Frequently Asked Questions – Simcoe Veterinary Hospital

We recommend scheduling an appointment to reduce wait times. However, we do accept walk-ins for urgent cases.

Yes, we provide emergency care during our regular hours. We are thrilled to share that exceptional veterinary care is now available beyond our regular hours through our trusted partner clinic, Barrie Animal Hospital, proudly owned and operated by Dr. Schmidt and Dr. Bolton. Conveniently located at 424 Dunlop Street West, Barrie Animal Hospital offers extended hours to ensure your pet receives the compassionate, high-quality care you’ve come to expect when you need it most.

Extended Hours of Operation:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

With full access to a wide range of medical, surgical, and emergency services, delivered by the same experienced veterinary team you trust, we’re here to support your pet’s health around the clock.

For more information or to plan your visit, please visit their website or give them a call at 705-737-1990.

If your pet is experiencing an emergency outside of our regular business hours, please contact Huronia Veterinary Emergency Clinic at 705-722-0377.

We accept cash, debit, Visa, Mastercard, and Trupanion pet insurance. We also offer financing options through Humm. Learn more about our payment options.

We provide a range of services, including:

• Pet Emergency
• Pet X-rays and Diagnostics
• Pet Dental Care
• Pet Vaccinations
• Pet Wellness

For more details, visit our Services Page.

We recommend annual exams for pets under 7 to catch issues early and keep them healthy as they grow. For pets over 7 or those with health concerns, we recommend exams every 6 months to monitor for age-related changes and adjust care as needed.

Core vaccinations for dogs include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus.

For cats, core vaccines include rabies, feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia. We also recommend leptospirosis and Bordetella for canines and leukemia for felines, which are lifestyle-based vaccines.

At your pet’s appointment, we can help you determine if these lifestyle-based vaccines are right for your pet. Learn more about pet vaccinations.

Yes! Spaying and neutering have health benefits and help control the pet population. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Excessive itching could indicate allergies, fleas, or skin conditions. Schedule an exam so we can diagnose and treat the issue. Learn more about pet dermatology.

Yes! We follow AAHA standards and use modern anesthetic protocols, advanced monitoring equipment, and pre-anesthetic bloodwork to keep your pet safe. A Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) is with your pet throughout the entire anesthetic procedure to ensure close monitoring and compassionate care.

Typically, pets should not eat after midnight the night before surgery. We’ll provide detailed instructions when you schedule your surgery.

After surgery, keep your pet quiet and monitor their incision. Avoid bathing until stitches are removed. In some cases, your pet will be required to wear a cone or after surgery suit. We will provide you with specific recovery guidelines when you pick up your pet from surgery.

The best diet depends on your pet’s age, breed, and health needs. We recommend high-quality, balanced pet food and can offer specific diet recommendations from which diet to feed and how much – including treats!

Some human foods are safe, but many can be toxic, including chocolate, grapes, onions, and xylitol-containing products. When in doubt, ask us!

Signs of obesity include difficulty feeling the ribs, a lack of a defined waist, and low energy. We can assess your pet’s body condition and recommend a weight management plan.

Parasite prevention is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and comfortable. All pets are at risk of picking up internal parasites like roundworms and heartworm, as well as external parasites like fleas and ticks. Ticks are becoming increasingly common in our area and can transmit Lyme disease to both pets and people.

We recommend that all dogs be on monthly parasite prevention from June through November, when the risk is highest. Products like Nexgard Spectra offer broad protection against fleas, ticks, and heartworm. If you travel to warmer climates during the winter, year-round prevention may be necessary—talk to us about the best plan for your pet.

Yes! Microchipping is a quick, painless procedure that helps reunite lost pets with their owners.

Brush your pet’s teeth regularly, offer dental chews approved by your veterinarian, and schedule professional dental cleanings as needed. We do not recommend anesthesia-free dental cleanings, as they do not address disease below the gumline and may give a false sense of security. A proper dental cleaning requires anesthesia to thoroughly and safely assess and treat your pet’s oral health. Please don’t hesitate to ask about your pet’s dental care needs, we are happy to help!

You can book an appointment by calling us at 705-737-1900 or using our online scheduling system.

Yes! We can provide copies upon request. Please call us at 705-726-8002 or email us at info@simcoevet.com.

Please give us at least 24/48 hours’ notice to reschedule or cancel your appointment. You may reschedule by calling us at 705-726-8002 or using our online scheduling system.

For everyone’s safety—including your pet’s—it is required that all dogs arrive on a secure leash and all cats be in a proper carrier. This helps prevent accidents, escapes, or altercations in the lobby or parking lot. The only exception is in the case of a true emergency, where your pet’s immediate condition may not allow it. If you’re unsure, please call us before your visit, and we’ll be happy to help.

Fear Free is an approach to veterinary care that focuses on reducing fear, anxiety, and stress for pets during their visit. This means we use gentle handling techniques, calming pheromones, treats, and a quiet, pet-friendly environment to help your dog or cat feel more comfortable. Our goal is to make each visit a positive experience for both you and your pet!