General Frequently Asked Questions
No, we do not offer boarding or overnight stays but we can make recommendations for your pet’s needs.
We understand that things can happen. Please contact us as soon as possible and we will determine if we will be able to accommodate you.
We can also coordinate acquiring previous veterinary records for you so that we can utilize your appointment time as you prefer.
Let us know who to contact, and we will do that for you.
We see dogs and cats.
Our top priority is to ensure that your pet feels relaxed and comfortable during their visit to our hospital. That’s why we have carefully designed our hospital with this goal in mind. You’ll find cozy seating arrangements that your furry friend can snuggle up on and complimentary treats for your pet. We encourage you to play an active role in your pet’s care, providing moral support and bringing along their favorite toys, treats, or blankets to help them feel more at ease. Additionally, you may want to consider using calming treats, collars, or sprays to soothe your pet’s nerves further.
Yes, through the easy to access online member portal.
Welcome to our pet portal
Manage your pets’ healthcare from the comfort of your home. Order prescription refills, schedule appointments, and check vaccines and reminders with just a few clicks.
We are conveniently located across the street from Short Pump Town Center, in the Promenade Shops, between Mattress Firm and FedEx. We can't wait to see your furry family member!
Our hospital is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. We are closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day. Please call us for the latest updates to our schedule.
Cash, Debit cards, credit cards, Sunbit, and, CareCredit. No Checks, please.
Learn more here about CareCredit or Scratchpay.
To help you Care Now and Pay-over-time, we now offer access to flexible payment plans for your veterinary needs. Check out your financing options today. Payment is expected at the time of services. We do accept CareCredit and Scratchpay.
We accept pet insurance, but you pay upfront and file it, and then the insurance company reimburses you for the covered service.
No, we do not offer grooming, but we can give you recommendations on area groomers and how frequently your fur-baby needs bathing.
Yes, COTA Veterinary welcomes patients from Richmond and the surrounding communities of Henrico, Glen Allen, Mechanicsville, and Midlothian. We are located at 11629 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233, and are accepting new patients. Call (804) 964-2682 or book online.
Urgent and Sick Care
There are a few things you can look for to determine if your furry friend is feeling under the weather. Watch for changes in their behavior, appetite, and energy levels. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to contact us directly at (804) 964-2682.
Exams cost $80 + recommended therapies, medications, etc. We practice collaborative medicine with you and will only proceed with our recommendations if you agree. You will be given upfront financial information, so there are no surprises.
If it’s a quick and simple procedure, like getting their nails trimmed, you can probably stick around and provide some moral support. But if it’s a longer treatment, like an IV fluid drip, it might be best for your pet to stay in our care, where we can monitor them closely, allow them to rest quietly, and make sure they’re comfortable. Don’t worry; we’ll keep you updated on their progress every step of the way.
Once we have had time to diagnose your pet and develop a treatment plan, we will discuss this in detail and in its entirety with you. Some treatments may need several days of care, and we will discuss the best options. We may need to see your pet for consecutive days in our hospital, or we may recommend referral to an emergency veterinary hospital for ongoing continuous care. We are not staffed after hours, so your pet will not stay overnight with us. If our veterinary team feels your pet needs to be hospitalized overnight, we will work with an area emergency care facility to coordinate your pet’s care. But no matter what, we will spoil them rotten.
A referral is when a primary care veterinarian refers a patient to a specialist or specialized facility for further evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment. The referral may be necessary when a furry friend requires specialized expertise, equipment, or treatment options beyond the scope of the primary veterinarian’s expertise. A referral allows your pet to receive the best possible care from a specialist with advanced training and experience in a particular area of veterinary medicine.
Pets can be good at hiding their pain and discomfort. Some signs that your pet may be in pain include difficulty walking or rising, whining or crying, pacing, hesitancy to walk, use stairs or jump, decreased appetite, and lack of interest in people or favorite toys. It’s important to bring up any of these concerns with our COTA Veterinary team to ensure your pet receives proper care and treatment.
There are many ways you can turn your home into a comfortable retirement villa for your elderly pet.
- For vision issues- keep the lights on in dark hallways and stairs and resist the urge to move furniture around.
- For ambulatory issues- keep them on one level without any stairs, use ramps when necessary, and utilize raised feeding bowls, and orthopedic beds with extra padding for all those achy joints.
- Add non-slip throw rugs for slick hard surface floors and remove any tripping hazards.
- Consider installing a doggy door so they can go out and take care of business whenever they please, as bladders become less patient with age.
Our veterinary team can advise on even more accommodations based on your pet’s specific needs.
Retirement living never sounded so good!
Hospice care for pets is a supportive approach to care for animals with terminal diseases, focusing on improving their quality of life during their remaining time. This type of care emphasizes comfort and avoids aggressive interventions, although all therapies are considered. Hospice care is a philosophy of caring, and our veterinary team can help you understand your treatment options, including palliative care, and what works best for you and your family.
Hospice care for pets is similar to that of humans, with your veterinary team coordinating medical procedures, prescribing medication, and providing comfort care. However, day-to-day hospice care happens at home with you. The biggest difference is that veterinarians can provide humane euthanasia if the quality of life for your pet becomes unacceptable.
Remember, you know your pet best, so don’t hesitate to ask questions to ensure you feel confident in the care you provide. Our goal is to provide your pet with a peaceful and comfortable quality of life at home, surrounded by loved ones. With proper planning and communication with your COTA Veterinary team, hospice care can help your pet transition with dignity and comfort.
Euthanasia can provide comfort and relief from pain and suffering for our beloved pets whose quality of life has been compromised. Our aim is to ensure that your pet’s last memory is one of peace and comfort, which is why we have designed a gentle and pain-free protocol to guide you through the process and help your pet in their final moments.
We offer euthanasia services in a comfortable setting in our hospital, but we also provide recommendations for local at-home euthanasia providers if that’s your preference.
Making the decision to euthanize a pet can be one of the most challenging things for any pet parent. We understand this and are ready to provide assistance in any way we can. Our team is available to answer your inquiries about euthanasia, give you access to more resources, and discuss the alternatives that can help enhance your pet’s quality of life. We aim to ensure that you feel knowledgeable, empowered, and comforted during this tough time, enabling you to make the most appropriate decision for yourself and your beloved pet. This provided link is also a valuable resource.
Yes, it is entirely up to you if you want to stay.
We will ask a few things before beginning as we want to ensure we are accommodating all your needs at this sensitive time.
Do you want to be present? And this is entirely up to you.
What would you like to happen afterward- the options are cremation with remains returned, cremation with remains not returned, or taking your pet home for burial.
You will determine the pace. When you are ready, we will place an IV catheter in your pet’s leg, which will give us access to their vein to deliver medications. We will use a combination of sedatives and painkillers. This is a painless procedure; your pet will pass away within a few minutes. You can spend as much time as you like afterward, and we will handle all the arrangements for aftercare.
Click this link to read a relevant article on Healthline.com.
Yes, it is possible for pets to grieve the loss of their companion. Pets can form strong emotional bonds with each other, and the loss of one can affect the other. It’s not uncommon for pets to display signs of mourning, and these may include vocalization, pacing, change in appetite and energy levels, seeking attention, or having elimination issues. However, the degree to which they grieve can vary based on the individual animal and their relationship with the pet that passed away. Providing extra love, attention, and support to your remaining pets during this time can help them cope with the loss. Consider distracting your pet with walks, puzzle toys, or using calming collars or sprays.
Surgery And Dentistry
After being under anesthesia, most pets feel groggy, which is a typical reaction and often resolves within 24-48 hours. If you require assistance with moving your pet to the car, we would be delighted to assist. It’s also common for some pets to have a soft stool or a change in their appetite for a few days, which is entirely normal. Before taking your four-legged friend home, you will receive detailed post-operative instructions regarding medication, feeding, activity, and follow-up care.
Our veterinary team will evaluate the condition of your pet’s mouth and provide advice accordingly. Although brushing your pet’s teeth at home regularly is advisable, it may not eliminate all the harmful tartar and plaque accumulation that could cause periodontal disease to worsen.
Your pet’s health will be assessed prior to a dental cleaning with risks identified and addressed with you. During the dental cleaning, your pet will be under anesthesia and monitored closely. An oral exam is performed, teeth are scaled and polished, and we remove calculus from the tooth’s surface and under gum lines. Any areas of concern are addressed and dental X-rays are taken as needed.
Your pet needs anesthesia during a dental cleaning because, unlike humans who can follow instructions and hold their mouth open, pets cannot cooperate in the same way. Without anesthesia, the process would be uncomfortable and frightening for them. Anesthesia enables the veterinary dental team to examine your pet’s mouth, clean all surfaces thoroughly, and polish the teeth. So, let your pet catch some Z’s while the dental team does their thing, and before you know it, your furry pal will have a clean and sparkling smile.
Tooth extractions involve the removal of one or more teeth during a dental procedure. This becomes necessary if a tooth is damaged, diseased, causing pain, or loose. Your veterinarian will thoroughly examine your pet’s mouth while under anesthesia, and if they determine that a tooth needs to be extracted, they will inform you. Dental X-rays can assist in making this decision as we strive to extract as few teeth as possible.
While a dental cleaning will help eliminate some bad breath, it can also be caused by other things. If the bad breath persists after a dental cleaning, our veterinarian can make further recommendations.
A dental cleaning varies per pet and their situation. We will try our best to give you an accurate estimate but just like at your dentist, sometimes things are only obvious once dental X-rays are performed or tarter is removed from the tooth surface. We will work with you to come up with a great treatment plan to address all concerns.
Every pet is required to have a pre-op appointment which can be done during their Wellness Exam. This ensures your pet is in good health and ready to undergo the anesthesia necessary for the dental procedure
Your veterinary team will help you determine this at your pet’s Wellness Exam. Every pet is unique, and the buildup of tartar and plaque can vary from one adorable furball to another. Let your veterinary team know if you notice anything like bad breath or if your pet is having trouble chewing food or dropping food from their mouth.
Brushing your furry family member’s teeth is important to their overall dental care. Here are the steps you can follow to brush your pet’s teeth:
- Please choose the right toothbrush: Use a toothbrush specifically designed for pets, as their bristles are soft and gentle on their gums and teeth. Alternatively, you can use a finger brush or a piece of gauze wrapped around your finger.
- Please choose the right toothpaste: Never use human toothpaste on your pet, as it contains ingredients that can be harmful to them. Instead, use toothpaste specifically designed for pets. These kinds of toothpaste come in flavors that appeal to pets, such as chicken, beef, or fish.
- Get your pet comfortable: Before starting to brush, get your pet comfortable by letting them sniff the toothbrush and toothpaste. Then, gently lift their lip and rub your finger along their teeth and gums to get them used to the sensation.
- Start brushing: Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush or your finger brush, and start brushing in circular motions along your pet’s teeth and gums. Be gentle, and don’t forget to brush the back teeth that are most prone to plaque and tartar buildup.
- Reward your fluff-ball. Once you’re done brushing, reward your pet with a treat or some praise. This will help them associate teeth brushing with a positive experience.
It’s important to note that brushing your pet’s teeth should be done on a regular basis, ideally every day to several times a week. If your pet is resistant to brushing, you can try using dental treats, water additives, or chews as alternative dental care options.
Our veterinary team will only make recommendations for mass removals when they feel it is necessary and in your pet’s best interest.
Yes, before your furry friend has a surgical procedure or dental cleaning, we need to give them a once-over to make sure they’re fit as a fiddle, which can be done during their annual exam. This ensures your pet is in good health and ready to undergo the anesthesia necessary for the procedure. It also enables us to develop a specific treatment plan for your pet and address all of your concerns.
Once our veterinary team has examined your pet, they will discuss the best treatment plan with you. With our transparent pricing, you will be given an estimate prior to surgery.
Wellness
Yes, your furry friends need regular wellness exams every 6 months as they age faster than humans, and frequent visits help detect emerging health issues early. During each visit, we update lifestyle needs, adjust preventative care, give those necessary vaccine boosters, and catch developing issues before they become serious. Your pet may be the master of disguise when it comes to hiding their illnesses, but we’ll be on the lookout for any sneaky health issues.
Yes, even though they don’t venture outside, cats can still suffer from issues like weight gain, dental disease, and arthritis. We can catch these problems early on by taking them for regular check-ups before they become bigger issues. Cats are notorious for hiding symptoms, so don’t be fooled by their nonchalant demeanor. Keep your indoor furballs happy and healthy with routine vet visits.
Not every pet needs every vaccine every year. Our approach to pet vaccinations is individualized to your pet based on their health, age, and lifestyle. Core vaccines are those vaccines that veterinarians feel all pets should have. Lifestyle vaccines are based on your pet’s activities and environment. We strive to avoid over-vaccination and offer vaccine titers to evaluate your pet’s immune status rather than relying solely on routine vaccinations. We will work with you to ensure your pet is protected and equipped to fight everything from mild illnesses to more serious disease.
Come with all your concerns and questions- count on us to provide the answers you need. To help ease your furry friend’s stress or anxiety, bring their beloved treats, toy, or blanket along with you. Additionally, please provide a fecal sample for us to examine, as it will reduce your pet’s stress from us collecting one. You can use a standard dog poop bag or any other sealed plastic bag or disposable container to transport the sample.
We do NOT currently offer assistance with international travel certificates.
We will continue to issue state-to-state health certificates for the lower 48 (not Hawaii or Alaska). Please call (804) 964-2682 or schedule your appointment here: BOOK NOW!
With just a swab of their cheek, we can find their ancestry, uncover their health secrets, and better understand their behavior. This allows our veterinarians to proactively plan for possible genetic concerns down the road to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Diagnostics
After assessing your pet’s health condition and lifestyle, we can provide recommendations on whether testing is necessary, even if your pet appears to be healthy. Pets may conceal symptoms, and testing can help detect potential health problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment. We want to make your pet as fit as a fiddle, even if they’re hiding their symptoms like a pro!
It really depends on your pet’s personality. And the situation. Some pets might be cool as cucumbers and not need any sedation, while others might appreciate a little extra help to keep their nerves at bay. Our fantastic veterinary team will work with you to figure out what works best for your furry friend.
