Frequently Asked Questions

General Clinic Questions

Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 5:30pm 

Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

It’s always best to make an appointment. If you are very worried about your pet (e.g. hit by a car, collapsed, difficulty breathing), call us hands-free on the way so we can prepare.

 

Our address is Tenancy 2, 191 The Boulevard, Papamoa Beach, 3118. We are located between Papamoa Pines Doctors and Family Physio, in the Whitiora Health and Wellness Centre, next to Future Focus childcare centre.

Vaccinations, consultations, health and wellness checks, senior and geriatric healthcare, sick animal diagnostics and care, neutering, dentistry, a full range of surgery, in-house and external diagnostic testing, imaging (ultrasound and radiography), remote consultations or specialist referrals if required. Cherie has also completed further study to obtain her Masters degree and is currently working towards further qualifications in feline medicine. Dione has completed further study in ophthalmology (eyes) and is currently working towards further qualifications in dermatology (skin).

Yes, during business hours. After hours, contact Bay Afterhours Veterinary Hospital in Greerton on 07 220 9775.

Your vaccination book (if available), previous vet information (name and location), any medications your pet is currently taking, flea and worm treatment details, and food information.

Pet Health & Wellness

Puppies and kittens: within a week of arriving home (or immediately if unwell). Healthy adults (1–7 years): yearly. Older pets or those with health concerns: at least twice a year.

Puppies and kittens usually at 8–9 weeks old (earlier if high risk). Older pets with unknown vaccination history should have a health check and vaccination as soon as possible.

 

Dogs: Parvo (covers parvo, hepatitis, parainfluenza, distemper) and Lepto. Kennel Cough vaccination is recommended for dogs using kennels, daycares, groomers, or that socialise regularly.
Cats: Panleukopenia (cat parvo) and cat flu (calicivirus and herpesvirus).

Look for signs like sleeping more, withdrawn behaviour, reduced movement or lameness, decreased appetite or drinking, aggression or vocalisation. Subtle signs are common, talk to your vet if concerned.

Talk to our trained team about the best options for your pet.

Discuss the best timing with our team.

Discuss options with our team.

Call the clinic at least 24 hours in advance. Pets must have been seen for the problem within six months to be eligible for repeats. Some medications, like antibiotics, may require a recheck before repeating.

Costs & Payments

We cannot offer credit, but we do accept Afterpay.

Cash, Eftpos, debit and credit cards, and Afterpay.

We do not process claims directly. Payment is required at the time of service, and we can provide invoices and notes for you to submit your own claim.

  • Standard Consult (30 minutes) – $95
    Our standard consultations are 30 minutes and cover a full health check and/or one health concern. No-rush consults allow us to examine your pet thoroughly, discuss our findings, and plan treatment together.
  • Extended Consult (40 minutes) – $125
    Extended consultations are 40 minutes and ideal for pets with two or more health concerns. This longer appointment allows us to work through each issue properly and ensure a clear, comprehensive treatment plan.
  • Skin & Ear Consult – $125 (40 minutes) Skin and ear issues often require more in-depth assessment and diagnostic testing (additional cost). These 40-minute appointments give us time to investigate the underlying cause and discuss treatment plans and long-term management options.

  • Eye Consult – $125 (40 minutes) Eyes are delicate and complex. These longer consults allow for a thorough assessment, any required diagnostics (additional cost), and a tailored treatment plan.

Any diagnostic testing or treatments recommended during your pet’s visit will be additional to your consult fee.

Vaccinations:

  • Cat vaccination – $111
  • Dog vaccination – $112-189 (depending on the individual pet’s requirements)

Vaccination appointments include a health check and vaccination. Some pets may require booster vaccinations 3-4 weeks later, which are an additional cost. If health concerns are identified during your visit, extra time or treatment may be needed, and additional fees may apply. In some cases, vaccination may need to be postponed for your pet’s safety.

Desexing:

  • Cat spay – $250
  • Cat castrate – $160
  • Dog spay – $380-800, depending on your dog’s size
  • Dog castrate – $300-690, depending on your dog’s size

All of our desexing procedures include pain relief (local anaesthetic and pre and post surgical pain medication), heating, and monitoring. Spays and dog castrates also receive i/v fluids to maintain blood pressure.  Please note: this pricing applies to routine procedures only. If your pet’s desexing is non-standard (for example due to anatomy, health status, or reproductive stage), additional costs may apply.

Routine Scale and Polish Dentals

  • Cat scale and polish: $500
  • Dog scale and polish: $650-750, depending on your dog’s size

Our routine dental scale and polish includes a full clean, full-mouth dental X-rays, and i/v fluids. Any extractions or additional treatments are charged separately.

Note: At Spring Vets, all general anaesthetic procedures longer than five minutes include intravenous fluids, comprehensive pain relief, active warming, and thorough multimodal monitoring by our trained team.

Appointments & Cancellations

Phone 07 985 9115, or visit springvetspapamoa.co.nz and click Make an Appointment.

Please advise us at least 24 hours before your appointment if you need to cancel or reschedule. Failure to attend without notice will incur a charge of 50% of the consult fee. Arrivals 10+ minutes late will be rescheduled.

Yes, if available. Call or check the website. For very unwell pets, call the clinic so we can triage and adjust our schedule if needed.

Anxious, Fearful & Aggressive Pets

Yes! Let us know in advance. We can adjust booking times, handling techniques, or pre-medicate with mild sedatives if needed.

Yes, but please inform us beforehand. Aggressive dogs must be muzzled before entering and handled by someone who can control them. We can assist with muzzle training and pre-medication options.

Yes! Techniques like carrier training, covering the carrier, using familiar-scented towels, pheromone sprays (e.g., Feliway), or mild sedatives can help. More tips at icatcare.org.

New Client Patient Questions

Provide us with your previous vet’s name and contact details, and we’ll request your pet’s records in advance.

Yes, forms can be emailed to you on request (just give our friendly team a call or email us) or can be collected from the clinic. Completed forms can be emailed to info@springvetspapamoa.co.nz.

Reception will greet you and check your pet into our system. If you haven’t completed a new patient form, please arrive 10 minutes early. Dogs will be weighed and scanned for microchips. We have separate waiting areas for cats and dogs. During the consult, we will examine your pet, discuss any concerns, and recommend any needed diagnostics or treatments. After your appointment, collect medications and pay at reception. Future appointments can be booked, and invoices/history can be printed or emailed for insurance claims.