Queen Street Veterinary Service

Emergency Veterinary Services

At our veterinary clinic, we understand that the unexpected can happen, and we are committed to providing top-notch emergency care to our cherished clients and patients. As part of our dedication to delivering exceptional service, we are excited to announce an upcoming change to our after-hours emergency coverage. Beginning September 15th, 2023, we will be joining forces with several other reputable practices, including Queen Street Veterinary Services, Kincardine Veterinary Services, Ripley-Huron Veterinary Clinic, Paisley Veterinary Services, Mildmay Veterinary Clinic, and Walkerton-Hanover Veterinary Clinic, to form an emergency care alliance. This alliance, under a trial basis, will allow us to pool our resources, expertise, and network to deliver comprehensive emergency care whenever our hospital is not open.

What to Expect

For those who are familiar with our current after-hours emergency services, you may notice a few changes. When you call our emergency hotline at 519-396-3647 after hours, you will be greeted by a warm and welcoming voice who will guide you through your options. We have partnered with a Canadian veterinarian-led company, SmartVet, which provides access to Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) who can offer expert advice and guidance over the phone. These dedicated professionals can help you determine the best course of action for your pet's emergency, whether it's urgent, life-threatening, or stable.

Options for After-Hours Emergencies

There are several options available to you when dealing with an after-hours emergency. Our RVTs will cover the following scenarios:

• Transferring urgent or life-threatening emergencies to the small animal veterinarian on call for physical care at the Veterinary Hospital ON CALL.
• Conducting a thorough discussion of your concern with the RVT, allowing you to decide whether to contact our practice the next day or schedule a virtual telemedicine appointment with one of our licensed Ontario-based veterinarians.
• Providing you with options for in-person or virtual consultations, depending on the severity of your pet's condition.

Virtual Telemedicine Consultations

For stable emergencies, our RVTs can set up a virtual telemedicine consultation with a licensed Ontario-based veterinarian. This consultation costs $115+HST, plus an additional $30 service fee for prescribing medication. Payment is accepted through credit card, debit card, or e-transfer. Please note that if your pet's condition is stable and non-threatening, there may be a wait of up to four hours for the consultation.

Wait Times and Reassessments

During this wait, if your pet experiences any new symptoms or changes in condition, you can contact the RVT, and your place in the queue may be reassessed. We understand that waiting can be stressful, but we want to reassure you that this wait means your pet's emergency is not life-threatening.

What to Expect During a Virtual Consultation

During your virtual consultation, the veterinarian will assess your pet's condition and may request video or photos to aid in the process. Your pet's medical records and treatment will be sent to the hospital the next business day. If the virtual veterinarian believes your pet requires in-person care, they will arrange a transfer to the ON CALL Veterinary Hospital, and we will provide a reduced consultation fee.

Pre-Care Instructions

To ensure a smooth and effective consultation, please ensure you are prepared with the following information:

• A complete description of your pet's symptoms and condition
• Any relevant medical history or previous diagnoses
• Details about your pet's physical condition, including any changes or concerns

Conclusion

We understand that these changes may be different from our usual emergency procedures, but we are committed to delivering the highest quality care to our patients. By combining our resources and expertise, we are confident that these changes will allow us to provide more comprehensive and timely emergency care. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate this transition.