General Surgery for Petsin Hennepin County

The thought of surgery can feel scary—but with the right team, it doesn’t have to be. At Northwest Animal Hospital, every procedure is approached with care, preparation, and a genuine understanding of how much pets mean to the families who love them. From routine surgeries to more advanced procedures, the goal is always the same: safe, thoughtful care and a smooth, supported experience from start to finish.


At NWAH, relationships come first. Dogs and cats are known by name, their personalities are familiar, and families are guided through each step with clear, honest communication. Questions are always welcome, and nothing is rushed or overlooked.

Thoughtful Planning Before Every Procedure


No two pets are exactly alike, which is why every surgery begins with a personalized plan.


Before anesthesia, pets receive pre-anesthetic bloodwork and, when appropriate, an EKG. This helps the team understand how your pet’s body is functioning and identify any factors that may affect anesthesia or recovery. From there, a tailored plan is created to support each individual dog or cat—whether they’re young and healthy or managing an underlying condition.


It’s a careful, proactive approach designed to keep pets as safe and comfortable as possible.

Dog resting on a brown couch, wearing a black cone collar after surgery

Procedures We Offer

Our expertly trained veterinarians provide a range of surgical services for dogs and cats, from everyday procedures to more advanced care.

Scalpel icon with a dotted line beneath it

Routine surgeries include:

  • Spays (ovariohysterectomy) and neuters
  • Mass removals
A dog wearing an e-collar

Advanced procedures may include:

  • Stenotic nares correction
  • Elongated soft palate resection
  • Prophylactic gastropexy

For more complex needs, a surgical specialist is available to perform advanced procedures right at the practice—so pets can stay in a familiar, comfortable environment while receiving a higher level of care.

Sleeping white and gray kitten curled on a patterned blanket

Comfort-Focused Anesthesia & Pain Management


Comfort matters just as much as the procedure itself. A multi-modal pain management approach is used, meaning pets receive support before, during, and after surgery to help minimize discomfort and support a smoother recovery.


This may include:

  • Pre-operative medications to ease anxiety and pain
  • Carefully-selected anesthesia protocols
  • Post-operative pain control tailored to each pet


Additional touches—like anti-nausea medication and recovery suits in place of traditional cones—help pets feel more like themselves as they heal at home.

What to Expect on Surgery Day


Surgery days are designed to feel calm, organized, and reassuring. Pets are admitted in the morning and return home the very same day—there are no overnight stays.


Most pets are in the hospital for about 3–4 hours, allowing time for their procedure, recovery, and monitoring before heading home. While same-day surgery appointments are not typically available, the team makes every effort to accommodate time-sensitive clients whenever possible.

Woman behind reception desk with a dog beside her and brochures on the counter

A Team That Keeps You Informed

Clear, friendly communication is part of every visit. From pre-surgical planning to detailed take-home instructions, everything is explained in a way that feels approachable and easy to understand.

Two puppies and a gray cat lying together
Dog resting its head on a table, looking forward in a dim indoor setting

Learn More About Surgical Care at NWAH


To schedule a procedure or talk through next steps, call (763) 475-2448 or request an appointment online. Our team is always happy to guide the process and ensure both pets and their people feel confident moving forward.