Where is my pet kept whilst in hospital?
How is my pet looked after? Are they left by themselves?
What happens if my pet has to stay in overnight?

Where is my pet kept whilst in hospital?

After an operation, your pet is carried back to a heated kennel. Extra warmth is provided if required and they are snuggled up in blankets or duvets. There are separate cat and dog wards, for obvious reasons. The kennels are arranged so that inpatients cannot readily see one another. There are two additional separate kennel areas; one for small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, tortoises, lizards and snakes and one isolation area.

How is my pet looked after? Are they left by themselves?

Each day, there is a team of three nurses dedicated solely to looking after the inpatients. One of these will sit with and monitor your pet until they are safely recovered and in a stable condition following their anaesthetic. These nurses will also ensure:

• Every pet is kept clean and taken out to go to the loo, or if a cat, their litter trays are changed immediately they are soiled.
  
• Every pet receives their medication on time and the vet in charge is informed if there are any problems, especially if a patient seems uncomfortable and in need of more pain relief, for example.
  
• Pets on intravenous drips are regularly checked and using infusion pumps, the nurses ensure exactly the right amount of fluids are being administered.
  
• Owners are kept informed and updated about their pet's wellbeing and progress.
  
• Every patient receives plenty of “TLC”. Individual feeding needs are catered for, with fresh chicken and fish being prepared to encourage ill animal’s appetites.

What happens if my pet has to stay in overnight?

Night and weekend staff continue the same level of care throughout the night and over the weekend. Rest assured, that there is nursing staff attending to your pet, 24 hours a day, every day, which means:

• They are constantly monitored.
  
• They are kept clean.
  
• Their toilet requirements are always taken care of, day and night.
  
• Drugs such as eyedrops and pain killing drugs can be administered regularly even during the night.
  
• If an animal seems in difficulties, help is immediately at hand.
  
• Equal importance is attached to giving attention, fuss, grooming, petting, playing and general “TLC”.