If your pet needs to be referred, you must first discuss it with your veterinary surgeon who will then contact us on your behalf. In case of urgent care, your vet must call us to arrange an appointment.
Your vet may also reach out to us by phone to discuss your pet's condition before deciding on a referral.
Sometimes, they may send us X-rays or test results beforehand. Before your appointment, your vet should provide us with a referral letter containing your pet's relevant medical history and a brief overview of the issue. They may ask you to bring it with you or send it to us by fax or mail beforehand. It's best to confirm with your vet about the arrangements that have been made.
Make sure to bring any X-rays, scans, or other relevant information provided by your vet. It's also helpful to take notes about your pet's history, such as dates of events and any signs of problems you have noticed, as our vet will inquire about these during the consultation. It's also a good idea to make a list of any questions or concerns you have so we can address them during the appointment.
Don't forget to bring any insurance documents, including a blank claims form, and a means of payment. We prefer that the pet owner brings their pet to us, rather than a third party, so we can discuss the pet's history and treatment options with the responsible decision-maker. If your pet is admitted to the hospital on the day of the appointment, we will need your signed consent for any procedures. It's crucial that you fully understand your pet's condition and the implications of any proposed investigations or treatments. If you have any doubts, don't hesitate to ask for clarification.
Please arrive 15 minutes early for your appointment so we can register your pet before seeing the veterinary surgeon. If you're unable to keep your appointment or are running late due to traffic, please inform the practice as soon as possible.
During the appointment, our referral vet will take a detailed history of your pet's medical background and perform a thorough clinical examination, discussing any findings and potential diagnoses with you. After the consultation, your pet may go home with suggested management or treatment, but further tests or procedures, such as blood tests, imaging, or surgery, may be necessary.
While we will try to perform these on the same day as the consultation, it's not guaranteed. It's also possible that your pet may need to return at a later, mutually convenient date for additional procedures. This depends on the situation and the workload at the practice, as urgent cases take priority. If you're unsure about your pet's referral, please don't hesitate to call our reception staff for assistance.
