When you have an emergency....
When you and your pet arrive at one of our hospitals, you will be greeted by our friendly reception staff. If you are not already in our client/patient computer system, you will be asked to complete a simple Client/Patient Information form. Like human emergency rooms, the wait time to see a veterinarian will vary. Often patients are not seen in the order in which they arrive. Patients are prioritized for treatment according to the seriousness of the condition or injury of each animal. In the exam room a veterinary technician will take vitals (temperature, pulse, and respiration) and a brief history. A veterinarian will then examine your pet and discuss recommended treatments or testing. An estimate of charges will be prepared for your approval and a signature is required to begin treatment. An initial payment is due at the time of hospitalization or the initiation of treatment and the balance is due upon discharge. Your regular veterinarian will receive a copy of your pet's complete medical records after each visit with us.
Keeping your pet healthy...
In your search for a emergency veterinary facility, we believe you should expect high quality care as well as great service. Our goal has been to assemble a veterinary health care team committed to providing exceptional client service and veterinary health care. Our commitment to you is to continue to offer our world class service and a state of the art veterinary facility.
Maintaining your pet's health requires a good relationship with your regular veterinarian. Your pet's annual vet check-up will include a total physical exam, with a thorough investigation of your pet's head, body and tail, and all his assorted cavities. Because even the most cooperative pet may not readily go-along with a tooth and gum brushing, an annual cleaning by your veterinarian maybe in order. It's a good idea to keep an accurate medical diary not only of the procedures and vaccinations your pet receives at the vet, but also of notes on things like your pet's elimination habits and any physical changes or unusual occurrences. Keep track of small shifts in your pet's behavior, including urinary marking habits and mood swings, along with diet and routine modifications. Take this notebook when you visit the vet. These seemingly unrelated occurrences may help explain results of your pet's medical tests. Also, if you need to change vets, it's good to have this journal to provide a complete medical history.
Choose a family veterinarian who is calm, compassionate and willing to explain all the procedures your dog undergoes. Try to find a vet with whom both you and your dog feel comfortable. Try to have it convenient, choose a clinic with qualified staff and facilities to undertake surgery and perform procedures requiring anesthesia, such as teeth cleaning. Because of the general risks inherent to anesthesia, especially for very old, very young or very ill dogs, your veterinarian will likely suggest a few tests including lab work of blood and urine, before your pet is anesthetized. During the procedure he might need an IV drip; antibiotics may be necessary before and after.
Your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist, veterinarians who have completed advanced studies in specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, and emergency care, if your dog must undergo a procedure that requires more precise knowledge and experience. If you pet is hospitalized at your regular veterinarian, they may refer you to one of our hospitals for overnight monitoring and care. Our hospitals are Austin owned and operated by a board certifed veterinarian and all of our veterinarians and support staff are specially trained to meet the needs of the critically ill patient.