Appointments
Your next step toward specialty surgical care starts here.
Small Animal Surgical Services provides specialty surgical care for pets requiring advanced surgical evaluation and treatment. If you are preparing for a surgical consultation or upcoming procedure, we're here to help you understand what to expect.
Schedule an Appointment
Appointments with Small Animal Surgical Services are scheduled by phone or by an email. Our team can discuss your pet’s situation, answer initial questions, and help determine the appropriate next step for specialty surgical care.
Call or Email Us to Schedule
Appointments are required. There are no walk-ins.
Please have your pet’s medical information and the reason for your visit available when contacting SASS.
Does Your Pet Get Anxious at the Vet?
If your pet becomes scared or very stressed during veterinary visits, please let us know when scheduling. Your referring veterinarian or the SASS team may be able to discuss appropriate pre-visit medication.
If medication is prescribed, follow the specific instructions provided by the veterinarian. This may include giving it the night before and the morning of the appointment, before you arrive.
For Pet Owners
Referring Veterinarians
What to Expect
Every pet and surgical case is different, but the general process provides a clear path from scheduling through recovery.
Contact SASS
Call the SASS team or submit an appointment request to begin the process.
Schedule
Practicing since 2005, with more than 1,300 procedures completed in training alone and thousands of TPLO surgeries since.
Prepare
Follow the instructions provided and have relevant medical information ready.
Attend
The surgical team will evaluate your pet and discuss appropriate recommendations and next steps.
Recover
If surgery is performed, follow the postoperative instructions provided for your pet.
Before Your Appointment
A little preparation can make your visit easier. Have information available that may help the surgical team understand your pet’s medical history and current condition.
Bring or Have Available
- Your pet's current medical records
- Previous diagnostic imaging, when available
- Recent laboratory results
- Current medications and supplements
- Information about previous treatments
- Your veterinarian's contact information
- A list of questions or concerns
Questions You May Want to Ask
- What is my pet's diagnosis or suspected condition?
- What treatment options are available?
- Is surgery recommended?
- What does the procedure involve?
- What should we expect during recovery?
- Will follow-up appointments be needed?
Important: Patient-specific postoperative instructions take priority over general information provided on this website.
Surgery Preparation
Preparation requirements can vary depending on the procedure and your pet’s individual circumstances.
Before surgery, the SASS team will provide instructions relevant to your pet’s procedure. These may include:
- Feeding and fasting
- Medications
- Arrival time
- Transportation
- Activity before surgery
- What to bring
- What to expect when your pet returns home
Important: Fasting Before Surgery
Patients should be fasted from midnight before their scheduled procedure. Failure to follow fasting instructions may delay surgery or result in cancellation for safety reasons. Please follow any specific instructions provided by the SASS team.
Getting ready for surgery? There’s an app for that.
Our Surgery Prep App walks pet owners through fasting instructions, what to bring, and what to expect — step by step, from the night before to the day of surgery.
Before Your Appointment
A little preparation can make your visit easier. Have information available that may help the surgical team understand your pet’s medical history and current condition.
Bring or Have Available
- Your pet's current medical records
- Previous diagnostic imaging, when available
- Recent laboratory results
- Current medications and supplements
- Information about previous treatments
- Your veterinarian's contact information
- A list of questions or concerns
Questions You May Want to Ask
- What is my pet's diagnosis or suspected condition?
- What treatment options are available?
- Is surgery recommended?
- What does the procedure involve?
- What should we expect during recovery?
- Will follow-up appointments be needed?
Important: Patient-specific postoperative instructions take priority over general information provided on this website.
After Surgery
Recovery is an important part of surgical care. Your pet’s recovery instructions will depend on the procedure performed and your pet’s individual condition.
Recovery May Include
- Controlled activity
- Medication administration
- Incision monitoring
- Preventing licking or interference with the surgical site
- Feeding or dietary instructions
- Follow-up examinations
- Additional imaging or testing
Every Procedure Has Its Own Recovery Plan
Recovery can vary significantly depending on the type of surgery. Follow the instructions provided by the surgical team carefully.
Contact your veterinary team if you have questions or concerns about your pet’s recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call 207-481-0191 to schedule. Calling is preferred, but you may also email info@sassmaine.com. Appointments are required and there are no walk-ins.
Do I need to contact my veterinarian first?
Your primary-care veterinarian can help evaluate your pet's condition and determine whether specialty surgical care may be appropriate. SASS also works directly with pet owners to coordinate appointments.
Do you accept walk-ins?
No. Appointments are required and there are no walk-ins.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Have your pet's medical records, diagnostic information, current medications, previous treatment information, and any questions you have available.
What happens during a surgical consultation?
The surgical team will review your pet's history and available diagnostic information, evaluate the condition, and discuss appropriate surgical options and next steps.
What should I do before surgery?
Follow the preparation instructions provided specifically for your pet and procedure.
Is there a Surgery Preparation App?
Yes. The current SASS materials reference a Surgery Preparation App. The production website should use the client-approved app information and link.
How long will my pet take to recover?
Recovery depends on the procedure and the individual patient. Your surgical team will provide procedure-specific recovery guidance.
What if I have concerns after surgery?
Contact your veterinary team if you have concerns about your pet's recovery, incision, medications, pain, appetite, activity, or other unexpected changes.
Have a case to discuss before referring?
Mon–Thu 7:30am–5pm · Fri 8am–12pm · appointments required
Proudly serving all of Maine
From Portland north to the Maine border, with particular focus on Mid-Coast and Southern Maine communities. Referring practices statewide are welcome.