FAQ: Emergency and Critical Care

When is there a doctor on the premises?
24 hrs a day.

When are you open?
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including holidays.

How much is this going to cost me to have my pet be examined and then admitted into the hospital if needed?
There is an initial exam and emergency fee of $155. After the initial examination, the doctor will create an estimate for services. We also give daily updates on your total bill as well as any possible new charges that have or will be incurred.

What type of animals do you see?
We see all small mammals and exotic species (reptiles, birds, etc).

What constitutes an emergency?
Our support staff will help evaluate your pet's situation when you call. Our basic rule of thumb is any situation where your pet is not acting well or right, it is best to bring him in for an evaluation. When in doubt, don't wait! We are happy to see your pet any time of the day or night.

What specialties does VESCONE offer?
We currently have: Radiology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Ophthamology, and Emergency and Critical Care Departments, with a mobile Cardiologist in the hospital on Tuesdays and Fridays.

What kind of diagnostics do you offer in house?
We offer all diagnostics from cage side diagnostics such as pulse oximetry, thoracocentesis, abdominocentesis, blood pressure screening, glaucoma testing, laboratory testing such as chemistry and complete blood count panels, coagulation profiling, urinalysis, blood typing, testing for various toxic substances and diseases such as Ethylene Glycol, Parvo, Feline Leukemia or FIV, Heartworm, Ehrlichia, Lyme disease, radiology, ultrasound, endoscopy, CT scanning, etc, to name a few.

Do you have access to my regular veterinarian's records or can you get in touch with them after hours?
Unfortunately we cannot always reach your regular veterinarian after hours. We will contact them during their regular business hours. Your regular veterinarian has entrusted us to take care of you and your pet when they are closed. We always keep them abreast of your pets medical status as soon as they are available.

Do you do wellness care?
We only provide secondary and tertiary care for pets who are ill and are usually referred by your regular veterinarian. We would be happy to refer you to a local vet who does provide wellness care (routine exams, vaccinations, routine surgery, dental cleaning).

Are you affiliated with any other hospitals?
No

Are you and The New England Veterinary Oncology Group (NEVOG) the same hospital?
No, we are two separate hospitals but we do work together when taking care of their client's pets and any of our client's pets who need an oncologist.

Do I have to leave a deposit?
Yes, 100% of the low range of the estimate is due at the time of hospitalization.

Do you have a payment plan?
No, but our support staff would be happy to discuss a program called Care Credit with you.

Where is my animal kept?
In a cage or run depending upon size, in one of our glass enclosed ICUs with fleece bedding, fresh food and water. We also have a separate ward for cats and a special isolation ward for those pets who have infectious diseases.

Can we leave items (bedding, stuffed toys, etc) with out pets while they are hospitalized?
Yes, with the understanding that you may not receive it back. Often, pets soil their bedding and toys, so it is best to either leave them at home or be aware that they are not returned once soiled.

What are your visiting hours?
1-3pm and 8-10 pm, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.