Frequently Asked Questions

Effective Immediately: Please be advised that all dogs need to be fully vaccinated at least 10 days prior to boarding at our facility. We will no longer be updating vaccinations for dogs upon arrival for boarding due to the outbreak of CIV-Canine Influenza Virus (Influenza Strain A, H3N2) in our area. For more information please click the links below.

Outbreak of H3N2 and Priority 1 Order

GBHS Communication and CIV Outbreak

Airport Veterinary Hospital takes every precaution to making sure your pet is safe throughout their time in our hospital. This includes numerous safety measures, pre-op blood work, diagnostic testing and full physical exams.

If your pet is a younger or older pet, then more frequent visits are necessary to give vaccinations and monitor age-related illnesses. We recommend for adult pets yearly visits for necessary vaccination boosters, routine bloodwork to detect parasites and cancers, and physical exams to monitor for any abnormality.

Dental health is very important for an animal’s health. Having healthy teeth, gums and tongue means that harmful bacteria are being kept at bay and not risking your pet to sepsis or infection.

Making sure your pet eats the right portion and kinds of food is essential to bringing not only longevity to their life but a great quality to life as well. Proper nutrition and exercise will give you a healthy and happy pet.

A pet with a parasite infestation should be isolated from other animals and young children in order to stem the infection of others. Call Airport Veterinary Hospital to bring the pet in for identification of the parasite. Most parasites can be treated with simple medicines and medical baths.

If your pet experiences a medical emergency after our normal business hours, Dr. Buchanan recommends the Steel City Emergency Vets. The emergency hospital is located at 1900 Hoover Court, Hoover, AL 35226, and the telephone number is 205-413-8989.

Airport Veterinary Hospital recommends pets be sterilized no earlier than 6 months of age. This allows for proper maturation of the reproductive organs and allows your pet to heal at a faster rate than if the procedure was done earlier in life.

Heartworms are a parasite that is spread through mosquitoes to the pet and becomes imbedded in the heart and large arteries of the cardiovascular system. They are easily prevented by a variety of medicines including injectable heartworm medications, oral pills and tasty treats.