Common Questions · Cypress, TX

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Straight answers about hours, appointments, pricing, and care at Hearthstone Animal Clinic. Don't see your question? Just text us.

    Reviewed by Dr. Steve Pelton, DVM · Texas A&M · 26 years in practice · Last updated June 2026

    Hours, appointments, and clinic policies

    General information

    What are your hours?

    Our hours at our Cypress, TX location are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Wednesday and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. We are closed on Sundays. For emergencies outside these hours, call (281) 859-9244 for referral information.

    Do you offer same-day appointments?

    Yes. Hearthstone Animal Clinic in Cypress, TX frequently offers same-day appointments for sick or urgent pets. We make it a priority to see animals that need prompt attention. Call (281) 859-9244 as early in the day as possible for the best availability.

    Do you see cats and dogs?

    Yes. Hearthstone Animal Clinic is a small animal practice serving both dogs and cats in Cypress, TX and the surrounding Northwest Houston area. Dr. Steve Pelton provides comprehensive care for canine and feline patients of all ages and breeds.

    Where are you located?

    Hearthstone Animal Clinic is located at 14606 FM 529 Rd, Houston, TX 77095, in the Cypress, TX area. We serve pet owners throughout Cypress, Cy-Fair, Copperfield, Vintage Park, Klein, Willowbrook, Katy, Tomball, and Spring.

    What should I do if my pet is sick after hours?

    If your pet needs urgent care after hours, call our office at (281) 859-9244 for emergency referral information. We partner with local emergency veterinary clinics in the Cypress and Northwest Houston area to ensure your pet can receive prompt care when our clinic is closed.

    How do I request a medication pick-up?

    To request a medication pick-up at our Cypress, TX clinic, call or text us at (281) 859-9244 during business hours. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for processing. If your pet hasn't been seen recently, we may need to schedule an exam before releasing certain medications, for your pet's safety.

    Do you offer payment plans?

    We accept CareCredit for financing larger procedures, along with cash, credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), and debit cards. Payment is due at time of service. We're happy to discuss options for managing veterinary costs at our Cypress, TX clinic.

    Do I need an appointment?

    Yes, we recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure Dr. Pelton can provide dedicated time for your pet's care. However, we accommodate urgent cases through our drop-off service at our Cypress, TX location.

    What should I bring to my pet's first visit?

    Please bring your pet's vaccination records, current medications, a list of questions, and your pet on a leash or in a carrier. This helps our Cypress, TX clinic team provide comprehensive care during your visit.

    Do you accept pet insurance?

    Yes, Hearthstone Animal Clinic in Cypress, TX accepts most major pet insurance plans. We recommend checking with your provider about coverage details and can provide detailed receipts for reimbursement.

    Vaccines, exams, and pet health

    Medical & wellness

    What vaccines does my dog need?

    Core vaccines for dogs include rabies and DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza). We also recommend bordetella (kennel cough) for most dogs in the Cypress, TX area. Additional lifestyle vaccines like leptospirosis or canine influenza may be discussed based on your dog's risk factors and activities.

    How often should my cat have a wellness exam?

    We recommend annual wellness exams for healthy adult cats and twice-yearly exams for senior cats (ages 7 and older) or those with chronic conditions. Kittens need more frequent visits during their first year. Annual wellness panels help us catch issues like kidney disease and thyroid problems early, conditions that are very common in cats in the Cypress, TX area.

    How often should my dog have a wellness exam?

    Healthy adult dogs should be seen annually for a comprehensive exam and vaccinations. Senior dogs (7+ years) benefit from twice-yearly visits and wellness bloodwork to catch age-related conditions early. Puppies need several visits during their first year.

    When should I start dental care for my pet?

    Dental care should begin early in your pet's life. We recommend professional dental cleanings starting around 2 to 3 years of age, depending on breed and dental health. Regular at-home dental care should start as soon as possible. Dental disease is one of the most common conditions we see at our Cypress, TX clinic.

    How do I know if my pet needs emergency care?

    Seek immediate care for difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, seizures, inability to urinate or defecate, suspected poisoning, severe pain, or any sudden change in behavior that concerns you. Call us at (281) 859-9244. If we're open, we'll work to see you the same day.

    What is laser therapy and when is it used?

    Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to reduce pain and inflammation, promote healing, and improve circulation. At our Cypress, TX clinic, we commonly use it for arthritis, wound healing, and post-surgical recovery in dogs and cats.

    Surgery prep, drop-offs, and diagnostics

    Procedures & surgery

    How should I prepare my pet for surgery?

    Your pet should fast (no food) for 12 hours before surgery, but water is usually okay until 2 hours before. We'll provide specific pre-surgical instructions. Arrive early for pre-surgical paperwork and examination.

    What is a drop-off appointment and why do you recommend it?

    A drop-off appointment lets us see your pet in a timely way even when the schedule is full. We try to get them done as soon as possible so they aren't here longer than needed. You drop off your pet in the morning and we work them in between other appointments.

    Do you provide pain management after surgery?

    Yes, pain management is a priority. We provide appropriate pain medications and detailed instructions for post-operative care, and we schedule follow-ups to monitor your pet's recovery.

    What diagnostic services do you offer?

    We offer digital X-rays, very basic ultrasound, blood work, urinalysis, fecal exams, heartworm testing, and other laboratory services. Most results are available the same day.

    What things cost and how to pay

    Pricing & payment

    How much does a basic exam cost at Hearthstone Animal Clinic?

    A standard exam fee is $64 for both dogs and cats. This includes a thorough physical examination by our experienced veterinarian in Northwest Houston.

    What does an adult wellness package include and cost?

    For dogs, our adult wellness package is $246 and includes physical exam, parasite screen, heartworm test, distemper/parvo vaccine, rabies vaccine, and bordetella vaccine. For cats, it's $182 and includes exam, parasite test, FVRCP vaccine, and rabies vaccine. Outdoor cats benefit from adding the leukemia vaccine for $49.

    How much is a first visit for puppies and kittens?

    Puppy first visits are $159 and include exam, DAPP vaccine, parasite test, and de-worming. Kitten first visits are $219 and include exam, parasite test, first vaccines, and FeLV/FIV testing.

    What do lab work and radiographs cost?

    Basic lab work ranges from $170 to $268 depending on your pet's age and the specific tests needed. Standard radiographs are $320 per study with board-certified review. Sedation may be needed for some pets at additional cost.

    Do you offer additional services like nail trims?

    Yes. We offer nail trims ($23), anal gland expression ($25), and microchipping ($59). These can often be done during your regular visit.

    Do you accept payment plans or financing?

    We accept CareCredit for financing larger procedures, plus cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Payment is due at time of service, and we're happy to discuss options for managing veterinary costs.

    Diet, weight, and end-of-life care

    Nutrition & more

    How do I know if my pet is overweight?

    You should be able to feel your pet's ribs without pressing hard and see a visible waist from above. We offer weight and nutrition consultations to create a customized plan for your dog or cat.

    What's the best diet for my pet?

    The ideal diet depends on your pet's age, size, activity level, and health conditions. We recommend high-quality commercial pet foods and give specific dietary recommendations during appointments.

    Do you offer food allergy testing?

    Yes, we provide food allergy testing and diet trials to identify problematic ingredients. We'll guide you through elimination diets and recommend hypoallergenic options for sensitive pets.

    When should I consider end-of-life care options?

    This deeply personal decision involves assessing your pet's quality of life. We're here to help evaluate comfort levels and discuss all options, including palliative care and humane euthanasia when appropriate.

    How can I submit to your pet memorial memory wall?

    Our memory wall honors beloved pets who have passed. Visit pawfectgallery.com to leave a tribute and create a lasting memorial for your cherished companion.

    What after-hours contact options do you provide?

    For urgent after-hours care, call (281) 859-9244 for emergency referral information. We partner with local emergency clinics to ensure your pet receives prompt care when our clinic is closed.

    Still have a question?

    Text or call us, or send a message and we'll get right back to you.