4.14. Already Sterilized Status

Many clinics need to track whether an animal is already sterilized. This is especially useful when making wellness appointments for animals that will be treated repeatedly.

In HQ, you can:

• Mark an animal as already sterilized internally.
• Make this question available (optional or required) for clients booking online.

Marking an Animal as Already Sterilized

Internally

When creating a Wellness appointment:

• On the Animal Information step, you’ll see a field to mark whether the animal is already sterilized.
• Once selected, this status will carry over to the animal’s subsequent appointments.

Externally (Online)

To enable this question for online wellness appointments:

1. Go to Settings > E-Appointments.
2. Select the Wellness appointment type (note: this does not apply to spay/neuter appointments).
3. Check Enable “previously sterilized” question.
4. Optionally, check Make response required.

Automatic Status Updates

If an animal has been spayed/neutered through HQ, the system will automatically recognize them as sterilized. You do not need to manually update their status.

Troubleshooting

If a previously sterilized pet does not display the correct status:

1. Locate the original spay/neuter appointment.
2. Open the treatment sheet and confirm:

• Surgical Candidate = Yes.
• Plan: Surgically Sterilize = Accept.

#_ Click Done to update the exam.

1. Complete Checkout again to push the update through the system.

Merge Field for Templates

The AlreadySpayedNeutered merge field can be used in custom templates.

• By default, this field is included in the HQ Treatment Sheet and Medical Record.
• If you are customizing documents, add the merge field where needed.
• See the Merge Field Document for reference.

Where to Update Sterilization Status

You can update an animal’s sterilization status from several places:

• Appointment/Checkout Page: In the Treatment Sheet tab, use the “Sterilization Status” box and click Update.
• Patient Flow: On the Treatment tab, the Sterilization Status box appears on the right-hand side.
• Online Appointment Queue: While approving appointments, click the blue Edit button to update the sterilization status as needed.