What to Expect at a Pet Surgical Consult with Dr. Katherine Neal, DVM, MS, DACVS

Animal Emergency & Specialty of Chattanooga | June 16, 2025

If your pet has been referred for specialized surgery, you are feeling overwhelmed, even a little anxious. We understand—and we are here to make this journey as smooth and informative as possible. When you schedule a surgical consultation with Dr. Katherine Neal, our board-certified veterinary surgeon at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center – Chattanooga, you can expect expert care, compassionate communication, and a streamlined process designed with both you and your pet in mind.

Here is a step-by-step look at what to expect at your surgical consult—and how to prepare for it.

Before You Arrive: Save Time with Pre-Visit Registration

To make your visit faster and easier, we encourage you to complete your pet’s registration online prior to your appointment. This lets us jump right into what matters most—caring for your pet—and reduces time spent in the waiting area.

A Warm Welcome from Our Client Services Team

From the moment you arrive, you and your pet will be greeted by our friendly and experienced Client Service Representatives (CSRs). We know veterinary visits can be stressful, so we go the extra mile to create a calm, welcoming environment for both you and your pet.

A Thorough Intake with Our Surgical Team

You will be escorted to a comfortable exam room, where one of our highly trained surgical technicians will take a comprehensive medical history of your pet. This step is essential to ensure that Dr. Neal has all the information needed to evaluate and treat your pet effectively.

Hands-On Evaluation by a Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeon

Your pet will then be gently escorted to our modern treatment area for a full physical and orthopedic examination performed by Dr. Katherine Neal, DVM, MS, DACVS. As a board-certified veterinary surgeon, Dr. Neal brings advanced expertise and years of specialized experience to every case.

This evaluation may include mobility assessments, orthopedic testing, and a review of your pet’s condition based on imaging or previous diagnostics.

 

Customized Treatment Plan & Transparent Cost Estimates

After the exam, you will meet with Dr. Neal to discuss the findings and go over a personalized treatment plan tailored to your pet’s needs. This is your opportunity to ask questions, voice concerns, and understand the recommended path forward.

 

Advanced Diagnostics—Only If Needed

If additional testing is required before surgery, such as radiographs, ultrasound, or bloodwork, we can often complete those right here, the same day. Our in-house diagnostic tools ensure fast, accurate results—so you will not have to wait days for answers.

 

Scheduling & Checkout

If surgery or follow-up care is needed, we will assist you in scheduling future appointments before you leave. Our goal is to make your experience efficient, stress-free, and completely transparent from start to finish.

 

What to Bring the Day of Your Consultation

To help us provide the best possible care, please bring the following with you:

  • A complete list of your pet’s medications, including dosages
  • Any pertinent medical history or recent test results
  • Your pet must be on a leash or in a secure carrier—no exceptions

 

Your Pet Deserves the Best—So Do You

Choosing a surgeon for your beloved pet is a big decision. With Dr. Katherine Neal’s advanced training and compassionate approach, combined with our cutting-edge facility and collaborative care team, you are getting the highest standard of surgical care in Chattanooga—and at a price that will not break the bank.

Ready to schedule your consultation with Dr. Neal?
📞 Call us today or contact us!
📍 Animal Emergency and Specialty Center – Chattanooga
🐾 Where expert care meets heartfelt compassion.