FAQ
The Sam Simon Foundation Mobile Veterinary Clinic is dedicated to providing free veterinary services to cats and dogs belonging to low-income families in the Los Angeles area.
We know you might have questions, so we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked ones below.
How do I qualify?
The Sam Simon Foundation’s only qualification is that your total household income must be less than $40,000 per year (before taxes). One of the following forms of proof must be presented at the time of surgery:
• current tax returns
• proof of government aid, such as SSI, WIC, Healthy Families, AFDC, food stamps, or student financial aid.
I make more than $40,000 per year. Can I pay for services?
No. All services provided by The Sam Simon Foundation are free, and are available only to families who gross less than $40,000 per year. If you exceed this amount, you may view a list of low-cost clinics here.
Does the $40,000 per year maximum income requirement refer to my gross income or net income?
Your gross income. This is the amount you earn before taxes are taken out.
How long until I get an appointment?
The wait may be four months or longer, depending on the size of your pet and the current demand.
The waitlist is re-evaluated on a daily basis, and appointments are granted in order of urgency.
Do you give vaccines?
Yes. We give DHPP and rabies vaccines to dogs at the time of surgery. We do not offer any cat-specific vaccines, but are happy to administer the rabies vaccine for cats who go outdoors.
Do you microchip?
We only microchip animals that come to us for surgery. All animals are checked for a microchip once they’re under anesthesia. If we do not find one, we will offer this service to you at no charge. We do not microchip animals unless they are our surgical patients.
Is my pet too young (or too old) for surgery?
• Maximum age for cats: 7 years.
• Maximum age for dogs 50 pounds and over: 5 yrs.
• Maximum age for dogs less than 50 pounds: 7 yrs.
For an FSC surgery (non-spay/neuter):
Each case is evaluated individually. There is not pre-determined minimum or maximum age.
Is my pet too small (or too big) for surgery?
• Minimum weight for dogs: 5 lbs.
• Maximum weight for dogs: 100 lbs (must also measure 24” or less from the top of the head to the ground while sitting or standing.)
Each case is evaluated individually. There is no pre-determined minimum or maximum size.
How do I get an appointment?
• Telephone requests will not be honored.
For an FSC surgery (non-spay/neuter):
• Fill out the application under the Request an Appointment link on the Free Surgery Clinic page.
• Leave a message on our automated system at 1-888-364-7729. Answer all questions asked.
My dog is pregnant / in heat. Will you still do the surgery?
Yes. If you suspect that you dog may be pregnant, let us know when you submit your request. Please keep in mind that if we spay a pregnant dog, you will not have a litter of puppies or kittens afterward.
If your pet is spayed while in heat, please keep her away from non-neutered males for at least two weeks after surgery. Failure to do so can result in the male trying to mate with her, and can result in serious damage to her vagina, and threaten her life.
My dog has one (or two) undescended testicles. Will you still neuter him?
Yes.
Will my pet have to return for a suture removal after surgery?
• No. We use surgical adhesive and dissolvable sutures.
• Yes, depending on the type of surgery. Please plan to return to the clinic each week for at least two weeks after surgery for a follow-up with our medical staff and suture removal.
My pet needs an FSC surgery, but I don’t want to sterilize him/her. Will you still do the surgery?
No. All pets must have already been spayed or neutered, or must be spayed or neutered at the time of surgery. Unless our doctor specifically advises against it, there are no exceptions to this rule.
Can I pay for your clinic to do a day in a neighborhood / location of my choice?
No. We adhere to a strict schedule of locations and dates. You may find that schedule here.
May I bring more than one pet to your clinic?
We will only do surgery on two pets per household per week.
I rescue animals. Can I make arrangements to bring in several animals at a time?
No. Our services are only offered to private families. We do not provide services to either private or organized rescues, nor to individual rescuers.
Can I get services for my rabbit / bird / rat / iguana / manatee at your clinic?
No. Services are provided for cats and dogs only.
Can I get a general exam or bloodwork for my pet?
No. We only offer exams for animals with the expectation that we’re going to be doing surgery on them.
Can I get x-rays for my pet?
No. We do not have an x-ray machine.
Do you come to my house?
No. We go to pre-designated locations throughout Los Angeles, and you schedule an appointment to come to wherever we are on a given day.
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