Planned pethood FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your most common questions about Planned PEThood’s services and programs. From our wellness clinic and spay and neuter services to community cat initiatives and rescue efforts, we’re here to help!
Wellness Clinic
Explore the affordable wellness services we offer to keep your pets healthy and happy.
View our Wellness Clinic PageWhat is your prescription refill policy?
We kindly request at least 48 hours’ notice for all prescription medication refills. This advance notice gives our medical team time to review, prepare, and verify prescriptions- so your pet’s medication is ready and waiting for you without unnecessary delays. You’ll receive a call and an email as soon as your refill is ready for pickup. Please note that refill requests received Thursday/Friday will be available on the following Monday.
What are Planned PEThood’s clinic hours?
Planned PEThood’s Duluth nonprofit veterinary clinic is open 7 am – 4:30 pm,
Monday through Thursday.Please note that the clinic and administrative offices are closed on the following holidays.
Memorial Day
Juneteenth
Independence Day
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve and Day
New Year’s Eve and DayPlease visit our Facebook page for information on schedule changes and emergency closures.
My pet needs surgery. Are there any low-cost options?
Planned PEThood offers some surgical procedures in addition to spay or neuter at its Duluth clinic. Please contact us for more information at info@pethoodga.org or 678-561-3491.
I don’t need to have my pet spayed or neutered. Can I just get vaccinations and other wellness services at Planned PEThood?
Yes! For information on making an appointment and pricing, please go to our Wellness Clinic page. Click here to book an appointment now.
Will my pet experience any pain?
Injections and post-operative medicine to control pain and inflammation are included in the surgery price for every pet.
Will my pet be in good hands with Planned PEThood’s staff?
Planned PEThood employs only trained and experienced doctors, technicians, and assistants. Our veterinarians are fully licensed and receive ongoing training in the latest surgical techniques
How is Planned PEThood able to spay & neuter and provide vaccines for my pet at such an affordable price?
Planned PEThood is a non-profit organization and we rely on the generous support of our donors, corporate sponsors and grant providers to allow us to provide affordable veterinary care. Learn more at pethoodga.org/give.
I can’t afford your discounted prices. What other options can you recommend? Are there any other options for me?
For financial assistance with veterinary services, please visit our financial resources page.
In addition, here are several other organizations that provide low cost spay and neuter services.
Do you have any other clinics besides your Duluth, GA location?
In addition to our Duluth location, Planned PEThood has a mobile spay and neuter clinic for cats and dogs. Please click here for more information.
In addition, there are many other low-cost spay and neuter clinics in Georgia.
View a complete list of spay and neuter resources by county.
Spay and Neuter
Answers to common questions about our affordable spay and neuter services, from cost to recovery time.
View our Spay and Neuter PageHow old does my dog or cat need to be before he or she can be spayed or neutered?
At Planned PEThood, the minimum age for spay or neuter surgery is 8 weeks, and the minimum weight is 2 pounds. Both requirements must be met for the safety of your pet.
Why is a rabies vaccine mandatory when my pet is spayed/neutered?
Planned PEThood administers a rabies vaccine to all animals (unless proof of vaccination is provided) to remain in accordance with Georgia law, which states that all owned animals must be current on their rabies vaccination. Georgia mandates the rabies vaccine to prevent the spread of a fatal viral disease that can pass from animals to humans (zoonotic). Giving this vaccination while your pet is sedated for their spay or neuter makes the process easier and less stressful on your pet.
Can my pet still be spayed if she might be pregnant?
Yes, Planned PEThood does perform spay procedures on pregnant cats and dogs. Additional fees apply. Please contact us via email, info@pethoodga.org, with questions about spay procedures for pregnant pets.
Does low-cost spay or neuter mean lower quality care?
At Planned PEThood, we’ve intentionally designed our clinic to focus on what matters most: providing quality veterinary care as efficiently and affordably as possible. That means less time sitting in a waiting room and more time getting the care your pet needs. All of Planned PEThood’s veterinarians are licensed and have many years of experience. As a nonprofit, our services are priced below what it costs us to provide them. We can only do that because donors, grants, and community support help cover the difference.
If my pet is indoors-only, do they still need to be spayed or neutered?
Yes, Planned PEThood recommends spaying or neutering your indoor animal. Spaying and neutering not only prevents unwanted litters, but also reduces the risk of life-threatening conditions such as uterine, breast, or testicular cancer. In unneutered male pets, prostate problems are more common, while females are at risk for pyometra, a severe uterine infection that can be fatal if untreated. Additionally, spaying & neutering curbs undesirable behaviors like roaming, spraying, and aggression, making your pet easier to live with.
Where can I find dates and locations for the Planned PEThood mobile spay and neuter surgery unit?
Planned PEThood posts our mobile spay and neuter surgery schedule on our website: link here, and on social media: link here.
Is getting my pet spayed and neutered in the Planned PEThood mobile unit as safe as a spay or neuter in the Duluth clinic?
Yes, getting your pet spayed or neutered in the Planned PEThood mobile unit is just as safe as a spay or neuter in the Duluth clinic. We follow the same safety protocols across all our surgeries. A licensed veterinarian performs all spay or neuter procedures.
Is a spay or neuter procedure painful for my pet?
The surgery itself is completed under anesthesia, so your pet does not feel any sensation during the spay or neuter. Additional medication will be sent home with your dog to keep them calm and comfortable. Cats recover well with the injections we give them in surgery, so there is no need to give them additional pain medication at home.
What will the recovery process from spay or neuter surgery look like for my pet?
Planned PEThood will provide an Elizabethan collar (cone) to all dogs, and cat owners may choose to purchase one. This cone prevents your animal from licking or scratching the surgical site. We recommend keeping pets confined for 10 to 14 days after surgery, especially young kittens, to reduce the risk of complications. Planned PEThood will also provide written post-op instructions.
My pet needs a surgery that is not a spay or neuter. Does Planned PEThood offer that?
Planned PEThood offers some surgical procedures in addition to spay or neuter at its Duluth clinic. Please contact us for more information at info@pethoodga.org or 678-561-3491.
Can you spay or neuter a feral or stray cat?
Yes, Planned PEThood offers spay or neuter procedures for community cats on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays. Please refer to our Community Cat website page for details.
What forms of payment does Planned PEThood accept?
Planned PEThood accepts all major forms of payment including credit card, debit card, cash and check.
Community/Feral Cats
Find out how we care for and manage community and feral cats through our targeted programs.
View our Community Cats PageWhat is TNVR?
Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return, or “TNVR,” is the most humane and effective method known for managing Community Cats and reducing their numbers.
The cats, who typically live together in a group called a colony, are trapped and brought to a veterinary clinic. They are then spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and eartipped.
After they’ve recovered from their surgeries, the cats are returned back to their original territory where a caretaker provides regular food and shelter. When foster or permanent homes are available, young kittens and friendly adults are removed and placed for adoption.
What is an ear tip?
An ear tip is a painless procedure done during the spay and neuter surgery. It is the universal symbol for a Community Cat that has been spayed or neutered. Ear-tipping allows people to tell from a distance whether or not a Community Cat has been spayed or neutered.
That tipped ear saves the cat the stress of being trapped and anesthetized a second time. It does not affect their hearing.
What are the benefits of TNVR?
- Ends nuisance behaviors from Community Cats such as fighting, spraying, and howling
- Prevents repeated unwanted litters of kittens
- Saves thousands of taxpayer dollars by keeping these cats out of county shelters
- Rids neighborhoods and businesses of rodents and snakes organically. With a Community Cat on the premises, you will finally be able to do away with rat poisons, mouse traps, and dirty rodent droppings.
- Studies prove that spaying and neutering Community Cats improves their overall health
TNVR balances the needs and concerns of the human communities in which many Community Cats live. People don’t want cats rounded up and killed. TNVR is the only humane option to reduce and stabilize the large populations of Community Cats.
Removing Community Cats from their home is counter productive. Each colony of cats has a territory that they defend from other colonies of cats. If cats are removed, it leaves an open territory where more unaltered cats will move in and start the breeding cycle all over again.
If taken to a shelter, unsocialized Community Cats “feral cats” are not considered adoptable and, unfortunately, are often euthanized.
Do you loan traps?
We loan humane trap from Tru Catch along with Drop Traps to the public. There are 50 traps available for loan. If you would like to reserve a trap, fill out our online Trap Reservation Request form or give us a call at (678) 541-9370. We loan our traps out for 2 weeks at a time. We require a deposit for each trap. We will not charge your credit card unless you do not bring the trap(s) back within two weeks’ time. There is usually a 1-2 week waiting list for our traps.
Our Community Cats program is a resource, not a rescue. We will not remove cats from your property. We will provide you with the tools and support you need to effectively and humanely manage these cats. If you need help with trapping a colony or any other questions please contact us at (678) 541-9370 or TNVR@PethoodGa.org.
If you are interested in becoming a member of our TNaRmy Volunteers to help at predetermined trapping locations around Gwinnett please fill out an volunteer application today!
Visit our Community and Feral Cats page for information and pricing for feral cat spay and neuter surgery!
I have wild cats at my home or business, will you come get them?
In short, no, and neither will Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement. Wild/feral cats are treated as wildlife in Georgia and are only to be removed from their habitat when sick or injured. Think of them as squirrels or birds. They are part of the habitat and community.
However, there are things you can do to prevent them from reproducing or from coming onto your property. See the next FAQ – What can I use to keep wild cats off of my property, but without harming them?
What can I use to keep wild cats off of my property, but without harming them?
There are a few things you can get to keep cats off your property humanely. First, make sure the animals are not owned. They may be your neighbors, and a simple discussion may solve the issue. Certain plants will naturally deter cats, such as: Lavender, Rue, Pennyroyal, Coleus Canina, Lemon Thyme, Lemon Grass.
The most effective tool we have found is a scarecrow motion sensor water sprayer that can be found on Amazon for $67.
I want to help spay & neuter the community cats I am caring for, but I can’t afford to fix them all. Can you help?
Absolutely! You have taken the first step in becoming a responsible community cat caregiver. If you are willing to put in the work to trap, transport, and recover the animals we can help you financially with your TNVR efforts. We may not be able to cover all of the expenses, but we will do what we can.
E-mail TNVR@PethoodGa.org to discuss options. You may also contact Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement who has developed a community cat assistance program for Gwinnett County residents. You can reach them at 678-226-7730 or RTCCP@GwinnettCounty.com.
There is a sick/injured community cat. What should I do?
If the animal is sick/injured it needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.
If the animal in unable to be handled by you or any humans you will need a humane trap. Please contact us at 678-561-3491 and let us know you need to borrow a trap, and it is for an injured animal. We keep a small supply of traps available for sick/injured animals.
If you are able to trap it, and want to try and help it or treat it we suggest visiting Barnick Animal Care in Suwanee. They are the only clinic we work with that works closely with unsocialized cats.
If you are unable to trap in yourself, please contact Gwinnett Animal Welfare at 770-339-3200 and inform them there is a sick/injured animal. They will dispatch officers to attempt to rescue the animal.
Are there other options for TNR and feral cats in Gwinnett?
Yes! Gwinnett County Animal Welfare and Enforcement offers assistance to Gwinnett residents for TNR and feral cats. Gwinnett residents can trap, transport, and return cats back to their communities after a FREE spay and neuter at the county shelter for the cat. Cats MUST be in a trap. No carriers or wire crates. You can borrow a trap from Planned PEThood.
Limited to two cats per person per day.
Drop-off: Mon-Friday 7:30am to 9am
Pick-up: Mon-Fri 3-4:30pm
Contact RTCCP@GwinnettCounty.com or 678-226-7730 for questions.
What is the difference between a community cat and a stray?
How do I build an outdoor cat shelter?
Community cats need our help during the cold weather months. Follow these instructions to build an outdoor cat shelter.
Working Cats
Get answers on placement, care, and how these natural pest controllers can thrive in your space.
View our Working Cats PageWhat is a “Working Cat?”
Working cats (also called barn cats) are healthy, unsocialized (feral) cats that prefer to live outdoors. These cats have been removed from unsafe situations, usually from shelters that don’t have a way to place them. Entering a Working Cat program literally saves their lives, and putting them to “work” provides them with the kind of life they prefer.
How does a Working Cat work?
Outdoor cats are notorious for bringing home “gifts” to their humans. Working Cats use their hunting instinct to rid your property of small rodents, as well as the occasional bug, snake, lizard, or bird. If your cat isn’t a natural hunter, just the presence of a cat in the area will send critters scurrying!
Will my Working Cat be neutered?
Yes! Your cat will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated for rabies and distemper, treated for fleas, and microchipped!
How do I care for a Working Cat?
You will need to provide food and fresh water daily, and a shelter for the cat to stay out of the weather. If the cat becomes sick or injured you will need to take them to a vet.
Do I need to provide yearly vaccinations for my Working Cats?
Rabies vaccination is required by law, so you should make every effort to trap the cat for updates. Availability of a 3-year rabies vaccine makes this easier.
Will the cat bother my chickens or other animals?
Cats are very unlikely to be a danger to chickens; however, peeps would be a tempting target! Other farm animals should be fine.
What if the cat runs away?
We will provide detailed instructions on acclimating the cat(s) to your property. Still, it’s not uncommon for outdoor cats to disappear. When this happens, it’s sad – but remember that you have still saved the cats from a sad fate at a shelter and given them their best chance at living the kind of life they prefer.
Can I get a friendly cat?
Working Cats are chosen because of their inability to be adopted as pets. Once they are acclimated and begin to trust you, it’s possible they may allow (or even enjoy!) interaction with you – or they may not.
Fostering
Discover how you can make a difference by fostering pets in need of temporary homes.
View our Foster PageWhat responsibilities do foster parents have?
As a foster parent, you provide housing, training, grooming, transportation to vet care and adoption events, and a lot of TLC.
Foster parents play an important role in the adoption process. As a foster parent for Planned PEThood, we ask you to monitor the foster animal’s behavior and health and notify us of any concerns or questions. No one knows and can market your foster pets better than you!
Typically, foster pets will remain with their foster parents until they are adopted. This may be a matter of days, weeks, or in some cases, months. If you are interested in being a short-term relief or quarantine foster for 2-3 weeks we need those as well!
What is required to become a foster parent?
Planned PEThood is under the jurisdiction of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and a home inspection is required every six months by a Planned PEThood representative. (It isn’t scary, and we don’t care if you did the dishes!)
You will be assigned the name and contact information for a mentor. Your mentor will be available to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about the process.
Planned PEThood has established medical protocol that you will be asked to follow. Someone will review these with you before you receive a foster pet. All routine medical care is performed at our Duluth Spay and Neuter Clinic. The foster home must be able to arrange to get the foster pet to the clinic as needed.
What supplies does Planned PEThood provide to foster homes?
Planned PEThood is known for providing the highest possible standard of care for our foster pets. Our dedicated foster home veterinary assistant will help guide foster animals through their medical needs. Planned PEThood will cover all age appropriate vetting including vaccinations, testing (FeLV/FIV for cats, heartworm for dogs), spay and neuter, deworming, microchipping, and other routine medical care in a timely fashion.
Basic supplies such as pet food, crates, litter boxes, litter, collars, and leashes are provided by Planned PEThood.
If you are interested in volunteering with our foster program, please fill out our foster form or e-mail foster@PEThoodGA.org with questions. Someone from our staff will contact you within 2-3 business days.
Adoptions
Learn about our adoption process and how you can bring home your new best friend.
View our Adoption PageWhat is the adoption process?
Once you find a pet you’re interested in, please fill out an adoption application form. After submission, a volunteer or foster parent will contact you shortly. Please allow 24-48 hours for a response. All our adoptable pets are in foster homes, so it may take a bit of time to coordinate. If you have additional questions, reach out to us at adoptions@PEThoodGA.org.
Why do you require that kittens have at least one playmate or be adopted together?
Kittens thrive with companionship—especially during their early months of development. A playmate will help them burn off energy, learn social skills, and reduce feelings of loneliness or anxiety. This results in happier, healthier kittens who are less likely to develop behavioral issues as they grow.
It is also less work for you! Giving them an outlet for their kitten crazies means they’ll have less energy to engage in destructive behaviors like scratching the couch!
What are your adoption fees?
KITTENS (under 5 months old)
– One kitten $120
– Two kittens $200
– Three kittens $270
CATS (more than 5 months old)
– One cat $90
– Two cats $150
– Three cats $200
– Senior Cats (7+ years) $75
What is included in the adoption fee?
Our adoption fee covers a comprehensive package of care to ensure your new feline friend gets the best start possible. Each cat or kitten is:
- Spayed or neutered
- Up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations
- Microchipped
- Dewormed
- Treated for fleas
- Combo tested for FIV/FeLV
If any medical needs arise prior to adoption—such as diagnostic tests, treatments, or additional surgeries—they are fully covered and included in the adoption fee.
After I adopt my new pet, when should they visit the vet? How can I get flea/tick or heartworm prevention?
To the best of our knowledge, all of our animals are in good health when they leave our care, but we strongly recommend scheduling a visit with your primary veterinarian within the first month of adoption. Bringing your new pet’s medical records to this appointment will help establish a baseline and start a relationship with a full-service veterinary clinic.
In addition, adopters receive a Healthy Start Certificate from VCA Animal Hospitals, which offers new adopters discounts off of their first visits. Please check your handout for details.
How do I keep my cat/kitten from scratching me and my furniture?
- Make sure your cat has a tall scratching post. Something they can stretch the full length of their body and beyond. Cats instinctively like to scratch tall things like trees. If they don’t have the proper place to scratch they can move to tall furniture. Here is a great cat tree
- Trim the cat’s nails every 2-4 weeks. As a kitten it is important you touch the kitten’s feet often, so cutting their nails is a pleasant experience. Here is a great video to learn the ropes! How to Cut Your Cat’s Nails
- Try having your vet or groomer place Soft Claws on your cat’s nails. They will super glue soft rubber tips to your cat’s nails that will be pain-free and ensure scratching does not hurt or damage anything. These last on average a few weeks at a time, and can be replaced as often as you need. Check out Soft Paws
What do I do if the adoption doesn’t work out?
If at any time your adoption is not working please reach out to us. We often can offer guidance, assistance, and training depending on the issue you are facing.
If at any time you can no longer keep the animal you adopted from Planned PEThood, please contact info@PEThoodGA.org or 678-561-3491 immediately. We always take our animals back.
If you abandon your adopted animal, or bring it to another shelter you may be held responsible for monetary damages.
Rescue
Learn about our rescue efforts and how we save animals in need, giving them a second chance at life.
Read our Blog StoriesI need to find a new home for my pet. Will you take it?
Planned PEThood of Georgia’s rescue, foster and adopt program is limited to cats and kittens that are pulled from county animal shelters in Georgia.
If you need to find a new home for your pet, start as early as possible to give yourself the best chance of finding the right family.
1. Use Rehoming Resources
List your pet on reputable rehoming websites such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet, Home to Home, and Petango. You can also post on social media, local Facebook rehoming groups, Nextdoor, and community email lists.2. Create an Effective Pet Profile
Include:- Name, age, and breed
- Spay/neuter and vaccination status
- Health and behavioral information
- Whether they get along with children, dogs, or cats
- House-training and crate-training status
- What makes your pet special
- The type of home that would be the best fit
3. Use Great Photos
Clear, bright photos that show your pet’s personality can significantly increase interest from potential adopters.4. Screen Potential Adopters
Consider asking for veterinary references and charging a reasonable rehoming fee to help ensure your pet goes to a responsible home.5. Never Abandon Your Pet
Abandoning an animal puts their life at risk. If you are unable to find a suitable home, contact local shelters or rescue organizations to discuss surrender options.Here is a list of Atlanta area resources.
I found an orphaned kitten what should I do?
Fight your instinct to pick up the kittens and care for them, at first.
If they are safe, leave the kittens alone. Keep an eye on them from a distance. Mom most likely is coming back to get her kittens. They may have fallen when she was moving to a new location, or she heard you coming and is hiding. Do not touch, especially if they are newborns.
If they are in an unsafe place, move them or put them in a box not far from where they were found, put out some food for mom, and watch for a distance. If mom is not back in a few hours, then it is time to try to care for them on your own. Call your local shelter or rescue group to see if they can offer guidance or assistance.
Here is a great article on caring for orphaned kittens.
If it is during our normal business hours (Mon-Thur 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.) you can come by and get a free bottle baby kit with milk replacer and supplies if you like.
I found a stray cat or dog. What should I do?
When you find a stray animal, and if the animal seems friendly and healthy, we recommend taking it to the nearest veterinary clinic or shelter to be scanned for a microchip. You’re welcome to visit the Planned PEThood Duluth clinic during business hours, and we’ll scan the animal for a chip at no charge.
If the animal isn’t chipped or cannot be reunited with its owner, the next step is to bring the cat or dog to your county shelter, as this is typically the first place owners search for lost pets.
Additionally, we suggest posting the found pet on Helping Lost Pets and Petco Love Lost, as well as checking the NextDoor app in the area where the animal was found.
If you choose not to bring the animal to the shelter, please make every effort to locate the original owner. Accidents happen, and pets can wander far from home. There may be a family desperately searching for this animal.
Other Topics
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Make a DonationThis is a great cause! How can I help Planned PEThood?
There are many ways to support Planned PEThood of Georgia. Saving lives, expanding access to care and reducing pet overpopulation takes a community.
Donate: We welcome donations to Planned PEThood in any amount, by cash, check, credit and debit cards. Donate here.
Invite us to speak: Bring Planned PEThood to your workplace, club, or community group.
Share on social: Follow, like, and share our posts to help more families find us.
Tell a friend: Know someone who cares about animals? Tell them about our lifesaving programs.
Leave a review: A kind word online helps more people and more pets find their way to us.
Volunteer: Volunteering with Planned PEThood of GA is a rewarding experience for you, your family, and the pets you help. Volunteer opportunities range from monthly commitments to weekly shifts at cat adoption centers.
Where can I see recent statistics about Planned PEThood programs?
To find Planned PEThood’s most recent impact statistics, financial statements and tax forms, visit our Reports Section.
Where can I find Planned PEThood’s most recent tax form or 990?
To find Planned PEThood’s most recent financial statements and tax forms, visit our Reports Section.
Where can I see Planned PEThood’s most recent impact report or annual report?
To find Planned PEThood’s most recent impact report, visit our Reports Section.