We’re here to answer as many questions as new and current clients may have. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We do want to note that some of the information below is general advice, and we can best serve you and your pet with direct questions by phone or at an appointment at our veterinary clinic in Chattanooga, TN.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Client Questions

  • Becoming a new client at our veterinary clinic is no different from if you were an existing client. Just call us to schedule an appointment.

    If you're visiting Southside Veterinary Clinic in Chattanooga for the first time and scheduling a surgery, we offer a free surgical consultation. This includes a complimentary exam with one of our veterinarians to ensure your pet is a good candidate for surgery and to answer any questions you may have.

    Please note there are unique payment policies for our new clients, which you can find here.

  • Please bring any previous vaccination records and a list of medications your pet is currently taking. This helps our veterinary team provide the best care and avoid any interactions or duplicate treatments.

  • We see patients by appointment only. You can easily schedule your pet’s visit by calling or texting our clinic.

  • We’re happy to provide itemized receipts for you to submit to your pet insurance company for reimbursement. We also accept financing through Scratchpay, which offers flexible, interest-free payment plans for qualifying clients.

Vaccinations & Preventive Care

  • Rabies vaccination is the only requirement to be a client at our veterinary clinic. However, we strongly recommend core vaccines based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and risk factors. Our veterinary team is happy to help create a personalized vaccine schedule.

  • No, we do not require your pet to be spayed or neutered in order to receive care at Southside Veterinary Clinic.

  • We recommend keeping up with core vaccines and year-round parasite prevention for dogs and cats. Preventive care is one of the best ways to support long-term pet wellness. We’ll tailor a plan based on your pet’s specific needs and lifestyle.

  • You can call, text, or email us to request a copy of your pet’s vaccination records.

Puppy & Kitten Care

  • Bring your new pet in as soon as possible, ideally before their next round of vaccinations (typically 3–4 weeks after the initial dose). Puppies and kittens should be seen every 2–4 weeks for wellness exams, deworming, and vaccines until they're ready for their permanent home.

  • Most flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives are safe to begin at 8 weeks of age, depending on your pet’s weight. Early prevention is key for maintaining your puppy or kitten’s health.

    We recommend visiting our vet clinic in Chattanooga to help you decide the best timing for your pet.

  • Spay and neuter recommendations depend on your pet’s breed, size, and overall health:

    • Cats: Typically around 5–6 months of age.

    • Dogs: Large breeds may benefit from waiting until they’re at least one year old for neutering. For female dogs, we often recommend waiting until after their first heat cycle.

    We recommend visiting our vet clinic in Chattanooga to help you decide the best timing for your pet.

  • Yes, we offer microchipping at Southside Veterinary Clinic. We should note that microchips aren’t GPS trackers, but they are a safe and effective way to permanently identify your pet. Most animal shelters and veterinary clinics can scan a chip to help reunite lost pets with their families.