Keeping your pet’s teeth clean isn’t just about fresh breath — it’s essential to their overall health and well-being. Joybound’s veterinary team provides safe, high-quality dental cleanings to help prevent disease, reduce discomfort, and keep your furry friend happy and healthy.
Why Cleaning Matters
Dental cleanings help prevent issues and support long-term health, so your pet can feel their best.
Our Dental Services
Whether your pet is showing signs of dental issues or simply due for routine care, we’re here to help.
Assistance Programs
Need help? Joybound’s Community Solutions are designed to keep pets with their loving families.
“Routine dental care is one of the most important things you can do to protect your pet’s overall health and quality of life.”
– Dr. Heather Budgin, Joybound’s Director of Veterinary Medicine
Why Dental Care Matters
Dental disease is one of the most common — and most overlooked — health issues in both cats and dogs. By the age of three, many pets are already showing signs of periodontal disease, often without obvious symptoms. What may start as mild plaque or bad breath can quietly progress into painful infections, tooth loss, and even damage to vital organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys.
Because pets can be so good at hiding discomfort, dental issues often go unnoticed until they become more serious. Regular dental care helps prevent this progression, keeping your pet comfortable and reducing the risk of more complex health problems down the line. Investing in your pet’s dental health supports their overall well-being, helping them eat comfortably, stay active, and enjoy a better quality of life.
If you’re unsure whether your pet is a candidate, our evaluation appointment is the best first step. This allows our team to assess your pet’s needs and guide you through the next steps with confidence.
Joybound’s Dental Cleaning Services
Every pet deserves access to quality veterinary care, and that includes dental health. Our experienced team uses modern equipment and compassionate handling to provide thorough dental cleanings in a safe, supportive environment. Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs, but with proper care, it’s also one of the most preventable. Our clinic is here to help your pet stay healthy, comfortable, and thriving. Joybound’s dental clinic is located at our Walnut Creek headquarters and is open (by appointment) to pet guardians.
Please Note: Dental assessment appointments and dental cleanings are both held exclusively on Thursdays.
How it Works
To provide the safest and most effective care, Joybound’s dental services are completed in two steps. This approach allows our veterinary team to fully assess your pet’s health and create a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Step 1: Dental Assessment Appointment
Your first visit is a non-anesthetic evaluation. During this appointment, our team will examine your pet’s teeth and gums, review their overall health, and perform any necessary blood work to ensure they are a good candidate for anesthesia. This is essential for identifying underlying concerns and creating a safe, personalized plan for your pet’s dental procedure. You will be welcomed at Joybound’s Veterans Clinic Entrance, located to the left of the Spay/Neuter Clinic entrance. Please ring the doorbell when you arrive.
Step 2: Dental Procedure
If your pet is cleared for treatment, a second appointment will be scheduled for their dental procedure. Please drop your pet off at our Spay/Neuter Clinic entrance at 8:00 AM. During this visit, your pet will be placed under anesthesia so our veterinary team can perform a thorough cleaning, take dental X-rays, and address any issues that may not be visible during the initial exam. This will include deep cleaning below the gumline and, if needed, tooth extractions to relieve pain and prevent further complications. Your pet will be closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure their safety and comfort. After completion, you can pick your pet up at 4:30 PM.
Dental Cleaning Prices
Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are accepted. Payment is due at the time of services. Overall cost of dental services may vary, so an overall estimate will be created at the time of the dental assessment appointment.
- Dental Assessment & Pre-Anesthesia Blood Work – $120-160
- Dental Cleaning w/ X-Rays – $850+
- Extractions – Costs vary depending on how many teeth need to be extracted
- A personalized estimate is provided at the assessment appointment
- Dental x‑rays taken during anesthesia determine the exact treatment needed
Pet Guidelines for Dental Cleaning
- Pets must have seen a veterinarian within the last year.
- Pets must be healthy and not displaying any signs of disease. If your animal has a chronic medical condition, notify our clinic in advance. Our veterinarians will need to review medical records to determine if our clinic can serve your pet.
- Pets must be between 12 weeks and 8 years of age.
- Pets must weigh at least 2 pounds and no more than 100 pounds.
- Our veterinarian may disqualify any animal if they determine the animal is not medically sound for surgery.
Guidelines for Pre-op & Post-op Care
We know any medical procedure can feel a little daunting. Our team is here to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
- Please withhold food after midnight the night prior to surgery. This is an important safety precaution, as animals can inhale vomit while under anesthesia.
- Dogs must be on leash; cats must be in a carrier (no traps). If you have an appointment for multiple cats, they each need their own carrier.
- Bring proof of current rabies and distemper vaccinations if you have them.
- If no extractions were needed:
- Most pets recover quickly
- Guardians can offer a small meal that evening (mild nausea is possible)
- If extractions were done:
- Softened food will be recommended for a minimum of 7 days
- Pain medication will be prescribed
- Senior pets may be a bit groggy for 1–3 days.
- Please monitor their appetite, energy, and bathroom habits, and contact Joybound with any concerns.
Keep Your Pet Healthy and Smiling
Dental care is one of the most important steps you can take to support your pet’s long-term health. Give your cat or dog the care they deserve.
Questions?
For more information about our dental cleaning and clinic services, please refer to our FAQs below. Feel free to contact us at [email protected], via our General contact form, or you can reach a specific department on our website’s contact page. A member of our team will be happy to get in touch with you as soon as possible.
We also offer special services to Veterans through our Veteran veterinary wellness clinics. For inquiries looking for additional veterinary care please refer to our veterinary assistance programs.
Dental Cleaning FAQs
Where do I go for my dental assessment appointment?
Please go to the Veterans Clinic Entrance, located to the left of the Spay/Neuter Clinic. Ring the doorbell when you arrive.
What happens during the dental assessment appointment?
At this visit, your pet will receive a complete physical exam by our veterinarian, have bloodwork done to help determine anesthesia safety, and receive a custom estimate for dental cleaning and any possible extractions
After the appointment we will contact you within 1–3 days if there are any bloodwork concern. If your pet is approved, the dental procedure will be scheduled for a future Thursday
Please note: Some pets may not be eligible due to medical or behavioral concerns.
What happens on the day of the dental cleaning?
After you’re completed your dental assessment appointment, your dental cleaning will be scheduled. You may complete the anesthesia consent form in advance (sent via email or text). Please drop your pet off at 8:00 AM at the Spay/Neuter Clinic entrance.
During the procedure your pet is placed under general anesthesia with full monitoring. Dental x‑rays are taken and teeth are cleaned, polished, and charted. Any unhealthy teeth (infected, loose, or with severe bone loss) may be extracted.
After the procedure your pet is closely monitored during recovery. Pick‑up time is 4:00 PM. A veterinarian or technician will review the procedure and answer your questions
My pet has heart disease (or another medical condition). Can they still be treated here?
No. This clinic is only for pets without significant medical issues. We are unable to provide dental services for pets with conditions such as:
- Heart disease
- Seizures
- Diabetes
- Other metabolic or chronic illnesses
We recommend following up with your primary care veterinarian for dental care.
My pet is very nervous at the vet. Can they still have an appointment?
It depends. We must be able to safely perform an oral exam and collect bloodwork. If your pet is anxious, your regular veterinarian may be able to prescribe anti‑anxiety medication ahead of time. We can attempt the assessment with this support. If we’re unable to complete the exam safely, we may refer you back to your primary veterinarian.
How much do dental services cost at Joybound?
The costs of a dental cleaning may vary.
- Total for initial dental assessment appointment $120-$160 ($60 for assessment, $60-100 for pre-anesthesia blood work)
- Dental cleaning with dental x-rays starts at $850, extractions are additional cost, so more severe dental needs cost could go up to over $2,000.
- Estimate will be created at the time of the dental assessment appointment.
Are payment plans available?
No. Payment is due in full at the time of service.
Are vaccines or microchips available?
Yes! Ideally, pets should be up to date on vaccines before arriving, but if needed, vaccines can be given on the day of the dental procedure. Microchipping is also available for an additional fee is due in full at the time of service.
What other veterinary services are offered by Joybound?
Animals in our adoption program are given veterinary care at our state-of-the-art clinic, but we do not provide primary veterinary services to the public.
Limited services are available for low-cost spay and neuter, dental cleaning services, end-of-life services, veterinary assistance programs for low-income pet guardians, and wellness veterinary care for Veterans’ pets. Explore veterinary assistance options.
General Joybound FAQs
Where is Joybound located?
Joybound’s national headquarters and primary adoption center are located at 2890 Mitchell Drive, in Walnut Creek, California.
The Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center is located at 1950 Market Street, Suite I, in Concord, California.
What kind of shelter or rescue is Joybound?
Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization founded in 1991 to rescue dogs and cats from overcrowded municipal shelters and strengthen the human-animal bond for children, seniors, Veterans, and people in need. Read about our unique dual mission and origin story.
Our team is committed to finding homes for all healthy and treatable dogs and cats in our care. Animals with treatable medical or behavioral conditions are evaluated and cared for prior to rehoming them. Learn more about these classifications by reviewing Maddie’s Fund’s Health & Behavior Categories for Shelter Animals. Potential adopters are provided with all health and behavior history during their time at Joybound.
Can I surrender an animal to Joybound?
We rescue dogs and cats from overcrowded or under-resourced municipal shelters. We do not accept surrenders from the public. If you feel unable to continue caring for your pet, please contact our Resource Center or read about rehoming a pet.
If you adopted from Joybound, our team is here to support you through the difficult decision to return your companion. Please read our adoption return policy.
How is Joybound funded?
We are a non-profit organization funded by private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Our complete financial information is available here. Joybound is a registered charity in all 50 states.
Does Joybound offer programs for children?
From birthday parties to animal-themed camps, we have a wide variety of programs to help nurture the next generation of animal-lovers.
Does Joybound offer advice on caring for a pet?
The Pet Care and Behavior Library is filled with helpful information on pet care, solutions for common behavior challenges, training tips, and more.
If you do not see a certain topic covered, please contact the Resource Center for guidance.
Does Joybound offer veterinary services?
Animals in our adoption program are given veterinary care at our state-of-the-art clinic, but we do not provide primary veterinary services to the public.
Limited services are available for low-cost spay and neuter, dental cleaning services, end-of-life services, veterinary assistance programs for low-income pet guardians, and wellness veterinary care for Veterans’ pets. Explore veterinary assistance options.
Will Joybound help fund my organization or project?
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, relying solely upon donations to fund our programs. We are not a granting organization and do not accept solicitations for funding.
Veterinary Emergencies
Please Note: Joybound’s clinic is unable to offer emergency veterinary services.
If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, please contact your nearest emergency veterinary office. VCA Animal Hospitals and VEG ER for Pets both offer 24-hour, walk-in emergency care for pets and are proud partners of Joybound People & Pets. If you have reason to believe your pet has ingested poison, you can contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Hotline at (888) 426-4435 (consultation fee may apply).
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