Should I feed my pet or give water on the way to the clinic?

The answer

Ask the clinic when you call, and do not offer food or water unless they say so. If your pet may need sedation or surgery, an empty stomach can matter, which is why many clinics prefer that you wait for their instruction. Never force anything by mouth. Whatever you decide, tell the staff exactly what your pet last ate or drank and when, because that detail helps them plan. Follow the clinic's phone instructions for your particular situation rather than a general rule.