FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are your opening hours?
We are open seven days a week for your convenience.
On Wednesdays we have a late close 8am to 8pm, and Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are open 8am to 6pm.
On the weekends we are open 8am to 4pm on Saturday, and 9am to 12pm on Sunday.
Do I need an appointment?
We require that you make an appointment to ensure that you are not kept waiting when you arrive and to keep the day running smoothly for you, our veterinary team, and other clients and pets. We prefer to book appointments between 8am and 11am and between 3pm and closing on weekdays. The middle of the day is generally kept free to conduct surgery and treat in clinic patients, though sometimes appointments can be made at these times. Genuine emergencies do not need appointments, although if you do call us first we can be prepared for you when you arrive.
Can I see a particular vet?
If you have been seeing a particular veterinary surgeon with your pet and you would prefer to see them each time just let us know when you book your appointment. Our vets work a regular roster so your favourite vet should almost always be available at specific days and times. If you have an emergency or need to be seen at a time that doesn’t coincide with your vet's roster – rest assured that your pets full history is available to the alternate vet and your regular clinician will be made aware of your visit.
Why can’t I have medication without an appointment?
Many drugs have legal restrictions on their supply and a consultation is required by law before they can be dispensed. More importantly, our primary concern is the welfare of your pets and it is usually important to examine an animal before deciding on a course of treatment. To save yourself time and to prevent misunderstandings please phone with your request before coming to the clinic. Flea control, heartworm and intestinal worming medications, as well as medicated shampoos, some ear cleaning products and disinfectants are all able to be supplied without prescription or consultation.
Do you do accounts?
At our veterinary clinic, we believe in providing excellent care and service to our valued clients at a fair price. We discuss veterinary service fees in full before starting any major illness or injury treatment so that you are aware of the costs upfront. To maintain our reasonable fee structure, we do not offer account facilities and expect fees to be settled at the time of consultation or discharge of your pet. We accept payment by cash, Eftpos and major credit cards, including VISA and Mastercard. If you need help covering veterinary costs in an unexpected situation, we can connect you with VETPAY. VETPAY offers loans with minimal account service charges. If you want to know more about this service and the conditions that apply, please speak to one of our nurses. While we always aim to provide an estimate before carrying out any services for your pet, please feel free to discuss any additional concerns you may have about the expected costs. We encourage you to feel comfortable discussing any financial constraints you may be facing with one of our understanding Vets or Nurses.
Does my pet need a blood test before an anaesthetic?
We offer preanaesthetic blood testing to all animals who are undergoing a general anaesthetic. All animals have a check up at admission and a test to check for dehydration, anaemia or diabetes. A more comprehensive blood test gives us more detailed information about any underlying disease processes that may be present but not obvious. We are predominately looking at kidney and liver function as these are the two main organs that process the anaesthetic drugs. Any hidden problems can therefore be detected before surgery.
If any abnormalities are detected, we might put the animal on a drip to help flush the drugs through the system, change the anaesthetic drugs or in some instances, postpone surgery for another day. Blood testing also gives us a baseline reading so if there are any future problems with your pet, we have information with which to compare current results.
This service is recommended to any pet having surgery, but is particularly encouraged for any pet over 7 years of age, or those who have been recently unwell. The test requires a very small amount of blood to be taken and we usually perform this test on the morning of the surgery.
Why does my cat have to be in a basket? She hates it!
By law, all pets (cats and dogs) need to be adequately restrained when you transport them in a vehicle and when you bring them into the vet clinic. Not only is our clinic situated on a busy main road (not fun if your kitty jumps from your arms as you try to open the door) but we also see a variety of dogs in all shapes and sizes. Seeing a large dog in the waiting room is often more than a cat can bear and they become very stressed and may try to escape – injuring you or themselves in the process. Being in a cage or covered basket actually makes your cat feel more secure and protected – and no one gets hurt! Even though your cat may be used to your dog, other dogs may react aggressively towards them.
We are happy to loan cages if you want to come in and collect one before your appointment.