FAQs

Read below for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions at Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital.

Who is a veterinary specialist?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has reserved the title of ‘specialist’ for “those veterinarians who have been certified by an AVMA recognized specialty organization."

A veterinary specialist is a doctor who has pursued advanced study in one specific area of veterinary practice. The American Veterinary Medical Association currently recognizes 20 board-certified veterinary specialties.

Each specialty college has its own rigorous training program and certification process, including a comprehensive board examination. These highly selective programs are similar to residency training programs in human medicine, and typically run three to four years beyond the veterinary degree. Only those veterinarians having earned Diplomate status in a specialty college have earned the right to call themselves specialists. Specialists are often referred to as ‘Diplomates’ or ‘Board Certified’ in their respective specialty colleges.

What is the difference between my family veterinarian and a veterinary specialist?

Both your family veterinarian and a veterinary specialist have earned their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, which typically requires four years of undergraduate training and four years of veterinary school. A specialist must also complete an additional three to five years of internship and residency training, as well as passing a rigorous exam in order to become board certified. The ASEH team includes board certified specialists in internal medicine and surgery.

What should I expect on my initial visit?

Because of the urgent nature of emergency care, the ASEH Emergency department welcomes walk-ins. Our team of experienced emergency veterinarians and technicians provide your pet with high quality emergency medical care, including hospitalization if necessary.

Our goal is to ensure that all pets receive compassionate and quality emergency care whenever the need arises. As in human emergency rooms, ASEH Emergency triages the most acute, life-threatening cases first. During extremely busy periods, more stable patients may need to wait while these critical cases are stabilized. A veterinary technician will take a brief history and the patient's vital signs prior to the emergency doctor examining the patient.

Should your pet require an additional evaluation, our board certified surgery and internal medicine specialists are on call for after-hours consultations, meaning we offer unsurpassed patient care any time, day or night!

Many pets may require hospitalization. In the event of a hospital stay, please be assured that every effort will be made to make your pet comfortable. ASEH offers comforters, pet beds, blankets and pillows to provide a comfortable surface for your pet. Toys are abundant! Cats are provided with litter boxes and dogs are walked outside if appropriate.

Upon arrival, you will be asked to complete our client registration form (if not already completed prior to your appointment) by one of our front desk staff members. Depending on what service your pet will be seeing, you may be asked to complete additional forms.

When your pet is hospitalized.

At ASEH, we strive to provide the best veterinary care possible, to practice veterinary medicine with compassion, and to demonstrate consideration for our clients' needs and desires. We understand that facing the recommended hospitalization, treatments and/or procedures can be very stressful for you and your pet. The advanced skills and training of our veterinarians and technicians helps ensure that your pet will receive the best possible care. We hope the following guidelines can make your experience with our hospital as pleasant as possible.

When are visiting hours?

Animal Specialty and Emergency Hospital does not have set visiting hours. If you would like to visit your pet while they are hospitalized, please call and speak with a technician from the appropriate department. An appointment will be scheduled for your visit. If your pet is critical, the length of your visit may be limited to 5 minutes only. Visiting on the day of surgery is not allowed as your pet is on pain medications and fluids that should not be interrupted.

Will my family veterinarian be kept informed?

ASEH works in a partnership with you and your family veterinarian to provide the most complete veterinary care possible for your pet. Our doctors will keep your veterinarian updated about your pet’s diagnosis, treatment plan and progress, generally via fax or telephone. You or your family veterinarian are encouraged to call us with any questions or concerns at any time.

What payment options are available?

Consultations and appointments with ASEH require a deposit at the time of admission for treatment. Full payment will be due at the time of your pet's discharge, and for all pets treated on an outpatient basis. We welcome cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card, and Debit Card.

Extended and delayed payment options are available for clients that qualify for CareCredit.

Location

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Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "The vet techs are super nice. They run all the tests to rule out everything. Once you leave and they ask you to call back with a follow up so the Vet will know and will let you know from there if he needs to increase or decrease medication it’s a joke. Called twice on one day and the next day he wasn’t even in the office. Don’t mind the fact when we were there the day of our appointment, it was two hours."
    Megan D.
  • "I was in there today with my very sick baby. The entire staff was kind and wonderful! They immediately made sure my baby was ok the minute we came in! My baby is feeling much better! Thank you to your entire staff!!! Dana, Vince & Louie 🐾"
    Dana S.
  • "Very friendly , competent caring and explains everything in detail. Cares for your pet as they would their own ."
    Linda D.