Surgical Services in Houston, TX
At Rice Village Animal Hospital, we are committed to the highest standards of surgical care. As an accredited American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) hospital, we follow rigorous protocols for surgery, anesthesia, monitoring, and recovery. Only 15% of veterinary hospitals achieve AAHA accreditation, which sets our practice apart.

Our Surgical Standards
We maintain comprehensive surgical protocols to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort:
- Pre-anesthetic blood panel to check overall health
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring
- Individually tailored pain management for every patient
- IV catheter and fluids for hydration and safety
- Warm water blankets to maintain body temperature
- Careful anesthetic monitoring throughout the procedure
- Dedicated veterinary technician overseeing surgery and recovery
Pre-Surgical Instructions
To prepare for surgery:
- Fasting: Withhold food after 10 p.m. the night before.
- Arrival: Bring your pet to the hospital the morning of surgery.
- Intake Times: Surgical patient check-in is from 7:30 – 7:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Pre-Surgical Exam: Every patient receives a complete exam the morning of the procedure.
- Recovery & Discharge: Routine surgeries usually go home the same evening. More complex cases may require a longer stay.
Our staff closely monitors all patients throughout surgery and recovery. We provide updates to pet owners every step of the way, ensuring attentive and compassionate care.
Specialty & Orthopedic Procedures
Rice Village Animal Hospital partners with Houston Mobile Veterinary Surgery to provide advanced soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries right in our clinic.
- Procedures are performed in our on-site surgical suite.
- Detailed at-home instructions and aftercare resources are provided for optimal recovery.
- Our staff veterinarians follow up closely, collaborating with the mobile surgery team to monitor progress.
Why Choose Rice Village Animal Hospital for Surgery?
- AAHA-accredited: Only a select few practices meet these high standards.
- Comprehensive monitoring: From pre-anesthetic tests to recovery care.
- Experienced staff: Attentive veterinarians and technicians guide your pet through every step.
- Convenient access to specialty surgeries: No need to travel to a separate hospital.
- Personalized recovery plans: Tailored to your pet’s procedure and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of surgeries do you perform at Rice Village Animal Hospital?
A: We perform routine soft tissue surgeries, spay and neuter procedures, and partner with Houston Mobile Veterinary Surgery for specialty and orthopedic procedures, all in the comfort of our clinic.
Q: How long does recovery take after surgery?
A: Recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery and your pet’s size and age. Routine procedures often go home the same evening, while more complex surgeries may require an overnight stay or longer. Your veterinarian will provide detailed at-home care instructions.
Q: Does my pet need pre-anesthetic testing?
A: Yes. Every surgical patient receives a pre-anesthetic blood panel, and other tests such as an ECG may be performed to ensure your pet is healthy and ready for anesthesia.
Q: What should I do the night before surgery?
A: You should withhold food after 10 p.m. the night before the procedure. Water is typically allowed unless otherwise directed by your veterinarian.
Q: When should I bring my pet in on the day of surgery?
A: Surgical patient intake occurs from 7:30 – 7:45 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please bring your pet during this window for check-in and pre-surgical preparations.
Q: Are specialty and orthopedic surgeries performed at Rice Village Animal Hospital?
A: Yes. We partner with Houston Mobile Veterinary Surgery, which uses our on-site surgical suite to perform advanced procedures. Our staff vets continue to monitor your pet’s recovery and collaborate with the specialists for optimal post-operative care.
Q: Will I receive updates during my pet’s surgery?
A: Absolutely. Our team keeps pet owners informed every step of the way, from preparation to recovery, ensuring peace of mind throughout the procedure.