Booking an operation, dentistry or other procedure

All operations, dentistry and in-hospital treatments or tests (except emergencies) need to be pre-booked. Please phone reception on 012 991 3573 to make a booking. It is best to give a few days’ notice to schedule these. Routine procedures are done Monday to Friday.

Pets booked for surgery or dentistry will be having an anaesthetic. Many other procedures and tests also require the pet to be sedated or anaesthetised. All pets coming in to the hospital should be starved for 12 hours prior to the procedure, this means no food after 10pm the night before admission (no breakfast) but they can have water up until they come in. This is to prevent vomiting on induction or recovery which could lead to suffocation or aspiration pneumonia.

If your pet is diabetic please discus starving with a veterinarian first.

The Big day

On the day, please arrive between 07:00 and 08:00 or as specifically organised. A veterinarian or nurse will admit your pet to the hospital. This is your time to tell us anything that you think we should know and to ask any questions that you have. If there are any other things you would like attended to whilst your pet is with us please tell us now. You will be asked to digitally sign a Hospital Consent Form. We request that none of your pet’s personal belongings such as leads, blankets and baskets get left with us, please take these home with you.

Pets that have been in for a routine procedure such as a spay or castration surgery or dental scale and polish can usually go home after 16:00 but please call before coming to collect.

Always request an estimate of costs before treatment. We do not run accounts and payment for all treatment will be required at the time of consultation. If your pet is insured please bring their insurance details along so our staff can submit a claim for you.

Anaesthesia

Many people are concerned about their pet having an anaesthetic, especially for older pets. Although there is always a risk with any anaesthetic, we do everything we can to reduce the risks. We have the facilities, staff, and ability, to tailor an anaesthetic protocol for individual patients. We are very lucky to have one of the very few specialist veterinary anaesthetists in South Africa working for us; Dr Gareth Zeiler and his team are here to minimise any anaesthetic risks.

Hospital Stay

Sometimes it is necessary for a pet to stay in the hospital for tests, treatments or post-operative care. We know pets are loved members of your family, and we do all we can to keep them comfortable and relaxed. We are able to provide most home comforts and ask that you please not leave personal belongings with your pet. If you pet has special likes, dislikes or commands they respond to, please let us know.

There are set visiting hours and we ask you to please respect these times as this allows our staff to take care of your pet, and for your pet to rest.

In-Patient Visiting Times

Patients may receive ONE visit a day by a maximum of TWO family members.

• Monday to Friday: 09:00 to 18:00
• Saturday: 11:00 to 17:00
• Sunday and Public Holidays: 13:00 to 16:00

We strictly adhere to these times and request that owners stay a maximum of one hour with their pet.