-
Do I need a referral from my veterinarian?
Yes, a referral by your veterinarian shows true concern for your pet. If you are concerned about your pet’s health, please contact your primary veterinarian. He/she will determine the best course of action. If your veterinarian decides that a referral to our hospital is appropriate, your vet will then complete a referral form and contact us or ask you to contact us to make an appointment.
-
Why did my vet refer me to CAVS?
Your primary care veterinarian referred you to CAVS to provide the best quality healthcare for your pet. You may be referred when your veterinarian feels that your pet will require in-depth surgical procedures, advanced diagnostics, specialized treatments, or equipment that we can provide that may be necessary to diagnose or treat your pet’s condition.
-
What is the difference between my veterinarian and a specialist?
A primary care veterinarian and a veterinary specialist have earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM), requiring an undergraduate degree, four to five years of veterinary college, professional training, and then successful completion of the state and national licensing boards.
A veterinary specialist has typically completed four additional years of specialty training. This includes a 1-year internship and a 3-year residency program in a particular practice area, i.e., Surgery, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, etc. To become board-certified, these candidates must also pass rigorous clinical training, conduct, publish research, and meet examination requirements. Graduates are called Diplomates.
-
Will you talk to my veterinarian about my pet’s condition?
At Capital Area Veterinary Specialists, we work in partnership with primary care veterinarians to care for patients requiring specialized expertise. Once we have seen your pet, we then fax/email information over to your veterinarian so that they can keep their medical records up to date. We also consult with your veterinarian by phone as needed through the course of your pet’s treatment.
-
What will it cost to bring my pet to CAVS?
When you call to schedule your pet’s first appointment, we will provide you with the fee for the initial consultation. If additional diagnostics are recommended, or if surgery is the prescribed treatment, we will provide you with a treatment plan including costs prior to beginning any definitive care. In order to maintain the best equipment and services, a deposit is required at the time of admission to our facility. The remaining balance will be due at the time the patient is discharged.
-
What types of payment do you accept, and do you offer payment plans?
As with all specialty care, payment is due at the time of service. For your convenience we accept cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover. Special, low-cost financing is available for qualified pet owners through Care Credit. The application process is easy, and approval can be obtained within minutes.
-
May I visit my pet in the hospital?
Our goal is to ensure all patients undergo a smooth recovery. Visiting hospitalized pets post-surgery or procedure is not always recommended. Please check with your doctor or technical staff member who is assisting, to see if visitation of your pet is recommended.
-
Is my pet monitored overnight?
Absolutely. Your pet is always under the direct supervision of qualified veterinary technicians and is never left unattended. Please feel free to contact us anytime after hours to check up on your pet!
-
Can CAVS be my pet’s primary care veterinarian?
We are happy to provide veterinary referral practice but do not offer primary care services. We work with your primary care veterinarian to create a health care team to better serve your pet.