Some conditions cannot be managed with a consultation and a prescription sent home. A pet with severe dehydration, a post-surgical patient needing monitoring, a case of pancreatitis requiring IV fluids and pain control, or a pet recovering from toxin exposure: all benefit from a period of inpatient care where the response to treatment is tracked in real time. Our inpatient ward is staffed throughout clinic hours with dedicated nursing care and veterinary oversight.
When Inpatient Care Is Needed
Hospitalisation is recommended when a pet needs intravenous medication or fluids that cannot be given at home, when continuous monitoring of vital signs is required, when the response to initial treatment needs to be assessed before discharge, or when a pet is too fragile to be safely managed at home.
Common reasons include post-operative recovery, moderate to severe dehydration, diabetic crises, severe infections requiring IV antibiotics, toxic exposures and neurological events. We make the recommendation based on clinical need, not routine.
What Hospitalisation Includes
Every hospitalised patient has a written care plan specifying medications, fluid rates, feeding instructions, monitoring parameters and recheck criteria. Nurses check vital signs at defined intervals and note changes in demeanour, appetite, urine and faecal output and wound appearance.
Results of in-house bloodwork ordered during the stay are reviewed promptly. Abnormalities trigger immediate veterinary review. Nothing is left to the next scheduled check.
Communication and Updates
You will receive updates on your pet's progress. For patients hospitalised on the same day, we will call you with an end-of-day update. For extended stays, we provide daily progress calls.
You are always welcome to call during clinic hours to ask how your pet is doing. For critical cases, we communicate any significant changes immediately rather than waiting for a scheduled update time.
Discharge and Transition to Home Care
Discharge happens when the patient is stable, able to maintain hydration and nutrition independently, and when ongoing treatment can realistically be managed at home. At discharge you receive written instructions for medications, feeding, wound care and activity restrictions, along with a scheduled follow-up.
We do not discharge patients unless we are confident that the home environment can support recovery. If there is any doubt, we discuss extending the stay or arranging a transfer to a 24-hour facility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit my pet during hospitalisation?
Yes, visits are generally encouraged and can be therapeutic for both pets and owners. We ask that you call ahead so we can schedule your visit at a time when your pet is not undergoing treatment. Severely critical patients may need restricted contact in the immediate stabilisation phase.
How long will my pet need to stay?
This varies entirely by condition. Post-operative patients are often discharged the same day after elective procedures. Medical cases such as pancreatitis or parvovirus may require several days. We give you a realistic estimate at admission and update this as the case progresses.
What should I bring when I admit my pet?
Bring your pet's regular food if they are on a specific diet, any medications they are currently taking, their vaccination record if not already on file, and a comfort item such as a familiar blanket or toy. These small things genuinely reduce stress.
Will my pet be fed normally during the stay?
We feed based on medical status. Some conditions require dietary modification or temporary fasting. We use a prescription diet if clinically indicated. You can bring your pet's own food for use when medically appropriate.
Is the hospitalisation area clean and comfortable?
We maintain strict hygiene protocols including separate housing for cats and dogs, regular kennel cleaning and disinfection, and isolation protocols for infectious cases. Bedding is soft and changed regularly. We treat the patient environment as a direct component of recovery.
Ready to Book?
Our team is available 7 days a week, 10 AM to 10 PM. Book online or call us directly for same-day availability.