What to expect from your Board-Certified surgeon

Our 10 Commitments to Pets and Pet Owners

We believe that everything we do is built on trust, communication, and dedication to patient well-being.

We've distilled our philosophy into 10 core principles, 10 non-negotiables, 10 guiding principles - our 10 commitments to pets and pet owners.

Our goal is to ensure seamless referrals, and ensure the best possible patient care and customer experience, from initial consultation to full recovery.

We are obsessed with successful outcomes, which includes (1) a confident client, (2) a pain-free patient, and (3) a happy referring veterinarian.

Here is how we do it:

1. Will my pet’s surgeon explain everything clearly before and after surgery?

Yes, your surgeon will take the time to (1) listen to your concerns, explain (2) the diagnosis, (3) treatment options, (4) risks and potential complications with anesthesia and surgery, (4) postop recovery timeline, and (5) outcome, all in plain English.

We believe in open and honest conversations about your pet's health.

We'll make sure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. You will talk to a surgeon the day before surgery, the morning of surgery during the surgical consultation, and the evening of surgery – and anytime you want to!

2. How will my pet be treated?

We'll always handle your pet with the kindness and respect they deserve.

We’re incredibly generous with pain medications before, during and after surgery to ensure your pet’s comfort.

Pets are family members, and we treat them as such. Our nurses are incredible at providing compassionate, fear-free or low stress care by using stress-reducing techniques.

Our nurses routinely hug and kiss patients. They hand feed them. They spoil them. They give them treats. They truly love them.

We understand this can be a stressful time, and we'll do everything we can to make it as comfortable as possible for both of you.

3. Will I know the cost of surgery before we start?

Yes. We believe in clear and transparent surgical estimates so you know exactly what to expect before your pet’s surgery. Some fees are standard for every procedure, while others may apply only if needed for your pet’s specific situation.

Core fees (always included in surgery estimates)

Consultation with a board-certified surgeon (DACVS) – includes exam and discussion of surgical plan
Surgery fee – surgeon’s time, expertise, and operating room use
Anesthesia & monitoring by a dedicated nurse (blood pressure, ECG, oxygen, CO2, temperature, etc.)
Hospitalization – patient care before and after surgery
IV catheter & fluids – to maintain hydration, support blood pressure, and deliver pain medications
Medications – pain management, antibiotics, etc.

Possible additional fees (only if recommended for your pet)

X-rays, ultrasound – for diagnosis, surgical planning, or postop confirmation
Lab work – pre-anesthetic bloodwork, clotting tests, biopsy, etc.
Implants or special surgical supplies – plates, screws, sutures, etc.
Postop X-rays – to confirm proper implant placement or fracture alignment
Recheck visits / bandage changes / follow-up X-rays
Supplements – for arthritis, liver support, etc.

Important notes:

You will receive a detailed written estimate before surgery begins.
We will review all recommended and optional items with you, so you can make informed decisions.
No treatment will be performed without your explicit approval.

4. How do I know if my pet’s surgeon is board-certified?

Your pet's health is our #1 priority. We are proud to have highly skilled, experienced, board-certified surgeons on our team so you can feel confident knowing your pet is in the hands of a true specialist. How do you know a vet is truly a board-certified surgeon or a specialist? Look for the initials DACVS after their name.

What does DACVS mean? Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. This is a vet who completed at least 4 years of specialized training after vet school and passed a difficult exam.

Any veterinarian who is not “DACVS” is not a board-certified surgeon or a specialist.

You can learn more about Dr Phil Zeltzman and Dr Pete Baia on our website.

5. How will I know how my pet is doing?

We will provide you with regular updates throughout your pet’s time with us, through phone calls and text messages. We know how hard it is to be separated from your pet, so we'll keep you in the loop so you never have to wonder how they're doing.

6. How much support will I get before and after surgery?

From the moment you call to the final goodbye, we want you to feel welcome and at ease. Our nurses and surgeons are all here to greet you warmly, answer your questions, and make your visit as smooth and pleasant as possible – even in difficult times.

And we’re not done once we wave goodbye! We will keep in touch via emails, text messages, and phone calls. We encourage you to do the same until the end of your pet’s recovery.

7. What safety measures do you take to keep my pet safe during surgery?

(1) A dedicated anesthesia nurse for each patient, (2) strict sterile protocols, (3) advanced monitoring, and (4) state-of-the-art surgical suites are some of the safety measures we take.

We are a bit obsessive-compulsive about cleanliness in the hospital, and sterility in the ORs. Your pet will be cared for in a state-of-the-art facility that meets the highest standards of cleanliness and safety. We've invested in state-of-the-art equipment and technology to provide the best possible surgical care. For example, our big runs don’t have bars, but glass doors.

Before, during and after surgery, your pet will have a dedicated, highly-trained nurse, whose only job is to keep anesthesia & recovery safe.

8. How will I know how to care for my pet after surgery?

Before surgery, you will receive an instructional video that explains everything you need to know. Then a surgeon will call you to share more information and answer any question you might have. Then you’ll meet with a surgeon in person.

When it's time to go home, we'll send you off with written discharge instructions. Our team will review the instructions with you step-by-step, including medication schedules, wound care, and activity restrictions, so you feel fully prepared to continue their care at home. None of that should be a surprise, since it will be explained in a video you will receive before surgery, and reviewed with the surgeon who calls you.

9. How will my family vet know what you did?

We are a specialized extension of your pet's regular healthcare team. We'll work closely with your family vet to share information after any consultation or surgery, ensuring a seamless transition and continuity of care. This information includes: (1) consultation and exam notes, (2) a surgery report, (3) a referral letter, and (4) sometimes a phone call or a personal email.

10. What is your ultimate commitment to pets and their families?

Ultimately, everything we do is guided by a single purpose: to provide the highest level of care for your beloved pet. We are committed to not only meeting your expectations but exceeding them, always striving for excellence in every aspect of our practice.

We take your trust very seriously, and we strive to honor that trust with integrity, compassion, and transparency.

How do we know we’ve fulfilled our mission?

When we get a 5 star review from a pet owner who trusted us with their pet.

Our team loves great reviews, feel free to leave one here: Review Us

Thank you so much!

Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS, CVJ, Fear Free Certified
Pete Baia, DVM, MS, DACVS
And the entire nursing team