Arizona West Veterinary Clinic

08/07/2026

Hey everyone! Quick heads-up if you’re planning on crossing the border into Mexico with your dog anytime soon 🐾
​Both the U.S. and Mexico have put strict new travel rules in place to stop the spread of New World Screwworm. If you're traveling back and forth, here’s what you need to know so you don't get stuck at the border:
​Going to Mexico: Your dog needs a New World Screwworm Inspection Certificate signed by a USDA-accredited vet. They’ll also check that your dog has no open or healing wounds, is clean, and is free of fleas or ticks.
​Coming back to the U.S.: You’ll need a Screwworm Freedom Certificate issued in Mexico by an authorized clinical veterinarian (MVRA).
​The 5-Day Window: both of these certificates are only valid for 5 days from the time of the exam. You can't get them weeks in advance.
​Standard CDC rules still apply: Don't forget your usual CDC Rabies paperwork for coming back into the country!
​(Note: Cats are currently exempt from the screwworm certificate requirement, though border officials will still do a standard visual check).
​Because of that tight 5-day window, you'll want to map out your vet appointments on both sides of the border before you hit the road.
​For all the official details, the step-by-step checklist, and the most up to date information, check out the USDA Pet Travel Page before you go!
​If you've got an upcoming trip planned, give us a call at the clinic and we'll help get your dog squared away for travel!

08/06/2026

07/25/2026

Great Job to the Dr's & staff at Foothills Animal Hospital and Emergency Center. Prayers for the K9 and their partner for a quick recovery.

UPDATE: the K-9 is currently stable - no further information is available.

On Friday, one of our K-9 officers suffered a medical emergency. Foothills Animal Hospital was able to stabilize the dog, who was then flown to the San Diego area to a specialty center to continue care. As a result, drivers were asked to avoid the area for a few hours so the United States Border Patrol helicopter could land near the emergency vet.

I don't have any update on the K-9's condition this morning, but I'll try to share one later.

Thanks to the crew at Foothills Animal Hospital for quick action!

07/25/2026

Nismo is stepping out in style and safety! Booties aren't just a cute fashion statement; they’re one of the best ways to protect sensitive paw pads from blistering summer asphalt.
​When temperatures soar, keeping our fur babies safe takes a little extra planning. Here are four quick tips to keep your pets happy and healthy all summer long:
​1. The 7-Second Rule for Pavement
​Asphalt and concrete trap heat! If air temps reach 110°F, asphalt can easily skyrocket to 180°F+ in direct sun—hot enough to burn paw pads in seconds.
​The Test: Place the back of your hand flat on the pavement. If you can’t comfortably hold it there for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for unbooted paws.
​The Fix: Walk early in the morning or late at night, stick to grass, or gear up with breathable booties like Nismo!
​2. Hydration & Shade Are Non-Negotiable
​Always carry fresh water on walks. At home, ensure all pets have continuous access to deep shade and clean, cool water that won't warm up in the sun.
​3. Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car
​Even with the windows cracked on a 70°F day, a car's interior temperature can climb to 100°F+ in just 10 minutes. Leave your pets at home when running errands where they can't join you inside.
​4. Know the Signs of Heatstroke
​Dogs cool down mainly by panting and sweating through their paw pads, making high heat and humidity dangerous fast.
​Watch for: Excessive panting, heavy drooling, bright red or pale gums, lethargy, or unsteadiness.
​What to do: Move them to AC immediately, offer room-temperature water, apply cool damp towels to their belly and paws, and contact your vet right away!
​Nismo’s Pro-Tip: Slow transitions help dogs get used to booties! Put them on for short 2-minute bursts indoors with lots of treats before heading outside. Nismo started wearing booties as a puppy and needs a new pair every year or two because he uses them so much!

07/21/2026

Coming here again to extend a huge amount of gratitude to all who were involved in helping us through our bee ordeal. This morning, before the sun came up, HECHOS 2:38 ROOFING came and repaired our roof damage. YUMA INSULATION will be in on Thursday morning to replace the insulation that they removed last week that was saturated with pounds of Honey (which could have easily fallen through the drop ceiling and injured peopled in our waiting room). We also would like to thank our colleagues at the other local clinics for taking such good care of our clients and their pets while we were disabled. Lastly, thank you to all of our clients for your understand and cooperation with our frequent closures. We appreciate all the well wishes and the concern that has been shown to our staff during this time. Dealing with thousands of bees coming out of literally everywhere was very traumatic and dangerous to not only clients and their pets, but especially our staff. This has been a long 3+ week process that involved many collaborators. Thanks to all of them, and all of you, we are finally back!!!!!
Nikki's Chickies :38Roofing Truly Nolen Pest & Termite Control

07/15/2026

We apologize for the inconvenience but the building repairs are necessary following our Bee infestation. We all look forward to this being behind us and being back "normal". Have a great weekend.

07/11/2026

We would like to express a huge debt of gratitude to Nikki's Chickies for the education and support she offered us through the years with our bee situation. We appreciate that she put us at ease knowing the hive was beyond saving, the reasons why and that it was at no fault of our own. It was a crushing blow, please don't get us wrong. We had hoped safe removal of the hive would be an option, but there was no longer a queen, and the hive was dying by the hundreds. We also would like to thank Truly Nolan for gaining control of the situation and Professional Pest Control for the discovery of the hive location and the removal. While we now need our roof repaired, insulation replaced and a lot of honey cleaned up, as it was draining from our eaves near the front door, we are able to resume normal business again.

07/07/2026

WE ARE CLOSED UNTIL 07/09/2026.

07/07/2026

Due to a bee infestation, we are requesting that only pets requiring medical attention visit the clinic until we have resolved the issue. Clients with potential or known allergies are asked to avoid our area. We will be for sure be closed Wednesday July 8th. There is a possibility we will close tomorrow Tuesday July 7th if the situation escalates.

07/04/2026

If your pet struggles with anxiety, regularly or only during stressful events, schedule an appointment to discuss with your Veterinarian. There are options. In the meantime, her are some helpful hints.
*clinic resumes normal business hours Monday July 6th*