What to Expect

The following information will help you understand MN SNAP’s surgery process and what you can expect at a MN SNAP clinic.

Should you need to cancel your surgery appointment, please provide a 48-hour notice. This will allow us to fill any available space for the clinic.

GENERAL

  • Schedule surgery online (or leave a message, and a volunteer will assist you in signing up).
  • Wait for your confirmation.
  • Clients will receive a phone call reminder one to three days before surgery.
  • Dogs must be pottied before check in.
  • Nonprofit or low cost does not mean “free” or “poor quality.” Your pet will be cared for as if they were our own.
  • Be prepared to wait in line at check in – everyone is provided with the same check-in time, so please allow up to 60 minutes for this process.

ITEMS TO BRING THE DAY OF SURGERY

  • Proof of qualification (proof of income or public assistance).
  • MN state ID (if out of state, a current MN utility bill must be provided).
  • Cash payment.

CHECK-IN

  • Surgery typically takes 10 to 40 minutes, depending on your pet’s species, size and sex.
  • Each pet will be treated in order to allow the most efficient surgery flow.
  • The surgery day is planned by species and weight. (Large dogs are typically treated first, followed by smaller dogs and cats.)
  • Every pet can sleep for several hours after surgery; the larger the pet, the longer they sleep. First-come, first-served doesn’t apply at MN SNAP clinics.
  • During check-in, inform the technician of any abdominal surgery your pet may have had (i.e. c-section, obstruction surgery or bladder surgery), medical conditions or medication your pet is taking.
  • Clients will receive a phone call when their pets are ready to go home.

POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL FEES

  • If parasites or infections are identified, we’ll call for approval to treat.
  • Treatments start from $5 to $25, and cash payment must be collected at the time of pick up.
  • Please monitor your phone in the event that we do call with any questions or treatment approval.
  • If an umbilical hernia is found at the time of surgery, an additional fee will be assessed.
  • If a male pet is cryptorchid (undescended testes), additional fees will apply, and we’ll advise you when we call you to pick up your pet.
  • All clients will be called if any additional fees must be approved and collected at pick up.

PICK UP

  • Clients will receive a phone call when their pets are ready to go home.
  • Please ensure someone is available for pick up ALL DAY.
  • We attempt to provide a 30-minute to 1-hour notice for pick up – it’s very important that pets are picked up on time.
  • We’ll work with clients who have time constraints, but we can’t guarantee specific timing for picking up pets after surgery.
  • When you pick up your pet, you’ll receive at-home care instructions and possibly medications.
  • Listen carefully, as it’s very important you know when to give medications and how to be sure your pet is recovering well.
  • If your pet is not recovering the way you think she or he should, we’ve provided you with a number to call.
  • Surgical re-checks are free of charge, but if medication or another surgery is required, you may be expected to pay another fee.

E-COLLARS

  • E-collars prevent a pet from licking their incision during the healing process.
  • Most pets do not need an e-collar, but we sell them for $5.
  • If a pet is licking at her or his incision, we’ll ask the client to purchase an e-collar before going home.
  • Clients who notice a pet licking her or his incision at home may return to purchase an e-collar.