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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I limited to 3 minutes for the call?

Ans: We receive over hundreds registrations for each event. We need to reach as many people as possible for approximately 35 spots for each event. Please be ready with your credit card information at the time of the call.

To ensure we reach you, we recommend:

  • Have our phone number in your contact list as Greater AZ Pet Support. 623-466-5755
  • Have your phone on you after you register
  • Have your credit card ready when you see our number on your phone

Due to complications during and after surgery, we are no longer accepting brachycephalic breeds. 

What is a brachycephalic breed? 

Brachycephalic breeds include Shih Tzu, French bulldogs, Pugs, Boston Terriers, English Bulldogs, Pekinese, Boxers and etc. All these breeds have that “flat nose” that could cause breathing complications during and after surgery. We highly recommend having these pets sterilized at your veterinary clinic to help prevent these issues.

Why haven’t I been called back yet?
Ans: GAPS has sign-ups for multiple events concurrently.  We make call backs according to the
events scheduled.  The earliest event has the highest priority.  Once that event is filled, we
can call back the next scheduled event.  Please be patient as we receive hundreds of calls for
these events.  We call in the order in which we receive them. We also do not make calls on the weekends or after 3 p.m.

Main reasons for not receiving a callback:

  • The mailbox is not setup or is full
  • Your phone is turned off
  • We were provided with an incorrect
    phone number
  • Your pet didn’t meet the requirements for the posted event
    • Your pet was too old
    • Your pet was over the weight limit for our mobile events
  • You signed up a cat for a dog only event
  • You signed up a Poodle, Chihuahua, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, or etc. for a Pitbull event

Why do I have to pay $35.00?  I thought the surgery was free?
Ans:  The $400+ surgery is being paid for by a generous donation from 501c3 organizations.  You
are paying for the after surgery safety care for your pet.

What does the $35.00 deposit pay for?
Ans: For dogs – an e-collar and 3 days worth of take home pain medication
For cats – an e-collar and an injection for pain is given after surgery

Are there any other payments needed?
Ans:  On the day of surgery additional services are available, if you select them,  then that you will pay
for.  You will also pay for any other conditions that pertain to the health of the pet outside of the spay/neuter
surgery.

How long will the surgery take? (when is pickup time)
Ans: The length of the surgery time is dependent upon the number of pets ahead of yours waiting
for surgery.  The check-in person will provide you with an approximate pickup time when you check in, but expect pickup to be around 2 – 3 hours. All owners need to pick up their pets on time. Each person will be given a 20 minute “heads up” call.

How long does my pet have to wait for the surgery after giving birth?
Ans: After the kittens/puppies are no longer nursing then an additional 2 – 3 weeks to ensure no possible complications during the procedure.

Can my male dog have surgery if he is cryptorchid (None or only one testicle is visible)?
Ans: Yes, if he is missing only one testicle.
No, if both testicles are missing. The surgery at that point is very extensive and could have complications. We highly recommend for the pet to have his surgery done at your regular veterinarian.

Can my female dog/cat have surgery if she is in heat?
Ans: Yes, The surgery will take a little longer than usual.

Can my Pregnant dog/cat have surgery? 

Ans: We don’t recommend signing up your pet for surgery if she is pregnant. There can be major complications during surgery for your pet, and there are extra costs to the owners.

What vaccines are available?
Ans:  For Dogs – Rabies & Parvo distemper (DHPP)
For Cats –  Rabies & FVRCP
Additional vaccines are available for a charge

Why must my pet be less than 7 years old to receive surgery?
Ans:  As a pet age their body responds differently to anesthesia.  For pets 7 years of age and older
we require that bloodwork be run before the surgery.  We are unable to run bloodwork out
on a mobile.

Why does my pet have to be less than 55 lbs for the mobile events?
Ans:  This is a space limitation.  Pets over 55 lbs are too large for the prep-table and limited recovery space on our mobile events. We ask owners to weigh their pets before signing up. You will lose the $35 payment and get turned away, if your pet is over the weight limit on the day of the event.

Large dog surgery performed in Surprise.  All male dogs greater than 70 lbs will be charged an additional $8.00 per pound.  All female dogs greater than 70 lbs. will be charged and additional $10.00 per pound.

 

Can my spouse, child, friend bring my pet?
Ans: Yes, they must be at least 18 years old and be responsible/accountable for signing the
surgical release form.

Why is the event restricted to only owners of the pet and not open to breeders, rescues, fosters, rehoming pets etc.?
Ans:  The 501c3 organizations funding the event require that the services be provided to owned
pets only.

Can I bring my pet for just vaccines on the mobile event date?

Ans: Yes, we recommend coming on the hour (Ex: at 10:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m.) in order to be taken care of in a timely manner: our surgery check-ins are on the half hour, and they take priority. The vaccine will be at full cost for non-surgery patients.

  • Rabies: $27
  • DHPP (Distemper Parvo): $27
  • Bordetella: $27
  • FVRCP (for cats): $27