(02) 4733 3456
reception@wellpet.com.au
(02) 4733 3456
reception@wellpet.com.au
(02) 4733 3456
reception@wellpet.com.au
Information for Hospital Admission
We understand that admitting your pet to hospital can be a stressful and emotional time. Unlike in a human hospital, you aren’t able to stay by your pet’s side while they receive treatment, which can make it difficult to know how they’re progressing during their stay.
This page is designed to help you feel more comfortable by outlining our protocols for admission, resuscitation, communication, billing, and what you can expect while your pet is in our care.
Consent, Estimates & Billing
Before any pet is admitted to hospital, an admission consent form must be completed. This form asks for important information about your pet’s general health, whether they are eating and drinking normally, any relevant medical history, and details of any current medications. Your admitting vet will have discussed your pet’s treatment plan and provided a financial estimate during your consultation, and this information will also be recorded on the admission form.
By signing the form, you are giving us consent to proceed with your pet’s care.
Estimates
On admission you would have been given an estimate. This estimate is for the first 24 hours of care for your pet. Depending on results from blood tests, imaging or the progress of your pet, this initial estimate can change. Often patients can be in for multiple days, depending on their condition. The treating vet will seek permission prior to further testing or medications to keep you aware of the costs involved.
Consent Form
By signing this form, you are providing consent for the initial recommended treatment plan, and accept responsibility for the fees involved. In some cases, additional care may be required beyond the original estimate. If this occurs, we will provide a Continued Consent Form outlining the current account balance, a revised estimate for the next 24 hours, and any further recommended treatment. Your ongoing consent ensures we can provide timely and appropriate care for your pet while keeping you informed of all costs and options.
Billing & Account Payment
The veterinary industry has a long history of being considered expensive by the public. There is often cost comparisons drawn between human healthcare and veterinary care. In Australia we are lucky to have the Medicare system where we receive free or subsidised care in the case of injury or illness for people, however our pets are not afforded the same luxury. On admission you will be given an estimate for the first 24 hours of care, it is difficult to know exactly what treatment may be required ongoing and by extension the costs are involved, but our team will keep you informed along the way. Following on from this first 24 hours in care, additional fees for hospitalisation, medications and procedures will apply. Daily account updates will be sent to ensure you are aware of the current balance owing for treatment. We ask that you make payments during your pet's stay to keep on top of your account. If you have financial constraints, please discuss this with the team so we can work within your budget. For more information please see: Fees & Payment Options.
Ongoing Care and Client Updates
Once your pet has been admitted, our team will ensure they are kept comfortable, monitored closely, and treated with the highest level of care.
In Hospital
When your pet is admitted to hospital, they will be settled into a suitably sized cage with soft bedding and an identification card to ensure their comfort and safety.
Our dedicated team of specialised hospital staff are on-site 24/7, continually monitoring and reassessing your pet throughout their stay. They make sure your pet remains as comfortable as possible - offering fresh bedding, gentle walks, feeding (when permitted), administering medications, and of course, plenty of affection.
If your pet requires blood tests, intravenous fluids, or surgery, small areas of fur will be clipped to allow for a clean site for vein access or surgical preparation.
Ongoing treatment will be tailored to your pet’s condition and discussed with you at every step.
Client Updates
Our clinics are supported by a call center located on site at Nepean Animal Hospital. It is staffed with a mix of veterinary nurses, and trained customer service representatives.
Because of this, when you call, the person you are speaking with may not necessarily be directly involved with the care of your pet. While updates can be given over the phone, it often requires relaying a message from the clinical team, if they are unable to take the phone call. Being a busy emergency hospital, it is not uncommon for us to have in excess of 20 hospital patients. Some of these cases require around the clock monitoring or treatment and in some cases emergency surgery. Due to this, it is difficult for our veterinary team to provide constant updates to you about the status of your pet.
- Each family is to elect ONE person to be the contact during your pet's stay; this is what we call your 'family champion'. In an emergency, our veterinarians will contact the elected person.
- Our morning team will provide a daily update of your pet, usually prior to lunch time, this may be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. If there is a delay you may receive a text message letting you know your pet is stable, and a more thorough update will be given later.
- If there are any big changes or updates regarding your pet, you will receive a phone call.
- Patients are prioritised according to how critical their condition is, please be understanding if you try to call through and are unable to speak with a veterinarian.
Resuscitation
As part of the admission process, you will be asked to make a decision regarding resuscitation. The information below may help guide your choice. If you wish to change your decision at any time, or would like to discuss your pet’s specific situation, please speak with a member of our team.
A patient’s overall health plays an important role in determining both the risk of complications and the likelihood of a successful recovery if resuscitation becomes necessary. At WellPet Vets, we are committed to providing every patient with compassionate, state-of-the-art care that respects both quality and length of life. We encourage you to consider your wishes carefully ahead of time, in case the unexpected occurs.
- Healthy or Low-Risk Patients:
Pets admitted for routine or low-risk procedures are generally considered good candidates for resuscitation. In these cases, the likelihood of a medical emergency is low, and if no underlying health concerns are present, recovery after resuscitation is often positive. Our veterinarians typically recommend electing for resuscitation in these situations. - Critically Ill Patients:
Pets admitted for treatment of severe injury or illness are considered higher risk, and decisions about resuscitation are best discussed directly with the admitting veterinarian. Recommendations will vary depending on your pet’s specific condition and can change over the course of treatment. - Palliative Care Patients:
Pets receiving end-of-life or comfort care are usually considered at highest risk for poor recovery following resuscitation. In most cases, resuscitation is not recommended, though this decision is deeply personal and should be discussed with the veterinarian overseeing your pet’s care.
In the rare event that resuscitation is required, our team will always work to stabilise your pet and contact you as soon as possible to discuss the next steps.
