Surgery for dogs, cats and rabbits at PetsFirst, with pain relief to take home and two follow-up visits included in your surgical package.
Surgery for dogs, cats and rabbits, with pre-op checks, take-home pain relief and two follow-up visits.
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Here’s how to prepare for dog or cat surgery and what happens afterwards. Follow the instructions your vet gives you for your pet. Rabbits need different preparation, which we explain below.
PetsFirst’s general guidance for dogs and cats is to withhold food for 6–8 hours before surgery. Ask the team to confirm the last meal time for your pet’s appointment, especially if your pet is young, very slim or likely to struggle without breakfast.
Ask the team to confirm when to remove your pet’s water before you leave home. The timing should follow the instructions given for their appointment.
You’ll be given an arrival time a few hours before the procedure. This gives us time to settle your pet, check their bloodwork and start intravenous (IV) fluids. The vet will examine your pet from nose to tail, explain the planned procedure and answer your questions.
PetsFirst typically performs surgeries between 9am and 5pm. During anaesthesia, a tube is always placed in your pet’s windpipe to deliver oxygen and anaesthetic gas. Pain relief is usually given during surgery rather than beforehand, as it can wear off within 30–45 minutes. Once they’re fully awake, we can offer a small portion of the food you brought from home.
Your pet will go home with pain relief. Set up a quiet, comfortable place to rest, with fresh drinking water nearby. Offer a small amount of their usual food that evening. Prevent running, playing and jumping for the next 10 days, and check the wound twice a day.
For dogs and cats, the first follow-up is 48–72 hours after surgery to check their comfort and recovery from anaesthesia. The second is 7–10 days later to check healing, look for infection and remove stitches if needed. Both visits are included in your surgical package. Confirm the appointment dates with the team before you leave.
A few familiar things from home can help your pet settle in. Before your appointment, check the food and water instructions with our team and prepare what you’d like to bring.
Book an AppointmentDogs and cats share the same general preparation. Here’s what it means for your dog, from the night before to the final follow-up.
The general guidance is to withhold food for 6–8 hours before surgery. Follow the food and water instructions given for your dog’s appointment.
Your dog arrives a few hours before the procedure, so we can settle them, check their bloodwork and start intravenous (IV) fluids.
Prevent running, playing and jumping, and walk your dog on a lead. Avoid bathing, grooming and swimming until your vet says it’s safe.
The first is 48–72 hours after surgery, followed by a second visit 7–10 days later. Both are included in the surgical package.
Cats follow the same general preparation as dogs. The main difference is at home: keep your cat indoors where possible while they recover.
The general guidance is to withhold food for 6–8 hours before surgery. Follow the food and water instructions given for your cat’s appointment.
Your cat arrives a few hours before the procedure, so we can settle them, check their bloodwork and start intravenous (IV) fluids.
Prevent running, playing and jumping for 10 days, and keep your cat inside where possible. Avoid bathing and grooming until your vet says it’s safe.
The first is 48–72 hours after surgery, followed by a second visit 7–10 days later. Both are included in the surgical package.
Rabbits need food and water right up to their procedure. Getting them eating again promptly afterwards is also an essential part of recovery.
Keep their normal food and fresh water available until the procedure, and bring their preferred water bottle or bowl.
Bring their usual hay and pellets, along with favourite vegetables, herbs or leafy greens to encourage eating once they’re fully awake.
Keep your rabbit in a quiet, comfortable area with fresh food and water. Restrict running, playing and jumping for 10 days, and keep them in a small area until their final follow-up.
The first is 24–48 hours after surgery, followed by a second visit 7–10 days later. Both are included in the surgical package.
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Reviews from clients at our Al Furjan and City Walk clinics.
Alia OumeishCat parent · Google review The staff were so friendly, and very kind and caring to my little cat. They did an excellent job and kept both me and Leo comfortable. Would definitely recommend! We dealt with Dr. Chinnu, Dr. Lamiya, Arpita, and Emmanuel, who gave Leo the best haircut he's ever had — all incredibly lovely.
Rena MedawarCat parent · Google review Excellent care and kind staff. The team at PetsFirst City Walk treated my cat with so much compassion and professionalism. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made both me and Bella feel at ease. Highly recommended.
Arbina ShaikhCat parent · Google review I've been going to PetsFirst since they opened in City Walk, and honestly I'm beyond satisfied. They take care of my cats so well — the staff even remember the names of each of my four cats whenever we visit. They don't overcharge, and their prices are so reasonable. Super happy with PetsFirst, 10 out of 10.
Practical answers to help you prepare for your pet’s appointment and care for them afterwards.
Start by booking a veterinary consultation or calling the clinic to discuss your pet’s needs. The team can explain the next steps and confirm where the procedure will take place.
PetsFirst’s general advice is to withhold food for 6–8 hours before surgery. Confirm the last meal time with the team for your pet’s appointment. If your pet is young, very slim or struggles without a morning meal, speak to the team about the appropriate timing rather than changing their feeding plan yourself.
Check the instructions given for your pet’s appointment. Call the clinic if you’re unsure when to remove their water. Rabbits should continue to have food and water available before surgery.
No. Rabbits must continue eating and drinking until their procedure. Bring their preferred water bottle or bowl, regular hay and pellets, and some favourite vegetables, herbs or leafy greens to encourage eating afterwards.
Arriving a few hours early gives us time to settle your pet and start intravenous (IV) fluids. Pain relief is usually given during surgery rather than beforehand, as it can wear off within 30–45 minutes. The vet will examine them, explain the procedure and answer your questions. For dogs and cats, the preparation described in our guidance also includes checking bloodwork.
A familiar blanket, bed or toy may help your pet feel more at home. Bring a small portion of their regular food for when they’re fully awake. For rabbits, bring their normal hay and pellets, favourite greens and preferred drinking container too.
Your pet will go home with pain relief. Antibiotics are not routinely used for clean elective procedures such as spays and castrations. Unnecessary antibiotics can cause stomach upsets and contribute to antibiotic resistance. If your pet needs antibiotics, the vet will discuss this with you. Rabbits may also be prescribed antibiotics in some cases. Follow the instructions on each medication label.
The breathing tube placed in your pet’s windpipe during anaesthesia can sometimes leave the windpipe mildly irritated, causing a slight cough for a few days. If you’re concerned about the cough or your pet’s recovery, call the clinic for advice.
PetsFirst’s general aftercare advice is to prevent running, playing and jumping for 10 days. Walk dogs on a lead and keep cats indoors where possible. Avoid bathing, grooming and swimming until your vet says it’s safe. Rabbits should stay in a small area until their final follow-up. Follow any additional instructions given for your pet’s procedure.
Yes. Two visits are included in the surgical package. The first is 48–72 hours after surgery for dogs and cats, or 24–48 hours for rabbits. The second is 7–10 days later to check healing and remove stitches if necessary. The team will confirm your pet’s appointment dates.
Look at the wound twice a day. It should stay clean and dry, with minimal redness. A rabbit’s wound should have no discharge, and your rabbit should not lick, scratch or chew it. If you’re worried about how the wound looks, contact the clinic.
Whether you’re preparing for an appointment or have a question about recovery, our team can help. Book a consultation or call the clinic to discuss what your pet needs.
