Frequently Asked Questions

Your pet’s care matters, and so does your peace of mind. At Mount Airy Veterinary Associates, we’ve compiled frequently asked questions so you can easily learn more about our services, policies, and the way we treat every pet like family.

Appointments

Are you accepting new clients?

Yes, we’d love to meet you. Don’t forget to mention our $75 new client discount at your first wellness visit.

We’re at 6 E Ridgeville Blvd Unit C, Mount Airy, MD 21771, just minutes from New Market, Woodbine, Damascus, and surrounding areas in Carroll and Frederick Counties.

Yes, we do. Our veterinarians care for small mammals including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, hamsters, hedgehogs, rats, mice, and sugar gliders in addition to cats and dogs.

Absolutely. We provide urgent care appointments during our regular hospital hours. Call ahead if you can so we can prepare for your arrival.

A warm welcome, a thorough exam, and plenty of time to answer your questions. Bring your pet’s records, a list of medications, and even a favorite toy or treat to help them feel at home.

Our team is trained in low-stress, Fear Free–inspired handling techniques to make exams as calm and comfortable as possible for every patient.

Financing

Apply at carecredit.com or let our client care team assist you during your visit.

Yes, it’s widely accepted at many healthcare providers for people, too.

Definitely. CareCredit helps you handle both unexpected and scheduled expenses for you and your pet.

No, it’s a free tool that helps you research and compare multiple insurers.

Most policies require you to pay upfront, then request reimbursement. Some directly pay your veterinarian.

Earlier is better, as young pets typically qualify for the most affordable coverage.

Services

We recommend twice-annual visits for dogs, cats, and small mammals, though older pets or those with chronic conditions may benefit from more frequent checkups.

Absolutely. Indoor pets can still encounter parasites and infectious diseases, so preventive care is critical for all pets, no matter where they live.

Yes. Vaccinations are crucial for protecting puppies, kittens, and small mammals with developing immune systems. Side effects are rare and typically mild.

Absolutely. We provide personalized nutrition guidance, allergy-friendly diets, and weight management support to keep pets healthy at every stage of life.

We provide detailed instructions before your pet’s surgical procedure, typically including fasting guidelines and advice on continuing or pausing medications.

For complex surgeries, small mammals are referred to our partner hospital, Emergency Animal Hospital of Ellicott City, where they receive specialized care.

While all anesthesia carries some risk, we create individualized protocols and monitor pets closely with advanced equipment to maximize safety.

Many procedures allow same-day discharge. Your pet will remain with us until stable and alert, and we’ll provide detailed instructions for at-home care.

Recovery time depends on the type of surgery. Soft tissue procedures typically require a couple of weeks, while more complex operations may require longer. Our team guides you through every step of the post-operative care process.

Most pets benefit from annual dental cleanings, but those prone to dental disease, older pets, or pets with chronic oral conditions (e.g., stomatitis, resorptive disease) may require more frequent visits.

Watch for bad breath, tartar buildup, bleeding gums, difficulty chewing, pawing at the mouth, or swelling around the face. Early detection is key to preventing pain and systemic issues.

No, non-anesthetic cleanings cannot reach below the gumline where disease often develops. Anesthesia ensures a thorough cleaning and allows us to identify hidden issues safely and effectively, without causing your pet undue stress or discomfort.

Absolutely. We perform cleanings, X-rays, and extractions for cats and provide guidance and tooth trimming for small mammals to prevent overgrown teeth and maintain oral health.

We use local anesthetics and post-operative medications to keep your pet comfortable. Most pets recover quickly and enjoy a healthier, pain-free mouth within days.

Most pocket pets benefit from at least one wellness exam per year. Older pets or those with chronic health concerns may need more frequent visits to stay healthy.

Yes. Many exotic pets hide illness extremely well. Regular exams help catch issues early, when they’re easier and less stressful to treat.

Absolutely. Nutrition and husbandry play a major role in exotic pet health, and we’re happy to provide guidance tailored to your pet’s species and lifestyle.

Yes. We monitor dental health closely and provide tooth trimming and care when needed to prevent pain and long-term complications.

Bring any previous medical records, details about diet and housing, and photos of your pet’s enclosure if possible. This helps us give the most accurate advice and care.