Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some of the most common questions we're asked, followed by a brief answer.

If you have additional questions about Malta Animal Hospital, or our services , please feel free to give us a call at (518) 885-2550. If you are looking for medical FAQs or would like to search specific medical conditions, visit the Pet Library by clicking the link to the left.

1. What are the Hospital Hours?

Malta Animal Hospital has convenient hours with early morning and evening appointments available to meet your needs. 
We are open:  

2. Do I need to have an appointment?

Yes, patients are seen by appointment.

3. What forms of payment do you accept?

Cash, Visa, Mastercard, and CareCredit

4. Can I make payments?

Payment is required at the time of service.  CareCredit is a convenient option for those situations where spreading the cost of treatment over time may be desireable (such as an unexpected illness or emergency)

5.  What charges should I expect for my pet's visit?

Because every pet's needs are individual, it is impossible to accurately determine expected charges without a physical examination.  Once one of our veterinarians has examined your pet, we'll prepare a Care Plan outlining anticipated charges upon request, or prior to admission to the hospital for inpatient care. 



6.  What types of animals do you treat?

The Doctors and Staff at Malta Animal Hospital provide services to companion animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, ferrets, and other small, furry mammals (guinea pigs, chincillas, hamsters, gerbils, rats & mice)


7.  Where is Malta Animal Hospital?

Malta Animal Hospital is located in the Town of Malta, in Upstate New York.  We serve clients and their pets living in Saratoga, Rensselaer, Warren, Washington, Albany, Schenectady, and Fulton Counties.  For a detailed map, and other directions, visit the Contact Us page.



8. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?

Spaying or neutering is typically performed at approximately 6 months of age. Speak to one of our veterinarians about your pet's specific needs.  Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.

9.  What is pre-anesthetic blood screening?

This is a set of blood tests performed here at Malta Animal Hospital prior to surgery. These tests are tailored to the needs of individual patients and may include tests to determine:  organ function, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.

10. How long do the sutures stay in after my pet's surgery?

Many times the doctors at Malta Animal Hospital elect to use dissolvable sutures or glue that do not require suture removal.   Patients receiving sutures or staples must be rechecked to determine the best time for removal.  This is typically 10- 14 days following the surgery. 

11.  Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?

No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast/mammary tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of enlarged prostate and testicular cancer later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.

12.  Do you board pets?

Yes, we provide medical boarding for our clients. This is a special service provided only to our clients, and reserved for patients that require medical services while their owners are away.  We have boarding space for both dogs and cats.



13.  What are your kennels like?

Our dog kennels are all indoor. We have space to accomodate the largest of giant breeds! (see the hospital tour for photos) Dogs are walked 3 times daily while they stay with us. Boarding felines are housed in a separate area away from the dogs. Blankets and food are provided for our boarders, but you are always welcome to bring your own.