Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our clinic, our services, or what to expect at your visit? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we hear from pet owners and livestock producers across Palo Pinto County.
FAQs for New Clients at Texas West Animal Health
Is Texas West Animal Health accepting new clients?
Yes—we welcome new clients and their animals. If this is your first visit, we recommend completing our new client form online before you arrive to save time at check-in. Bring any previous veterinary records you have on hand, and don’t hesitate to call ahead if you have questions about your first appointment.
Do you see both companion animals and large animals?
Yes. Texas West Animal Health is a mixed-animal practice, which means we provide veterinary care for dogs and cats as well as horses, cattle, and other livestock. Whether you have a house pet, a working ranch dog, or a herd of cattle, our team is equipped to help. View all our veterinary services.
Do you offer mobile or farm-call services?
Yes. In addition to our clinic in Santo, TX, we offer mobile veterinary services for farms and ranches throughout Palo Pinto County and into Parker, Erath, and Hood Counties. Farm calls are available for large animal consultations, reproductive management, and more.
How do I know if I’m within your service area?
Our primary service area covers Palo Pinto County, including Santo, Lone Camp, Palo Pinto, Gordon, Mingus, Strawn, Patillo, and Lipan. We also serve clients in surrounding counties. If you’re unsure whether we travel to your location, give us a call and we’ll let you know.
Companion Animal Care
How often does my pet need a wellness exam?
Most adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual wellness visit. Senior pets may benefit from more frequent checkups every six months, depending on their age, breed, and individual health needs. Puppies and kittens typically need multiple visits in their first year to complete their vaccination series and monitor early development. Learn more about our pet wellness checks.
What vaccinations does my pet need?
Core vaccine recommendations vary by species, age, and lifestyle. During your pet’s wellness exam, our veterinarian will review your pet’s history and recommend what’s appropriate based on current veterinary guidelines. We’ll tailor our recommendations to your pet’s individual needs.
Do you provide dental care for pets?
Yes. We offer full pet dental services for dogs and cats, including professional cleanings, digital dental X-rays, extractions, and polishing—all performed under general anesthesia for your pet’s safety and comfort. Learn more about our pet dental services.
What types of surgeries do you perform?
Our veterinarians perform routine spays and neuters, a variety of soft tissue surgeries, including ocular, nasal, and abdominal procedures, and basic orthopedic surgeries and repairs. If your pet’s needs fall outside what we offer, we’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist. Learn more about our pet surgical services.
Do you treat skin conditions and allergies in pets?
Yes. Our team provides pet dermatology for dogs and cats, including allergy management, ear infections, skin masses, and more.
Do you offer nutritional guidance for pets?
Yes. Our team provides pet nutrition counseling and weight management support for dogs and cats at every life stage.
Do you offer behavioral support for pets?
Yes. Our team provides pet behavioral counseling for dogs and cats, including support for anxiety, aggression, inappropriate elimination, and behavioral changes in senior pets.
Does my pet need a pre-surgical exam before a procedure?
Yes. We require a physical exam before scheduling most surgical procedures, and we may recommend pre-surgical bloodwork depending on your pet’s age and health history. This helps us determine whether your pet is an appropriate candidate for anesthesia and plan accordingly.
What should I do if my pet is sick or injured during clinic hours?
Call us right away at (940) 769-2222. We provide daytime veterinary care for urgent situations during regular clinic hours. Calling ahead allows our team to prepare for your arrival and advise you on immediate steps. Learn more about our urgent veterinary care.
What should I do if my pet has an emergency after hours?
For after-hours emergencies, please visit our after-hours emergency clinics page for a current list of emergency providers in the region. We want you to always know where to turn, no matter the time of day.
Large Animal & Farm Services FAQs
What large animal species do you see?
Our large animal practice primarily covers cattle and horses, along with other livestock common to Texas farming and ranching operations. Contact our team to discuss your specific animals and circumstances.
Do you offer reproductive management services for livestock?
Yes. We provide a full range of reproductive management services, including pregnancy checks, bull breeding soundness exams, and reproductive health diagnostics. We recommend scheduling bull fertility evaluations 30–60 days before your intended breeding season. Learn about our large animal services.
What is CWD, and do you offer testing?
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a fatal neurological illness affecting deer and other cervids. Texas West Animal Health is certified by the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) to collect postmortem CWD samples and submit them for testing. It’s an important service for landowners and hunters in our area who take part in state surveillance efforts.
Can you help me build a herd health management plan?
Yes. Our veterinarians are glad to work with you on a customized plan covering vaccinations, parasite control, reproductive management, and nutrition guidance. Regular farm-site consultations are a great foundation for proactive herd health.
Dog Boarding FAQs
What does your boarding kennel include?
Our fully climate-controlled dog boarding kennel features an indoor play yard, outdoor exercise pens, and an on-site grooming room. Dogs in our care are supervised by our veterinary staff throughout their stay—which means any health concerns that arise are handled promptly by a trained team. Learn more about our dog boarding services.
What vaccinations are required for boarding?
Can you board a dog that's recovering from surgery?
It depends on the procedure and where your pet is in their recovery. If your dog recently had surgery with our team, we’ll work with you to determine whether boarding is appropriate based on their current care needs.
How far in advance should I book boarding?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially around holidays and peak travel seasons. Call our team to check availability and reserve your dog’s spot.
Payment and Insurance FAQs
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash, personal checks, credit cards, debit cards, and CareCredit. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that allows you to finance veterinary expenses over time—a helpful option for unexpected or larger treatment costs.
Do you accept pet insurance?
We encourage pet owners to explore insurance options that work for their situation. We recommend using Pawlicy Advisor, a free independent comparison tool that helps you review and compare pet insurance plans from multiple providers side by side. Learn more on our payment options page.
Can I discuss costs before my appointment?
Absolutely. If you have questions about the cost of a specific service or want to understand your options before scheduling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We believe in honest, transparent communication about fees so you can make the best decision for your pet and your budget.