Frequently Asked Questions

If possible, bring any previous veterinary records, vaccination history, current medications and information about your pet’s diet or recent health concerns. If you’ve noticed changes in behaviour or symptoms, it can also help to write down when they started and how they’ve changed over time. For the safety of all pets, owners and our team, please ensure dogs are kept on a lead and cats are brought to the clinic in a secure carrier.

Consultation times vary depending on the reason for your visit and whether further examination or testing is needed. A routine annual health check usually takes around 30 minutes. Our focus is on understanding your concerns, thoroughly assessing your pet and ensuring you have time to ask questions before deciding on the next steps. If your appointment is likely to be more complex, please allow extra time.

Yes, where possible, continuity of care is an important part of how we practise. Seeing the same veterinarian over time helps build a better understanding of your pet’s health, allows subtle changes to be recognised earlier and supports a stronger relationship between your family and our team.

Yes. We offer weekend appointments at our Meadowbank clinic to make veterinary care more accessible for busy families. Whether your pet needs a routine health check, vaccinations or assessment for a new concern, weekend appointments can make it easier to access the care they need.

Bringing familiar bedding and treats, using appropriate carriers or harnesses and allowing time for your pet to settle can all help reduce stress. If your pet becomes particularly anxious during veterinary visits, let us know before your appointment so we can discuss strategies that may help create a calmer experience.

The right schedule depends on your pet’s age, lifestyle and overall health. Many healthy adult pets benefit from an annual health check, while puppies, kittens, senior pets and those with ongoing medical conditions often require more frequent visits. Regular examinations allow us to monitor changes over time, discuss preventative care and identify health concerns before they become more serious.

Preventative care focuses on maintaining your pet’s health rather than simply treating illness. It includes health checks, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental assessments and early detection of disease, helping pets stay healthier throughout their lives.

Yes. Indoor pets can still develop dental disease, arthritis, obesity, kidney disease and many other medical conditions. Regular health checks help identify changes early and ensure preventative healthcare remains appropriate for your pet’s age and lifestyle.

The ideal timing varies depending on your pet’s species, breed, size, age and overall health. During your consultation, we’ll discuss the factors that apply to your pet and help you understand the most appropriate timing for their individual circumstances.

Outside of your pet’s routine annual health check, most owners will, at some stage, need to see a veterinarian for an unexpected health concern. Changes in appetite, water intake, behaviour, mobility, breathing, toileting habits or energy levels can all be signs that something isn’t quite right. Some pets also become quieter, hide more or simply seem “not themselves”. If you’re unsure whether a change is significant, it’s always safer to arrange an examination than wait for symptoms to worsen.

Sometimes a physical examination provides enough information to make a diagnosis. In other cases, additional tests such as blood tests or imaging may be recommended to better understand what’s happening. We’ll explain why testing has been suggested, what information it may provide and how it could influence your pet’s treatment plan.

If your pet develops sudden symptoms such as difficulty breathing, collapse, repeated vomiting, seizures, significant bleeding or severe pain, seek veterinary attention immediately. If you’re unsure how urgent a problem is, call our team so we can advise you on the most appropriate next steps.