FAQs

The answers to our most common questions

What kind of pet emergencies does do the hospitals treat?

Medical problems commonly seen by the clinic include traumas, poisonings, bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, bite wounds, and allergic reactions. We also see non-life threatening problems in pets brought in by people who work all day and cannot get to their regular veterinarian. NOTE: All vaccinations, food, and flea control products must be obtained through your primary veterinarian.

What information about my pet should I bring with me to the hospital?

Bring any medical records with you if they are available. Write down all medications your pet is taking. In case of a suspected poisoning, bring the container of whatever your pet ingested i.e., rat poison, snail bait, people medication.

Do I need to schedule an appointment?

We are the Emergency Room for your pet. If your primary veterinarian is not available, please bring your pet to us and we will consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What happens after I arrive with my pet?

When you arrive at the hospital we will examine your pet as soon as possible. Remember, we see pets based on triage, the most life-threatening cases will be seen first when more than one pet arrives at the same time. Sometimes this means that an examination in progress will be interrupted or a less critical patient may have to wait. Please rest assured that our staff will work as quickly as possible to provide all pets with the care they require.

How are you different than my primary veterinarian?

We work to compliment the services of your primary veterinarian just as your primary physician refers you to specialists in human medicine for specific problems. Your pet’s primary veterinarian has referred your pet to us for emergency treatment and/or monitoring of your pet's condition throughout the night, weekend or holiday when your regular veterinarian is closed.

What kind of training does the person have who will be treating my sick/injured pet? Are they students?

Our hospital is staffed by veterinarians and technicians specially trained and experienced in emergency care.

How do you work with my primary care veterinarian?

Your veterinarian is contacted with an update concerning your pet after it is discharged from our hospital. The AEH staff will provide all the information regarding your pet's visit to your primary care veterinarian. This includes a copy of the medical record and all diagnostic studies such as radiographs and ECG recordings. If outside lab work is done, a copy of the results will be faxed directly to your regular veterinarian. Our aim is to provide emergency and critical care. Your pet may be discharged to return directly home, or may require further hospitalization at another referral practice or at your local veterinary hospital depending on your pet’s condition. Your routine care will remain with your primary veterinarian.

Can I visit my pet at Animal Emergency Hospital?

YES. Patient visitation is encouraged depending upon the situation. Visits from family members may reduce patient stress. Some limits on visitation may need to be set in order to provide the best patient care. Feel free to speak with the attending doctor regarding visitation with your pet.

Will my pet be alone overnight?

NO! There will always be doctors and technicians on premises whenever pets are hospitalized. We will take care of any needs that arise overnight, or just ensure that your pet rests as comfortably as possible in our medical and surgical wards, and our ICU.

Will my pet be in pain?

Special attention is paid to the control and management of pain in all of our patients. The latest pain relief protocols are used to control patient discomfort.

What happens if my pet passes away?

In the unfortunate event that your pet cannot survive the illness or trauma it has suffered, we offer painless euthanasia and cremation services. You may also choose to privately care for your pet after it is deceased.