The UCD Veterinary Hospital is open between the hours of 9.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday. Appointments, bookings and routine enquiries can be made during these hours.

Cases are seen by appointment only.

We are dedicated to helping our clients care for their animals and realise that payment for treatment is often a concern.

In general, our fees for routine patient care do not differ greatly from those of other veterinary clinics. Specialty services, however, require equipment and supplies that can be costly. The UCDVH does not receive funding specifically for the treatment of client-owned animals. The major part of the Hospital's operating budget is generated from fees from client services. Consequently, it is imperative that we collect appropriate fees for the services rendered.

It is the policy of the UCDVH to ask clients who do not have pet insurance to pay a deposit (variable) when a patient is first seen here. This deposit does not reflect the final amount. Treatment options and an estimate of the total cost will be provided by the clinician after your animal has been examined. The outstanding balance must be paid when your animal is discharged.

Should the final cost be less than the deposit, the balance will be refunded to you at that time.

Payment is accepted in cash, cheque, debit or credit card.

All funds earned in the UCDVH are used to support hospital services, purchase necessary equipment and to improve and advance animal care and welfare.

The UCDVH has a small car park by the main entrance to the Hospital, solely for the use of UCDVH clients. However, on arrival you must get a parking permit from the UCDVH Reception. Cars without permits will be clamped.

The UCDVH is predominantly a referral centre and referred clients must be referred by their own veterinary practitioner who should have no hesitation in facilitating referral if requested by you to do so.

Any owner who is not registered with a veterinary practitioner may attend the first opinion clinic, which runs by appointment only.

When your animal is under the care of a veterinary surgeon for a particular problem, it is discourteous for us to treat the case without consulting him/her first. It is also in the patient's best interests that the next person who treats it is fully aware of all the diagnostic tests, including radiographs and ultrasonographic results, and treatments that have already been done. This saves unnecessary repetition, wasted time, and, of course, additional expense for you.

A referral is a simple and efficient way of passing on the case, together with all the relevant information, to another veterinary surgeon for a second opinion. Your local veterinary surgeon will usually provide a letter describing the case so far, and may give you some x-ray films to bring along.

When your animal goes home, your vet will be contacted by telephone and letter so that he/she is brought up to date on the case and can take over supervision of the prescribed treatment.

All the work performed on clients' animals is done by qualified Clinicians with the assistance of senior veterinary students. You will probably meet students when you first bring your animal for consultation; often the initial consultation is conducted by a final year student. Students will be involved in all aspects of your animal's care but only work under the supervision of a qualified Clinician

A routine update will be provided for hospitalised patients before 11.00am each day. If we cannot get through to you, we will leave a voice or text message.

Your clinician will contact you if there is any change to your animal's health or if further treatment options need to be discussed.

Animals will generally be discharged between 3.30pm and 5.00pm on weekdays, unless other arrangements have been made. Written notes and instructions will be provided at discharge by the Clinician treating your animal.

Please remember that you should pay your account at this time.

Your own veterinary surgeon will be contacted by telephone and in writing to explain the diagnostic procedures used and continuing treatment programme for your animal.

You may be given an appointment for a re-visit at the UCDVH at this time.