Eligibility & Services
What services does Mermaid SANDS provide?
We focus on two essential procedures: spay and neuter surgery, and dental cleanings. Vaccines, nail trims, microchipping, and heartworm/flea/tick prevention are available as add-ons when your pet is already scheduled for surgery — we don’t offer them as stand-alone appointments.
Do you offer spay and neuter for dogs and cats?
Yes. We provide spay and neuter surgery for both dogs and cats.
What is included in a dental cleaning?
A full anesthetic dental cleaning with scaling and polishing. We don’t perform extractions — if your pet needs further treatment, we’ll refer you to a full-service veterinary hospital.
Can I add vaccines, prevention, or other services to my visit?
Yes, but only alongside a scheduled spay/neuter or dental procedure. Vaccines, nail trims, microchipping, and heartworm/flea/tick prevention aren’t offered as separate appointments.
What pets are eligible for care at Mermaid SANDS?
Your pet must be:
- Under 3 years old
- Free of illness signs (coughing, sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, skin infection, heart murmur)
- Not a brachycephalic breed (Bulldogs, Pugs, and similar)
- Not pregnant or in heat
If your pet doesn’t meet these, please contact Mermaid Vet Hospital for full-service care.
Do you treat older pets or pets with medical conditions?
No. We focus on healthy, young pets. Older pets or pets with medical conditions get better care at a full-service hospital, where full diagnostics and treatment are available.
Do you perform tooth extractions?
No. Mermaid SANDS only offers preventative dental cleanings — we don’t perform extractions or treat advanced dental disease. If we find a problem during your pet’s cleaning that needs more than routine care, we’ll refer you to a full-service veterinary hospital that can take care of it. This keeps our model affordable and efficient for pets who need routine preventative care.
Cost & Payment
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on your pet’s species, weight, and the specific procedure. Use our estimator to get a personalized price.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept cash and all major credit and debit cards. We do not currently accept CareCredit.
Do you offer payment plans?
Unfortunately, no. Our fees are already reduced, and our streamlined model currently doesn’t allow us to manage payment plans. Donations to Mermaid SANDS help us keep prices low for every family.
Do I need to prepay?
Yes. A nonrefundable deposit reserves your pet’s surgery appointment. Missed appointments take time and resources away from other pets waiting for care, so prepayment helps us keep appointments available for families who are ready.
Appointments & Prep
How do I request an appointment?
Use our estimator to get a price, then book through the link provided.
Will I get a drop-off and pickup time?
Yes. Every appointment includes a specific drop-off time. A pickup window will be provided at drop-off based on the number and type of surgeries scheduled for that day.
How do I prepare my pet for surgery?
- No food after midnight the night before
- Water is fine until you leave for the clinic
- Skip supplements the day of surgery
- Call ahead if your pet is on medication or showing any illness signs
- Arrive at your assigned drop-off time
- Bring pets safely contained — cats in carriers, dogs on leash
- Leave personal items at home
Full details are on our Pre-Surgical Instructions page.
Can I call with questions about my pet's procedure?
Yes. Our phone is answered by Mermaid Vet Hospital staff Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM. They can help with general questions about SANDS.
For most questions, email is faster and works better for us. If your question is about a specific form, instruction sheet, or policy, check our Resources page first — many answers are there already.
What should I expect after my pet's procedure?
You’ll leave with simple written aftercare instructions to make recovery easy and stress-free.
Can I cancel or change my appointment by phone?
Once your deposit is paid, we’re not able to cancel it. Deposits are non-refundable if you cancel or miss your appointment.
If you need to move your appointment to a later date, contact us at least 72 hours before your scheduled time. When possible, we’ll apply your deposit to the new date instead.
About the Nonprofit
Is Mermaid SANDS part of Mermaid Vet Hospital?
No. Mermaid SANDS was founded by the team at Mermaid Vet Hospital, but it’s a separate organization. Mermaid Vet Hospital handles whole-life, full-service care. Mermaid SANDS focuses on affordable, essential start-of-life care.
Is Mermaid SANDS a nonprofit?
Yes. That status lets us keep costs low and reinvest in caring for more pets in the community.
Where is Mermaid SANDS located?
6596 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL. We serve families across Indian River County.
Where do donations go?
Donations help us reach more pets — expanding capacity, funding equipment, and supporting families who need it most. Our goal is for the clinic to run on service revenue alone; donations help us grow beyond that baseline.
What if my question isn't answered here?
Check our Resources page for pre-surgery instructions, aftercare instructions, and downloadable discharge papers. If you still can’t find what you need, email us and we’ll get back to you within 1-2 business days.
We proudly serve Vero Beach, Sebastian, Palm Bay, and surrounding areas.
Build My EstimateLocation
6596 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach, FL 32967
Hours
By appointment only — clinics held monthly on the 3rd Sunday of the month
Note: GPS may route incorrectly. Enter from US-1 through Massey/Culligan Water — do not enter from Old Dixie Hwy.