Frequently asked questions

  1. What are your hours?

    2. We are open Monday through Thursday 6pm – 8am and 24 hours starting Friday night at 6pm until Monday morning at 8am.

  2. Can I make an appointment?

    3. Due to the nature of emergency medicine we do not make appointments or reserve spots over the phone. Clients and their pets will be seen on a “first come, first serve” basis and/or triaged so that the most critical patients are seen first.

  3. What are your fees?

    4. Our office visit is $98.00 and does not include any diagnostics, medications, or procedures. Once your pet has been examined by the veterinarian you will be presented with an estimate for any diagnostics and/or treatments that are recommended by the veterinarian.

  4. Do you accept payment plans?

    5. No. Payment for services is due at the time of service. For more information on our payment policy and accepted payment methods please visit our Payment Option page.

  5. What type of pets do your veterinarians see?

    6. Our staff veterinarians will see cats and dogs only.

  6. Can you refill a prescription for my pet?

    7. No. If your pet requires a medication refill and your regular veterinarian is unavailable or closed we cannot by law refill prescriptions without our veterinarians examining your pet.

  7. Do you offer regular veterinary services, such as vaccines or spays/neuters?

    8. No. We offer emergency services only.

  8. Can you recommend a regular veterinarian?

    9. Choosing a veterinarian for your pet is a personal decision. We therefore cannot recommend a veterinarian, we do suggest that you ask your relatives, friends, and co-workers for recommendations.

  9. What happens if my pet has to be admitted to the hospital for overnight or weekend care?

    10. If your pet needs to admitted to the hospital you will first be presented with an estimate for the overnight or weekend care for your pet. Once the estimate is approved you will be asked to leave a deposit of 50% of the high end of the estimate.

    Our doctors and nurses will then care for your pet until your pet is discharged from the hospital. You are welcome to call for updates on your pet as well as visit them in the hospital (see our visitation policy below).

  10. When should I pick up my pet in the morning?

    11. If you are picking up your pet on a weekday morning we close at 8am, therefore we ask that you come between 7am and 7:30am to pick up your pet.

  11. What is your visitation policy?

    12. You are allowed to visit your pet while it is staying in the hospital, however, we are first and foremost a hospital. Our first responsibility is the care and wellbeing of the patients' individual needs. We must also take into consideration the safety of our staff, visitors, and patients and reduce the risk of infectious disease exposure and transfer to visitors and patients. Therefore, visitations are always at the discretion of the attending doctor and you should always call before you intend to come and visit your pet.

    Our Visitation Policy:

    • No more than two visitors per patient during a single visitation period.
    • All visits will take place in an exam room unless otherwise specified by the attending doctor.
    • Visitors should limit their visit to fifteen minutes out of consideration to others that may need to use the exam room.
    • If there is an emergency you may be asked to leave the treatment area.
  12. What should I do if my pet needs to be transferred to Veterinary Internal Medicine in the morning?

    13. If your pet is hospitalized overnight and you need to transfer care to Veterinary Internal Medicine (Dr. Hamilton) in the morning, our doctor will talk with Dr. Hamilton or one of her staff regarding your pet’s care. You will still be responsible for settling the bill for the overnight care that morning.

    It is also imperative that you call Dr. Hamilton’s office at 9am at 510-657-9151 the morning of the transfer to discuss the treatment and care of your pet.
  13. What should I do if my pet needs to be transferred to Veterinary Orthopedic and Surgical Services in the morning?

    14. If your pet is hospitalized overnight and you need to transfer care to Veterinary Orthopedic and Surgical Services (Dr. Brown) in the morning, our doctor will talk with Dr. Brown or one of his staff regarding your pet’s care. You will still be responsible for settling the bill for the overnight care that morning.

    It is also imperative that you call Dr. Brown’s office at 8:30am at 510-657-6343 the morning of the transfer to discuss the treatment and care of your pet.

  14. What should I do if my pet needs to be transferred to my regular veterinarian?

    If your pet needs to be transferred to your regular vet during the week we ask that you come to pick up your pet between 7:00 and 7:30am to transfer your pet to your regular vet. Since we close at 8:00am this gives us time to prepare your pet for the transfer as well as finsh up any paperwork. Our Doctors will also call your regular vet to discuss your pets' status and progress overnight.