FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions – Stone Ridge Animal Hospital

Have questions about our veterinary services, what to expect during your visit, or how to best care for your pet? You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital. If you don’t see your question answered here, don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team in Ocala, FL at (352) 351-3588 — we’re always happy to help.

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General Questions About Stone Ridge Animal Hospital

Where is Stone Ridge Animal Hospital located?

Stone Ridge Animal Hospital is located at 5435 West Hwy 40, Ocala, FL 34482 — approximately 3 miles west of the World Equestrian Center off Highway 40. We proudly serve Ocala, FL and the surrounding communities, including the greater Marion County area.

How do I schedule an appointment at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital?

You can schedule an appointment by calling us at (352) 351-3588 or by using our convenient online appointment request form. We welcome both new and existing patients and are happy to find a time that works for your schedule.

Is Stone Ridge Animal Hospital currently accepting new patients?

Yes! Stone Ridge Animal Hospital is currently welcoming new patients and their families. We’d love to become your pet’s trusted veterinary home in Ocala, FL . Give us a call at (352) 351-3588 to get started, and be sure to check out our New Client information page before your first visit.

What should I bring to my pet’s first appointment?

For your pet’s first visit, please bring any previous medical records, vaccination history, and a list of any current medications or supplements. New clients are asked to arrive 10–15 minutes early to complete our New Client Form. If you are bringing physical medical records, please also plan to arrive a few minutes early so our team can review them before your appointment.

What species does Stone Ridge Animal Hospital treat?

Stone Ridge Animal Hospital provides veterinary care for dogs and cats. We offer a full range of services for each, from wellness exams and vaccinations to surgery and diagnostics. Contact us at (352) 351-3588 if you have questions about care for your pet.

What are your hours and how can I reach you after hours?

Stone Ridge Animal Hospital is open during regular business hours. For after-hours emergencies, we are not a 24/7 facility — please contact one of the emergency veterinary facilities in our area if your pet requires critical care outside of our business hours. You can also call us at (352) 351-3588 during regular hours for non-urgent inquiries.

What payment options does Stone Ridge Animal Hospital accept?

Stone Ridge Animal Hospital accepts a variety of payment options to make quality veterinary care accessible for every family. We work with financing partners including CareCredit and Scratchpay, and accept Trupanion pet insurance payments directly. Visit our payment options page to learn more about available financing and payment methods.

Does Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offer any specials or promotions?

Yes! Stone Ridge Animal Hospital periodically offers specials and promotions on select services. Visit our specials and promotions page to see current offers, or call us at (352) 351-3588 to ask our team about any available savings on your pet’s upcoming procedure.

Questions About Our Veterinary Services

What veterinary services does Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offer?

Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offers a comprehensive range of veterinary services all under one roof in Ocala, FL , including wellness and preventive care, urgent care, diagnostics, surgery, dental care, spay and neuter, laser therapy, and chiropractic and acupuncture care. View our full services page to learn more.

Does Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offer urgent care for pets?

Yes. Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offers limited urgent care for non-emergency conditions such as ear infections, urinary tract infections, mild vomiting or diarrhea, limping, minor wounds, and more. We are not a 24/7 emergency facility and do not provide critical or overnight care. If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition requires urgent care or emergency care, call us right away at (352) 351-3588 and our team will guide you. Learn more on our urgent care page.

Does Stone Ridge Animal Hospital perform surgery?

Yes. Our experienced veterinary surgical team performs a wide range of procedures for dogs, cats, and small mammals, including spays and neuters, mass removal, foreign body removal, hernia repair, cystotomy, and more. All surgeries are performed with individualized anesthesia plans and continuous monitoring throughout the procedure. Learn more on our surgery page.

Does Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offer integrative or holistic veterinary treatments?

Yes! In addition to traditional veterinary medicine, Stone Ridge Animal Hospital offers chiropractic care and acupuncture as well as laser therapy. These integrative services are excellent options for pain management, mobility improvement, and supporting your pet’s natural healing — and can be combined with conventional treatments for a comprehensive care approach.

How often should my pet have a wellness exam?

For young, healthy dogs and cats, Stone Ridge Animal Hospital recommends annual preventive care exams. Senior pets and those managing chronic health conditions should be seen every six months. Regular wellness visits allow our veterinarians to catch potential health issues early — before they become more serious or costly to treat.

Does my pet need year-round parasite prevention in Florida?

Absolutely. Florida’s warm, humid climate means fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and intestinal parasites are active every single month of the year. All pets in Ocala, FL and the surrounding areas should be on a year-round parasite prevention program. Stone Ridge Animal Hospital carries a wide selection of veterinarian-recommended prevention products and can help you choose the right option for your pet during their wellness visit.

What vaccines does my pet need?

Vaccination protocols at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital are tailored to each pet’s individual needs based on their species, age, breed, lifestyle, and geographic location. Core vaccines for dogs in Florida typically include rabies, DHPP, leptospirosis, Bordetella, canine influenza, and Lyme disease. Core vaccines for cats include rabies, FVRCP, and FeLV. Our veterinarians will create a personalized vaccination schedule during your pet’s wellness exam.

Questions About Pet Health & Care

How can I tell if my pet is in pain?

Pets often instinctively hide signs of pain or discomfort, which can make it difficult to know when something is wrong. Common signs that your pet may be in pain include changes in appetite or activity level, limping or difficulty getting up, unusual hiding or withdrawal, excessive licking of a particular body area, behavioral changes such as increased irritability, and changes in posture or facial expression. If you notice any of these signs, contact Stone Ridge Animal Hospital at (352) 351-3588 to schedule an evaluation.

Why is dental care so important for my pet?

Dental disease is one of the most common health conditions affecting dogs and cats, and if left untreated, oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and damage vital organs including the heart, kidneys, and liver. Regular professional dental cleanings and at-home brushing are key components of your pet’s overall health plan. Stone Ridge Animal Hospital recommends annual dental evaluations as part of your pet’s routine wellness care.

What should I do if I think my pet has eaten something toxic?

If you believe your pet has ingested a toxin or poison, this is a medical emergency — do not wait. Call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and contact the nearest emergency veterinary facility immediately. Stone Ridge Animal Hospital does not provide emergency critical care; please refer to the list of emergency facilities in our area for the closest available option.

At what age should I spay or neuter my pet?

The ideal timing for spaying or neutering depends on your pet’s species, breed, and size. Emerging research suggests that waiting until physical maturity may be beneficial — particularly for larger breed dogs — as reproductive hormones play a role in musculoskeletal development. Our veterinarians at Stone Ridge Animal Hospital will discuss the latest guidance with you and help you determine the best timing for your individual pet. Learn more on our spay and neuter page or call us at (352) 351-3588.

How do I know if my senior pet needs more frequent veterinary visits?

As pets age, their health needs become more complex and change more rapidly. Stone Ridge Animal Hospital recommends wellness exams every six months for senior pets, along with annual senior bloodwork and more frequent lab monitoring for those managing ongoing health conditions. If your senior pet is showing any changes in behavior, appetite, mobility, or energy level, schedule an evaluation sooner. Contact us at (352) 351-3588 — early detection makes a meaningful difference in outcomes for older pets.