Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Phone/Fax/E-mail:
    Phone:  805.967.0119
    Fax:  805.967.6862
    E-mail:  info@foothillpethospital.com
    (If you e-mail and there is no prompt response, please phone us directly.)

  2. Directions:  Please see map too.  We are located off Hwy 154 and Foothill Rd. 
    Our address is: 
    675 Cieneguitas Rd.
    Santa Barbara, CA 93110

    We are approximately 5 – 10 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, and 10 – 15 minutes from most areas of Goleta.

  3. Pets (species) we examine/treat:  We examine and treat a wide range of pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, turtles, tortoises, lizards, snakes, ferrets, hamsters, mice, chinchillas, and hedgehogs.

  4. After hour emergencies:  For after hour emergencies, please call:
    • AVS Hospital in Santa Barbara @ 805.729.4460
    • CARE Hospital in Santa Barbara @ 805.899.2273
    • VMSG Hospital in Ventura @ 805.339.2290

  5. Parking:  Ample curbside parking is available at the front of the hospital on Cieneguitas Road, or in our parking lot at the rear of the hospital.

  6. Payment:  We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Debit Cards, Checks, Cash, Money Orders, and Travelers Cheques. Payment is due when services are rendered.

  7. Prices:  Standard prices for services like an Office Call (Exam), Vaccinations, Spays, Neuters, and Dentistry’s can be estimated over the phone.  However, these and other fees are subject to change, and are still dependent on the doctor’s exam, findings, recommendations and discretion.

  8. Emergencies:  If you wonder/feel your pet is ill or may have an emergency situation, please phone ahead and consult with our staff.  Some examples of situations which may constitute an emergency are:
    • a pet who has ingested a potential toxin and/or drug.
    • a pet with uncontrolled bleeding.
    • a pet having a seizure for longer than 2-3 minutes (or when you are worried).
    • a pet who hasn’t eaten and/or taken in water/fluids for a reasonable amount of time and is depressed.
    • a pet who can’t get up and walk.
    • a pet who has maggots.
    • a pet who is depressed, lethargic, and/or moribund.
    • a pet who has been bitten by a snake.

  9. Anesthetic procedures:  If your pet will have or may have an anesthetic procedure  (i.e. for a surgery, dentistry, or x-rays, etc.) for the same day or next day, we recommend you withhold food from your pet after 10:00 PM the night prior, but continue to allow your pet to have access to water.   Also, when you come at the recommended time, please bring any medications you are giving your pet.  An exception to the “no food” rule is for our small mammal friends such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, rats, mice, and chinchillas.  Since they are unable to vomit and have high metabolic rates, they should have food and water available at all times!

  10. Prescriptions:  For prescription refills, please phone ahead so we may check with the doctor for authorization and approval prior to your arrival.  (Note:  By law, all prescriptions must be approved by the doctor; and, your pet must have had an examination by the doctor within the preceding 12 months in order for any prescription to be refilled.)

  11. Boarding:  We are unable to do boarding as a general routine.  However, if your pet is undergoing medical treatment and/or post-surgical care, on some occasions (if staffing is available) we may be able to accommodate our patients.  Please call in advance and see if we are able to help you out.

  12. Foods (diets) we carry:  We carry various prescription diets and some general diets for dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.  These include Hills (Science Diet), Royal Canin (IVD), Purina, Eukanuba, and Oxbow products.  If we do not have a diet in stock, we can usually order it for you too.  Just let us know, and we will see if we can help you out.

  13. Vaccinations (vaccines):  There are various recommendations (protocols) for vaccinations in dogs and cats.  For puppies and kittens, we recommend the 1st vaccines at 6–8 weeks old.  These are followed by a series of boosters until your pet is 16 weeks or older.  For adults, we tailor your pet’s vaccines based on their exposure risks, and your concerns and preferences.

  14. Puppy/Kitten check-ups:  We recommend that puppies and kittens have an initial examination. This is in order to check on their overall health status, give them any vaccines which might be due, answer any questions you might have, and to discuss the latest recommendations and products that would apply to your new pet.

    In fact, for the reasons listed above, these "new pet" initial examinations are strongly recommended for all the different pet species we see.

  15. Fecal (stool) exams:  It is recommended by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists (AAVP), and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) that all pets should have an annual fecal exam as part of their annual check-up, and that puppies and kittens should have a regular deworming program.  These important recommendations are not just to decrease illness in our pets, but also to decrease human exposure risks from these parasites and their eggs in our environment.  (Note:  Annual fecal exams are a good rule of thumb for all pets.  And for reptiles, it is probably a good idea to have stools checked 2 – 4 times a year.)

  16. Flea, tick, heartworm, and general dewormer products:  We carry specific flea, tick, heartworm, and dewormer products based on the most current research. And, we believe they are among the safest and most efficacious for your pet's individual needs. These include NexGard, Comfortis, Trifexis, Vectra, Vectra 3D, Revolution, Sentinel, Drontal, Panacur, Cheristin, Capstar, and Iverhart. Other products can usually be ordered upon your request.