Below are the frequently asked questions, categorized by New Patients, Current Patients, Appointments and Surgeries / Dental / General Anesthesia. You might also be interested in our Hospital Policies.
We are staffed with a well-trained, caring, and compassionate veterinary staff, using state of the art equipment. Our standard of care is superior, and we prove this by being one of only 17% of veterinary hospitals nationwide that are AAHA certified.
For ease, convenience, and as a part of the Santa Barbara Veterinary Group, San Roque Pet Hospital clients/patients have access to 2 different hospitals with the collaboration of 6 veterinarians, as well as access to HydroPaws Animal Rehabilitation and Performance Center (located behind/attached to San Roque Pet Hospital), and pet boarding.
We combine exceptional, state-of-the-art veterinary medical care with a compassionate touch. You will be sure to notice the difference.
Please bring any information about your pet's medications, diet history and other current history including flea control. We ask, if possible, to bring a fecal sample (the "fresher" the better), especially if your pet has diarrhea.
For cats, bring them in a cat carrier. For dogs, please have them on a leash at all times in our reception area. If you have any questions about your visit, please call our office staff. You might also want to write down any questions you may have for the doctor(s) during your visit.
Additionally, it is always wise to bring a notebook with answers to your questions so you have a log, (though we always attempt to send you with printed information when possible).
We are located at 3034 State Street, where De La Vina Street and State Street meet. We are across from Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.
Click for directions to San Roque Pet Hospital
Please use your pet portal.
Don't have an active e-mail account? Call (805) 682-2647.
Yes! You can use your pet portal.
Yes. Records, lab results, etc. are shared online at all times. For example, if you are a San Roque Pet Hospital client and need to be seen when SRPH is closed, you can call either San Roque Pet Hospital or Montecito Pet Hospital to make an appointment. The veterinarian on duty won't miss a beat as they will have access to all your pets records (as opposed to the ER).
In order to facilitate good communication and better address your pet’s needs, we strongly recommend that you plan to be there for your pet’s appointment. Drop-offs will only be authorized for existing clients.
Please bring any information about your pet's medications, diet history and other current history including flea control. We ask, if possible, to bring a fecal sample (the "fresher" the better), especially if your pet has diarrhea.
For cats, bring them in a cat carrier. For dogs, please have them on a leash at all times in our reception area. If you have any questions about your visit, please call our office staff. You may also want to write down any questions you will have for the doctors during your visit. Additionally, it is always wise to bring a notebook with answers to your questions so you have a log. (Though we always attempt to send you with printed information when possible.)
Please withhold all food, treats, etc. ideally 12 hours prior to your pet’s blood draw. Water does NOT need to be withheld prior to blood testing (especially important for those patients with Diabetes).
30 Minute Consultations are standard at San Roque Pet Hospital (most veterinary hospitals schedule 15 and 20 minute appointments). Certain appointments are even reserved for 1 hour appointments to ensure our doctors give all concerns the appropriate attention. This gives our doctors and staff ample opportunity to answer all your questions and provide you with information, empowering you to make informed decisions. Please schedule ample time for your appointment (i.e.- do not schedule your appointments soon after your pet’s appointment as it may take longer to treat your pet.)
If it is necessary to cancel an appointment, please do so 24 hours in advance. An early cancellation will give another client the opportunity to bring their pet to San Roque Pet Hospital.
Because we know time is important to everyone, we have adopted the following policy:
We hope you understand the need for this policy and thank you for allowing us the opportunity to take care of your pet’s healthcare needs.
Cancellation or Postponement of Scheduled Medical Procedures
A 50% deposit is required at the time a procedure is scheduled. The remaining balance is due at the time services are rendered. Because we must have the appropriate staff on duty for particular medical procedures, we require 48 hours notice if you need to postpone or cancel a scheduled procedure. If the procedure is cancelled or rescheduled within 48 hours, the deposit is non-refundable.
We hope you understand the need for these policiesand thank you for allowing us the opportunity to take care of your pet’s healthcare needs.
12 hours.
General anesthesia is often feared by many. We take general anesthesia very seriously and have implemented our own "balanced approach to anesthesia" in order to minimize inherent risks associated with anesthesia. By utilizing smaller amounts of a slightly wider array of very safe anesthetic agents, we minimize each of their side-effects, in essence "balancing" the anesthesia and providing a lighter, safer anesthesia with less "hangover".
FOOD/WATER: Please wait to feed your pet until the evening. Limit food and water to very small amounts as your pet may have a sensitive stomach after having anesthesia earlier in the day. They may not have an appetite for a day or so. If they are not interested in food for more than a day, call our hospital. It is best for your pet to be kept in a quiet and restricted area for the evening as they might appear drowsy and uncoordinated.
ACTIVITY RESTRICTION: Your pet may still be sedated when they come home after anesthesia or sedation- don't let them navigate stairs or curbs without assistance as they may fall. Additionally, the medications given may cause your pet to vocalize (whine), pant or seem restless in the evening. This is not likely due to pain, as we provide pain control if needed to last until the next day (at a minimum). Please call tomorrow if your pet seems uncomfortable.
An endotracheal tube was placed in your pet's airway to maintain anesthesia during the procedure. You may notice a minor cough that may last for 2-3 days after anesthesia. If this continues for more than 3 days, please contact us.
Many owners have concerns about their pets having a Dental Prophylaxis (cleaning) under full anesthesia. Unfortunately, the only way to CORRECTLY and SAFELY clean your pet's teeth is with the assistance of light general anesthesia.
Below are some key points explaining potential harm in doing a dental cleaning without the aid of a Licensed Veterinarian and light general anesthesia.
Your pet's incision recheck or suture/staple removal after surgery is complimentary! However, please discourage your pet from chewing/licking as an extra charge will be applied for re-suturing/stapling, re-casting, re-bandaging, additional anesthesia and/or any necessary treatment.
Please limit activity (leash walking your dog only), no running. Monitor incision (suture/staple) site daily. Note any swelling or discharge. Call hospital if you notice any abnormalities. If you have another pet, it may be best to keep them separate. Keep incision site clean and dry, do not bathe.
We believe in ensuring a comprehensive pain control protocol for your pet should they need to undergo a potentially painful procedure. We do NOT believe that allowing your pet to have pain is a good form of restraint post-operatively!! Options for ensuring good pain control include a local anesthetic, pre-anesthetic pain control (Morphine-relative drug usually), induction drugs providing analgesia, anti-inflammatory/pain-relievers (NSAIDs), Fentanyl pain patches, post-operative acupuncture therapy, etc.... Please inquire if you have further questions as we would be happy to discuss your pet's needs.