Salisbury Highway Veterinary Surgery FAQs

Yes, we run by appointment only to ensure we can give each pet the care and attention they need. You can book by calling us on 8258 7978 or using our online booking system for convenience. If you have an emergency, calling ahead allows us to prepare for your arrival, however, we do understand it’s not always an option in urgent situations.

We know how important continuity of care is. While we’ll do our best to schedule you with your preferred vet, availability may vary as our vets don’t all work every day. Rest assured, we keep thorough records so any vet you see will have a full understanding of your pet’s history.

For most pets, an annual visit is ideal, usually coinciding with their vaccinations. Senior pets (those over 7 years of age) may need a little extra TLC, so six monthly visits are recommended. Pets requiring ongoing medication must be seen every six months. But there really is no limit – if you’re concerned, we’re happy to see your pet anytime.

Your pet’s safety and well-being are our priority. Pets requiring ongoing medications need to be regularly assessed to ensure their treatment is meeting their needs and that any potential side effects are managed appropriately. By law, your pet must be a current patient of our practice for any medication to be dispensed. If you’re requesting a refill, we’ll let you know as soon as possible if an appointment is required.

If you find a stray animal, especially one that’s injured, please contact your local council or the RSPCA. Always prioritise your safety and avoid approaching the animal if you’re unsure about its temperament. We will always scan stray animals for a microchip to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Un-microchipped pets or those without current contact details will need to be handed over to the Salisbury Council.

We accept EFTPOS, major credit cards (including AMEX), and cash. We also offer Afterpay and VetPay to help make unexpected vet expenses more manageable. If you’d like to use one of these options, please apply online before your appointment.

Pet insurance can provide peace of mind by helping cover unexpected veterinary costs. Since there’s no Medicare for pets, it can be a great way to budget for emergencies. The earlier you enrol your pet, the more options you’ll have for coverage. If insurance isn’t the right fit for you, setting aside savings in a dedicated pet fund can also be a good alternative. Always check what’s included in your policy, and compare different providers to find the best fit for you and your pet.

All pets should receive vaccinations every year. These appointments also include a full health check, which can help us detect health concerns sooner, allowing for early intervention and treatment.

All pets in South Australia born after July 1, 2018, must be desexed by six months of age unless an exemption is obtained. There are pros and cons to desexing at different ages, so if you’re unsure, we recommend booking an appointment to discuss the best option for your pet.

Yes! Microchipping is compulsory for all dogs and cats in South Australia before 12 weeks of age. A microchip is a tiny device (about the size of a grain of rice) implanted under your pet’s skin. It carries a unique number that helps identify your pet if they ever get lost. Even better, our microchips now read your pet’s temperature, making vet visits a little friendlier. We’ll register the chip with national and local databases, but it’s important to keep your details updated if you move or change phone numbers.

We recommend feeding your pet the best diet you can afford. High-quality nutrition throughout their life will have a positive impact on their health and well-being. While home-cooked meals are becoming more popular, we still advise including a formulated pet food in their diet to ensure they get all their essential nutrients. We generally recommend Hill’s and Royal Canin, but there are many excellent options available. If your pet has special health concerns, book an appointment to discuss their dietary needs with one of our vets.

Place the tablet over the back of your pet’s tongue, close their mouth, and gently rub their throat or neck. You can also use treats like pill pockets, peanut butter (no Xylitol), cheese, or meatballs to disguise the pill. If this isn’t working, we can show you how to use a pill popper or suggest alternative formulations. Some medications may be crushed or sprinkled over wet food—just make sure your pet gets the full dose. If you’re still struggling, get in touch.

Puppies should receive their first vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age. Core vaccinations protect against Parvovirus, Distemper, Infectious Hepatitis, and Canine Cough (Bordetella & Parainfluenza). Dogs should be vaccinated annually to maintain their protection. We also offer an annual heartworm injection to protect against heartworm, a serious parasite spread by mosquitoes.

We recommend bringing your new puppy in for a health check within a month of adoption. This helps us ensure they’re growing well and up-to-date with vaccinations. It’s also a great idea to bring them in for a social visit to help them get used to the vet in a positive way!

We recommend bringing your new puppy in for a health check within a month of adoption. This helps us ensure they’re growing well and up-to-date with vaccinations. It’s also a great idea to bring them in for a social visit to help them get used to the vet in a positive way!

Chewing is normal, especially for teething puppies. Provide plenty of safe, durable chew toys and redirect them if they start chewing on something inappropriate. Puppy-proof your home by keeping important or dangerous items out of reach. If excessive chewing seems linked to anxiety or boredom, enrichment activities and training can help – give us a call if you need advice!

Kittens should start their vaccinations at 6–8 weeks of age, with their final kitten booster at or after 16 weeks. Core vaccinations protect against Feline Parvovirus (Panleukopaenia) and ‘Cat Flu’ strains (Rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus). For outdoor cats, we also recommend the FIV vaccine to help protect against Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, which is spread through fighting.

Congratulations on your new furry family member! We recommend bringing your kitten in for a health check within a month of adoption. This visit allows us to ensure they’re healthy, growing well, and up-to-date with vaccinations. Plus, we always love meeting adorable new kittens!