthesia, and 3 days of pain medication.

Large-dog fees for surgery other than spay or neuter:

• Dogs 80–99.9 lbs: $100
• Dogs 100 lbs and over: $200

General non-spay/neuter surgery deposit policy

For surgeries other than spay or neuter, a deposit is required at the time of surgery.

Dental deposit policy

Dental deposit: $100

Due: 3 days before the procedure.

This deposit is required.

Cash and major credit cards accepted

We accept cash and all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

Accepted financing services

We accept CareCredit, ScratchPay and Cherry.

Online and text payment links

We accept payments in the clinic, over the phone, or through a payment link sent by text.

Checks not accepted

We do not accept checks.

CareCredit, ScratchPay, and Cherry accepted

We accept CareCredit, ScratchPay and Cherry.

No in-house payment plan

GAVC does not offer in-house payment plans.

What CareCredit is

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card you can use for veterinary services. It may let you pay for those services in manageable monthly payments.

How to apply for CareCredit

You can apply for CareCredit online at www.carecredit.com if you are 18 or older, or by calling CareCredit directly at 1-800-677-0718 if you are 21 or older.

What Scratchpay is

Scratchpay offers simple payment plans with no hidden fees.

How to apply for Scratchpay

You can apply for Scratchpay online at www.scratchpay.com.

How to check Scratchpay eligibility

You can check your Scratchpay eligibility online without affecting your credit score. In most cases, you’ll get an instant decision.

Food and water timing before surgery

Before surgery:

• No food after 10pm, except for younger kittens and puppies.
• Younger kittens and puppies may have a small meatball or teaspoon of food first thing in the morning.
• Water is okay until morning.

Bathroom break before drop-off

Please give your pet a chance to go potty before drop-off, as they’re unlikely to have an opportunity during their stay.

Morning medications

Unless your veterinarian has given different instructions, thyroid medications, seizure medications, amlodipine, and antibiotics can be given with no food or with a very small amount of food just coating the pills. Please tell us at check-in if you gave any medications.

Spay/neuter drop-off

For spay or neuter, drop off your pet at your booked appointment time.

Online paperwork and add-ons

If you haven’t completed the paperwork, you’ll be asked to fill it out online at check-in. The form may include add-ons such as vaccines or nail trims. It also offers blood testing and IV catheter placement. These are useful add-ons, though many clients choose not to add them unless they have concerns about their pet, such as older age.

Brachycephalic pets and Cerenia

Flat-faced (brachycephalic) pets, such as pugs and bulldogs, may benefit from Cerenia, an anti-vomiting medication. It’s an add-on to discuss at surgery or dental check-in, rather than a requirement for every pet.

Dental drop-off

Dental drop-off is between 8:00am and 8:30am.

You can find the forms at https://gavccolorado.com/client-forms/

Please complete the appropriate forms before your appointment, vaccine, or surgery date. Otherwise, your visit may be delayed or cancelled.

Please e-mail all records (exam notes, diagnostics, medical records) to info@gavccolorado.com

Please e-mail all records (exam notes, diagnostics, medical records) to info@gavccolorado.com

Please e-mail all records (exam notes, diagnostics, medical records) to info@gavccolorado.com

Arrival check-in

Once you arrive in the lobby, check in through www.gavccolorado.com.

During your pet's stay

At drop-off, pets receive an oral sedative or pain medicine before their turn for surgery. Surgery may happen right away or later, especially when a critical patient needs surgery first.

Surgery status updates

Our staff focuses on patient care, so we don’t send routine surgery updates. If there’s any concern about your pet, we’ll let you know in a timely manner.

Late pickup policy

Please plan for pickup around 4:30pm unless we text otherwise.

• Arrival deadline: Be at the clinic by 5:00pm unless we text you to come later.
• Late fee: $25 every half hour may be added when staff need to stay late.

Activity limits after surgery

Limit walking, playing, running, and other activity for 14 days after surgery. Cats and kittens can be harder to keep still, but generally manage well. Some dogs may need sedatives; you can ask us for dose adjustments.

Incision protection

Keep your pet from licking the incision. Let us know immediately if your pet licks around the cone. If your pet won’t tolerate the provided cone, a soft or donut cone, a body suit, or attaching the cone to a harness may help. Keep other pets separate if they try to lick the incision.

Cone duration

The cone collar should stay on for 10–14 days to prevent licking.

Vomiting or diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea can happen after surgery because of stress, anesthesia, medications, or vaccines. If either continues or you have concerns, contact us. GAVC may recommend stopping medication if vomiting or diarrhea persists.

Restarting regular medications

These medications can be restarted after surgery:

• Apoquel
• Seizure medications such as Keppra, Phenobarbital, and Potassium Bromide
• Thyroid medications
• Insulin
• Urinary incontinence medications

Surgery re-check

For questions or concerns about an incision, surgical site, or recovery after surgery, GAVC recommends scheduling a surgery re-check ($10).

Blood-tinged drool after dental surgery

Blood-tinged drool can occur after dental surgery.

Muzzle swelling after dental surgery

Significant muzzle swelling can occur within 24 hours after dental surgery and usually decreases within 48 hours.

Mouth protection

A cone collar must be used so your pet cannot rub the mouth or loosen stitches.

Cone duration

The cone collar should stay on for 10–14 days to prevent licking.

Eating after dental surgery

Your pet should be eating within 48 hours.

Dental medications

Give the medicine sent home even if your pet is not eating.

Surgery re-check after dental care

If you still have questions or concerns after reading the post-surgery instructions, we recommend scheduling a surgery re-check.

Surgery re-check: $10

Dissolving stitches

For most surgical procedures, we use dissolving stitches, also called absorbable sutures. They break down naturally and are absorbed by the body, so removal usually isn’t needed. They typically dissolve over 1–3 months, depending on the surgery and healing process.

Incision monitoring

Monitor the incision for swelling, redness, or discharge.

Puppy DHPP timing

Puppies receive their first DHPP shots at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks old.

Puppy rabies timing

Puppies typically get their first rabies shot around 12-16 weeks of age, with a booster a year later.

Puppy bordetella timing

Puppies can receive bordetella as early as 6-8 weeks.

Puppy leptospirosis timing

The first leptospirosis vaccine is given at 12 weeks with a booster 2-4 weeks later.

Why dogs need rabies vaccination

Rabies is a viral disease that is nearly always fatal once symptoms appear in dogs and humans. It can spread to humans, making it a public health concern. Rabies vaccination is legally required in Colorado.

What DHPP protects against

DHPP typically protects against distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus, and parainfluenza. Distemper is highly contagious and attacks multiple body systems. It’s often fatal and may cause neurological symptoms, respiratory distress, and seizures. Survivors may have permanent damage.

Parvovirus

Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. It’s especially deadly in puppies. Without treatment, the fatality rate can be as high as 90%, especially in young dogs. Early vaccination is critical to prevention.

Parvo follows the same vaccination schedule as DHPP: puppies start at 6–8 weeks and receive boosters until 16–20 weeks old, followed by adult boosters.

Leptospirosis protection

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that can damage the liver and kidneys and spread to humans. Dogs can contract it from wildlife or contaminated water. Without treatment, it can be fatal due to kidney or liver failure. Prompt treatment improves the prognosis.

Bordetella protection

Bordetella is a bacterial infection that can cause coughing and respiratory issues. It’s highly contagious, especially in social settings such as dog parks or kennels. It’s rarely fatal, but severe cases may lead to pneumonia, especially in puppies or dogs with weakened immune systems.

Adult dog rabies boosters

Adult dogs should receive rabies vaccination every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine type and local regulations.

Adult dog DHPP boosters

Adult dogs get a DHPP booster one year after the initial dose and then every 1–3 years.

Adult dog leptospirosis boosters

Annual leptospirosis boosters are recommended for dogs at risk.

Adult dog bordetella boosters

Bordetella is given every 6-12 months for dogs at risk.

Kitten core vaccines

The vaccination schedule for kittens is:

• Panleukopenia: Start at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks old.
• Rabies: First shot at 12–16 weeks, with a booster one year after the initial dose.
• FeLV vaccination is recommended for kittens as early as 8 weeks, with a booster 3–4 weeks later.

Adult cats require revaccination every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine used.

Rabies vaccine

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can spread to humans. Cats are the most commonly reported domestic animal to contract rabies in the U.S. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal in both cats and humans. Vaccination is required by law in most areas.

Rabies vaccination timing:

• Kittens: First shot at 12–16 weeks, with a booster one year after the initial dose.
• Adult cats: Revaccination every 1–3 years, depending on the vaccine used.

Why cats need rabies vaccine

Rabies is a fatal viral disease that affects the nervous system and can spread to humans. Cats are the most commonly reported domestic animal to contract rabies in the U.S. Once symptoms appear, rabies is nearly 100% fatal in both cats and humans. Vaccination is required by law in most areas.

Kitten rabies timing

Kittens should get their first rabies shot at 12-16 weeks old, with a booster one year after the initial dose.

Adult cat revaccination

Adult cats require revaccination every 1-3 years, depending on the vaccine used.

FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia) vaccine

Panleukopenia, also called feline distemper, is a highly contagious viral disease that can cause fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid dehydration. It’s frequently fatal in kittens, and death can occur within 24–48 hours of severe symptoms. Survivors may have lasting immune issues.

The FVRCP vaccine protects against panleukopenia. Vaccination timing:

• Kittens: Start at 6–8 weeks, with boosters every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks old.
• Adult cats: A booster one year after the initial dose, then every 1–3 years.

Why cats need panleukopenia vaccine

Panleukopenia, also called feline distemper, is a highly contagious viral disease that causes fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and rapid dehydration. It’s frequently fatal in kittens, and death can occur within 24–48 hours of severe symptoms.

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) vaccine

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) spreads through saliva, urine, and other bodily fluids. It weakens the immune system and can lead to secondary infections and cancers. It isn’t curable and can be fatal over time, so vaccination is critical for at-risk cats.

FeLV vaccination timing:

• FeLV vaccination is recommended for kittens as early as 8 weeks, with a booster 3–4 weeks later.
• Cats who go outdoors or are exposed to other cats: Annual boosters are advised.

Program overview

Yes, we offer TNR (Trap Neuter Return) services to support community, stray, feral, and barn cats while preventing future litters. We receive no funding and make no profit from TNR services.

TNR rules and cancellation

Please follow the TNR rules. Appointments may be cancelled if the rules are not followed.

Trap requirements

TNR trap requirements:

• Cats must arrive in a metal trap for safety.
• Only one adult cat is allowed per trap.
• Kittens following an adult are allowed.

Multiple cats

For multiple TNR cats, please label the traps and identify each cat so we can track notes such as lactation, pregnancy, wounds, or dental issues.

Ear tipping for TNR cats

Ear tipping is required for all TNR cats.

Scheduling priority and recovery

Owned pets and emergencies take priority, so TNR procedures may happen later in the day. Let us know about lactating mothers so we can prioritize their return the same day. TNR cats receive the same surgical standards as owned pets. Feral cats often need more anesthetic because of adrenaline. Recovery usually takes place in the trap to prevent escape.

Booking timing and Saturday limits

We usually don’t offer Saturday TNR appointments because of the volume of emergency surgeries. You can check at 9:00 am to see whether a Saturday TNR appointment is possible.

TNR pricing

TNR pricing:

• Spay: $25
• Neuter: $25

Wound exams and treatment

Wound-exam fees:

• Cat already spayed or neutered: $25
• Wound exam performed during TNR: $0

Our staff will need to confirm wound-care recommendations. If surgery is needed, it may not be possible on the same day as the exam.

Check-in

When arriving at the clinic, scan the QR code in the lobby and select TNR on the form.

Scheduling a TNR appointment by text

Our staff schedules TNR appointments by text; please don’t use the scheduling portal for TNR. Message us as soon as possible, even the night before, for the best chance of availability.

Our mission is to help pets and clients facing financial difficulties and reduce pet overpopulation. GAVC’s low-cost and affordable pricing is available to pets who are spayed or neutered. If your pet isn’t spayed or neutered, we can perform the spay or neuter during their surgery.

We keep costs down through text communication, online scheduling and paperwork, efficient surgery and anesthesia workflows, and a high-volume model. These efficiencies help us offer surgery at half the cost, or even less, compared with many clinics.

Clinic business hours

GAVC business hours are Monday through Saturday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Clinic address

GAVC is located at 7243 Federal Blvd, Unit 150, Westminster, CO 80030.

Text line cannot accept calls

Our staff communicates by text. The GAVC text line cannot accept calls.

Why GAVC uses text-only communication

We use text messages only to keep services affordable and handle questions efficiently. Texting helps reduce costs related to phone lines and voicemail, helps us exchange information accurately, and lets us respond during busy clinic hours.

Text response hours

Staff respond to texts during business hours; texts are not answered after hours.

Clinic text number

Our text-only number for reaching staff is 720-500-7784.

Clinic email address

The clinic email address is info@gavccolorado.com.

Request vaccination, payment, and appointment records

Vaccination, payment, and appointment records can be provided upon request, including for insurance paperwork.

Online pharmacy

The GAVC Pharmacy is at gavccolorado.vetsfirstchoice.com.

GAVC is not a walk-in emergency hospital and does not provide emergency triage, stabilization, or diagnostic appointments. Contact a dedicated emergency clinic if help is immediately needed or GAVC is closed.

GAVC urgent and emergency limits

GAVC is not a walk-in emergency hospital and does not provide emergency triage, stabilization, or diagnostic appointments. Contact a dedicated emergency clinic if help is immediately needed or GAVC is closed.

Diagnostics before possible GAVC surgery

If your pet needs x-rays, ultrasound, diagnostics, or a diagnosis before GAVC can determine or schedule possible surgery, urgent and emergency clinic resources can help.

Emergency and urgent clinic phone numbers

Northside Emergency Pet Clinic in Westminster: 303-252-7722

Animal Urgent Care in Arvada: 303-420-7387

Animal Urgent Care North East in Commerce City: 303-381-1488

VEG Boulder: 720-738-9994

VEG Denver: 720-574-9834

VEG Denver Tech Center: 720-739-6003

VEG Edgewater: 720-996-1200

VEG Littleton: 720-780-3311

RiNoVet Animal Emergency Care Denver: 303-458-5555

Affordable surgery follow-up

If surgery is later found to be necessary, our staff can help arrange affordable surgery by text.

Sick and wellness resources

Possible resources for sick or wellness appointments include Humane Colorado Veterinary Hospital at CSU Spur (formerly DFL Spur), Planned Pethood Plus, Pet Care Coalition, Maxfund, Liberty Animal Hospital, Animal Surgical Care, and Petwell Clinics.

GAVC sick and wellness limits

We don’t offer general sick visits, wellness exams, or regular checkups. We recommend maintaining a relationship with a full-service veterinary clinic for those services.

Diagnostics before possible GAVC surgery

Urgent, emergency, or full-service clinics can help with sick or wellness concerns, or with diagnostics needed before possible GAVC surgery. If surgery is later found to be necessary, our staff can help arrange affordable surgery by text.