FAQs

FAQs2025-12-22T11:13:06-10:00
Can I walk in to the clinic?2025-12-22T11:00:27-10:00

No, the clinic is by appointment only.

Please book your appointment here: Clinic Registration

When should I feed my cat after surgery?2025-12-22T10:59:56-10:00

Only offer food and water once the cat is fully awake and alert.

  • Water: Once awake, offer a small amount of water in a spill-proof container (like a jar lid or a shallow dish) that won’t wet the bedding.
    Note: If the cat is eating canned food, additional water is not necessary right away.
  • Feeding Guidelines:
    • Cats over 4 pounds: Offer canned food once fully awake.
    • Kittens under 4 pounds: Give 1 tablespoon of canned food as soon as the kitten is alert enough to eat safely. Offer another small portion (about half a normal meal) 2–3 hours later.

Always monitor your cat closely after surgery to ensure a safe and smooth recovery.

Should I feed my cat before the clinic?2025-12-22T10:58:58-10:00

Please do not feed your cat after 10:00 PM the night before the clinic.

Water is fine, but withholding food helps ensure their safety while under anesthesia.

Does each cat need to be in its own carrier or trap?2025-12-22T11:11:37-10:00

Yes, we prefer each cat to be in its own trap or carrier for the safety of our veterinary team and the security of your kitties.

However, if separating them isn’t possible, our techs will do their best to safely handle them together.

Do you test for FIV and FeLV?2025-12-22T10:57:47-10:00

Yes, FIV and FeLV testing is available for $45 per cat.

If the cat tests negative for both, we will vaccinate with Nobivac Feline 1-HCP+FeLV or Nobivac Feline 1-HCPCh+FeLV, depending on availability.

Note: All vaccines provided at the clinic are the first in a series. Follow-up vaccines should be administered at your veterinarian’s office.

Do you vaccinate the cats?2025-12-22T10:57:03-10:00

Yes, all cats are vaccinated unless you specifically request otherwise.

We use Nobivac Feline 1-HCP or Nobivac Feline 1-HCPCh, depending on availability. These vaccines protect against common feline diseases such as panleukopenia, calicivirus, and herpesvirus.

Note: All vaccines provided at the clinic are the first in a series. Follow-up vaccines should be administered at your veterinarian’s office.

What services are provided during the clinic?2025-12-22T10:56:09-10:00

Each cat receives the following as part of our standard care:

  • Spay or neuter surgery
  • Microchip
  • Vaccinations (Nobivac Feline 1-HCP or HCPCh)
  • Flea and tick treatment
  • Ear cleaning
  • Ear tipping (unless requested otherwise)

We also offer FIV/FeLV testing for an additional $45 per cat. If the cat tests negative, they’ll receive a FeLV vaccine as well (based on availability).

Do you tip cats’ ears?2025-12-22T10:55:29-10:00

Yes, we eartip all cats as part of the spay/neuter process unless you specifically request otherwise.

Why Ear Tipping is Important

  • It’s painless for the cat: Ear tipping is done while the cat is under anesthesia during their spay/neuter surgery, so they don’t feel any pain.
  • It doesn’t hurt afterward: The ear tip heals quickly and doesn’t cause any long-term pain or discomfort for the cat.
  • It protects the cat: Cats with ear tips are less likely to be re-trapped or mistaken for unaltered strays, which reduces stress and risk for the cat.
  • It prevents unnecessary surgeries: Without an ear tip, cats may be trapped and brought to a clinic again. In some cases, they are opened up for surgery, only to discover they’ve already been spayed or neutered, causing unnecessary stress and risk for the cat.
  • It’s crucial for TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return): Ear tipping ensures that limited resources are used wisely by focusing on cats that still need to be spayed or neutered.
Can I bring newborn kittens to get fixed?2025-12-22T10:54:50-10:00

Kittens must weigh at least 2 pounds to be eligible for surgery.

Can I bring a cat I think is pregnant?2025-12-22T10:54:30-10:00

Yes.

How can I change the number of cats I’m bringing to the clinic?2025-12-22T10:53:59-10:00

Please email us at contact@hawaiiaao.org

Note: You can always reduce the number of cats, but adding more is only possible if we have availability.

How do I use a trap?2025-12-22T11:11:51-10:00

When you pick up your trap, a volunteer will be available to demonstrate how to use it and answer any questions you may have.

How can I change my drop-off time?2025-12-22T10:53:21-10:00

Please email us at contact@hawaiiaao.org

Please note: We are unable to make any changes if there is no availability at your requested time.

How do I change the date I’m signed up for?2025-12-22T10:52:53-10:00

Please email us at contact@hawaiiaao.org

Please note: We are unable to make any changes if there is no availability on your requested date.

How can I borrow a pet carrier?2025-12-22T10:52:31-10:00

Pet carriers are available for loan with a $25 refundable deposit per carrier. The deposit is refunded when the carrier is returned clean and in working order.

To reserve a pet carrier:

  1. Go to clinic registration page
  2. Indicate the number of pet carriers you need in step 2.
  3. You’ll receive an email with pickup details (date, location, and time), typically a few days before the clinic.
How can I borrow a trap?2025-12-22T11:12:01-10:00

Traps are available for loan with a $125 refundable deposit per trap. The deposit is refunded when the trap is returned clean and in working order.

To reserve a trap:

  1. Go to clinic registration page
  2. Indicate the number of traps you need in step 2.
  3. You’ll receive an email with pickup details (date, location, and time), typically a few days before the clinic.
How do I make an appointment for a clinic?2025-12-22T10:51:08-10:00

You can schedule an appointment by visiting our registration page: Clinic Registration

When is the next clinic?2025-12-22T10:50:19-10:00

You can find all upcoming clinic dates here:  Spay & Neuter Clinics

Where is the clinic located?2025-12-22T10:49:18-10:00

The clinic is held at Kopiko Plaza in Kona (near the UPS Store)

📍Address:
75-5660 Kopiko Street, Suite C3, Kailua-Kona

When do I come to pick up my cat?2025-12-22T10:48:22-10:00

Since we are a volunteer-run, mass spay/neuter clinic, we’re unable to provide specific pick-up times in advance.

Please wait for an email from us letting you know when your cat(s) are ready to go home. We appreciate your patience and understanding!

What is the cost of the surgery?2025-12-22T11:12:11-10:00

Our clinic operates on a “pay what you can” basis because we believe every cat deserves care, regardless of their owner’s ability to pay.

It costs us about $90 per cat to provide spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, vaccinations, and flea treatment.

Some people contribute the full amount—or more—to help cover costs for others who can’t afford it. Others give what they can. Whatever you’re able to contribute is deeply appreciated and helps us continue offering this service to the community.

You can donate online here or in person at the clinic during drop-off.

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