FAQs

What types of pets does Castlerock Veterinary Hospital see?

We provide veterinary care for dogs and cats across all life stages — from puppies and kittens starting their first wellness visits to senior companions needing specialized care. Call (781) 329-5333 if you have questions about whether we can see your specific pet.

Where is Castlerock Veterinary Hospital located and what are your hours?

We are located at 592 Providence Hwy, Dedham, MA 02026. Our hours are Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM; Tuesday 11:00 AM–7:00 PM; and every other Saturday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays. Call (781) 329-5333 to confirm availability around holidays.

How do I schedule an appointment?

You can schedule an appointment by calling (781) 329-5333 during business hours or by requesting an appointment online through our website. We recommend scheduling wellness and preventative care visits in advance to ensure availability. For same-day urgent care needs, please call us as early as possible.

Do you accept new patients?

Yes — we are actively welcoming new patients. If you’re looking for a veterinary home for your dog or cat in the Dedham, MA area, call (781) 329-5333 to schedule a new patient wellness exam, or visit our new clients page for information on what to expect at your first visit.

How often should my pet have a wellness exam?

Most adult pets benefit from an annual wellness exam. Senior pets — generally dogs over 7 and cats over 10 — benefit from twice-yearly exams due to their faster rate of aging. Puppies and kittens need more frequent visits during their first year for vaccine series completion and developmental monitoring. Our veterinarian will recommend the appropriate schedule for your pet.

What vaccinations does my pet need?

Core vaccines for dogs include distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus (DHPP), and rabies. Core vaccines for cats include FVRCP (panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis) and rabies. Lifestyle vaccines — such as Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, and feline leukemia — may also be recommended based on your pet’s individual risk factors. Our veterinarian will create a personalized vaccination plan at your pet’s wellness visit.

How do I protect my pet from fleas, ticks, and heartworm?

Year-round parasite prevention is strongly recommended for all dogs and cats, regardless of whether they spend time outdoors. We offer a variety of safe, effective flea, tick, and heartworm prevention products and will recommend the best options for your pet’s species, weight, and lifestyle. Annual heartworm testing is also recommended for dogs.

At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?

Traditional recommendations call for spay or neuter around 6 months of age. However, current guidance — especially for larger dog breeds — suggests that waiting until skeletal maturity may reduce certain health risks. Our veterinarian will discuss the best timing for your individual pet based on species, breed, size, and health history.

What is microchipping and does my pet need it?

Microchipping involves the placement of a small, permanent identification chip beneath your pet’s skin. If your pet is ever lost and taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic, the chip can be scanned to reunite you with your pet. We recommend microchipping for all dogs and cats — it’s a quick, affordable, and permanent form of identification that provides peace of mind.

How important is dental care for my pet?

Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions in dogs and cats, and it can significantly impact overall health if left untreated. Bacteria from periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and affect the heart, kidneys, and liver. We recommend regular professional dental cleanings and daily home dental care to keep your pet’s mouth healthy throughout their life.

What should I do if my pet is sick or injured during your office hours?

Call (781) 329-5333 as soon as possible. Our team will assess the situation and advise you on whether your pet needs to be seen urgently. We offer urgent care services during regular business hours and will do our best to accommodate pets that need prompt attention.

What should I do if my pet has an emergency after hours?

For life-threatening emergencies outside of our business hours, please contact a 24-hour emergency veterinary facility in your area immediately. Do not wait — emergencies such as difficulty breathing, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, or severe trauma require around-the-clock emergency care. Call (781) 329-5333 during business hours and our team can provide guidance and referral information.

Do you offer in-house diagnostic testing?

Yes. Castlerock Veterinary Hospital is equipped with an in-house laboratory capable of running bloodwork, urinalysis, fecal testing, and other diagnostics the same day. We also offer digital X-rays, ultrasound imaging, and additional onsite diagnostics — allowing us to provide fast, accurate answers without requiring referrals for routine workups.

What is involved in caring for a senior pet?

Senior pets benefit from more frequent wellness visits, expanded diagnostic screening, and careful monitoring for age-related conditions such as arthritis, kidney disease, dental disease, cognitive changes, and cancer. Our geriatric care program is designed to support the specific needs of older dogs and cats with tailored exam protocols and compassionate guidance for families navigating their pet’s later years.

Does Castlerock Veterinary Hospital offer nutritional counseling?

Yes. Nutritional counseling is available for pets at all life stages, including puppies and kittens, adults, overweight pets, seniors, and pets with specific medical conditions that benefit from a therapeutic diet. Our veterinarian will assess your pet’s body condition score and make personalized dietary recommendations at their wellness visit.

How can I get my pet’s prescription medications refilled?

Castlerock Veterinary Hospital maintains an on-site pharmacy stocked with commonly prescribed veterinary medications. To request a refill, call (781) 329-5333 during business hours. Please allow adequate lead time for refill requests. Some medications require a current exam or lab results before a refill can be authorized — our team will let you know if that applies to your pet’s prescription.

What travel documents does my pet need to fly or travel internationally?

Traveling with a pet — especially internationally — typically requires a USDA-accredited health certificate issued within a specific timeframe before travel, along with up-to-date vaccination records and, in some cases, additional testing or treatments required by the destination country. We offer health certificate services for travel. Contact us at (781) 329-5333 well in advance of your travel date to ensure all requirements are met.

What should I bring to my pet’s first appointment at Castlerock Veterinary Hospital?

Please bring any prior veterinary records, vaccination history, and a list of current medications or supplements your pet is taking. A fresh fecal sample is helpful if your veterinarian has requested parasite screening. Most importantly, bring your questions — your pet’s first visit is a great opportunity to establish a relationship with our team and get answers to anything on your mind about your pet’s health.