With the generous cooperation of veterinarians in the Toledo area, if you adopt a dog or cat from the Toledo Animal Shelter Association your new pet will be eligible for a free medical examination within ten (10) days from the adoption date. Be sure to take the new pet’s health records with you. This free check-up is a physical exam only. It does not include the administration of drugs by mouth or injection; stool examination; x-rays; or any surgical procedures. Please see the list of participating veterinarians and call for an appointment.

The Toledo Animal Shelter Association and the veterinarians are interested in the health of your new pet. That is why we urge you to take your pet for a thorough check-up. We do not knowingly release a sick animal. If the veterinarian’s exam reveals a serious illness, please bring the animal back to the Shelter immediately. If you choose to have the animal treated because of medical problems, you are responsible for the charges by the veterinarian.

Proper documentation must be given to the veterinarian at the time your animal is presented for an examination along with the animal’s health records issued by TASA.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PET OWNERS

Vaccination against contagious diseases, such as distemper, parvovirus, hepatitis, cat enteritis, rabies and others, that needlessly kill so many pets each year are available and should be given to your pet. A preventative shot is far cheaper and much more humane than long treatments for your sick and suffering pet. Ask your veterinarian about periodic booster shots for these vaccinations.

Stool sample is highly recommended to be taken to the veterinarians with you. This sample will be tested to determine the presence of internal parasites (worms). Worms are commonly found in puppies and kittens and are easily treated. Remember, the cost of this procedure is not covered with the free exam.

Heartworm is a parasite that is spread through mosquito bites. Most common in dogs, but also prevalent in cats, the heartworm, a long thread-like worm, lives in the arteries of the lungs and also in the right side of the heart of its host.

Heartworm is extremely dangerous and not to be taken lightly. It is prevalent in all 50 states, and on every continent except Antarctica. It is easily contracted and transmitted. Once in its host, the parasite rapidly multiplies and grows, invading the chambers on the right side of the heart and the arteries in the lungs. Treatment for heartworm disease can mean weeks of discomfort, and pets that go untreated will die.

Prevention is the key to keeping your pets free of the parasite – even if they encounter the disease carrying mosquito. Preventative medications come in daily and monthly oral and topical forms and can be obtained from your veterinarian along with a heartworm checkup. Heartworm prevention is safe, inexpensive and easy to follow and should be maintained all year long – NOT just in the summer months.