Emergency Veterinary Services
https://www.vettriage.com/AHC/
For after hours emergency services, please click the VetTriage logo above.
The Animal Health Centre and Humber Valley Veterinary Clinic
have a co-operative after hours emergency agreement.
What does this mean for you, the pet owner?
- You will have emergency services provided 24 hours a day 365 days a year. When emergency services are needed after regular clinic hours, they may be provided by your regular health care team at the Animal Health Centre or by the team at the Humber Valley Veterinary Clinic.
- When you speak with a member of the emergency triage team (VetTriage) you will be notified which clinic is covering emergency services that day. You will need to go to that location to receive emergency services.
- All medical files pertaining to the after hours emergency visit will be forwarded back to your regular family veterinary clinic (Animal Health Centre) on the next business day. These emergency files will be reviewed by your veterinary health care team and you will be contacted to set up any necessary follow-up care.
- All rechecks and follow-up appointments will be booked with your regular family veterinarian.
The Animal Health Centre has partnered with VetTriage
for after hours emergency triage services.
What is VetTriage?
Is there a fee for using VetTriage?
What if I don't have the internet or do not have access to a computer, tablet or cell phone?
Do I need to set up an account with VetTriage?
Do I have to call VetTriage or use the on-line portal to receive emergency services from the Animal Health Centre?
- VetTriage is the #1 provider of veterinary telehealth services. Through a video or phone session with a licensed and experienced veterinarian, you will be advised on the next steps when your pet is in a time of need! VetTriage services can reduce stress and save pet owners money, all while providing advice on your pets potential health issue. VetTriage on-line veterinarians will perform a triage video session. They will answer the question of whether or not what you are seeing with your pet constitutes:
- 1.) a medical of surgical emergency that necessitates an immediate visit to an emergency veterinary hospital for evaluation and treatment,
- 2.) if your pet can be cared for and monitored at home, or,
- 3.) can wait until regular clinic hours for a visit to your family veterinarian.
Is there a fee for using VetTriage?
- There is a small fee for using VetTriage services and this must be paid directly to VetTriage at the time of your video or phone session with the on-line veterinarians; however, this small fee could save you hundreds of dollars if the VetTriage veterinarian determines your pets condition is not an emergency and can be monitored at home until the clinic is open during regular hours. This fee is $50USD and is paid directly to the VetTriage company via a credit card or through paypal.
What if I don't have the internet or do not have access to a computer, tablet or cell phone?
- If you are unable to use the internet to have a video consult with the on-line veteriniarian, then you can still avail of VetTriage services; this is done by calling VetTriage's phone number that is posted on our website, www.animalhealthcentre.ca or by calling our clinic number 709-639-7051 and pressing #1 when prompted. You will then be forwarded directly to VetTriage veterinarian's phone line. If your phone call goes to voicemail, the triage veterinarian may be assisting another pet in need. You must leave a detailed message that includes your name and phone number. They will return your call.
Do I need to set up an account with VetTriage?
- Although you do not need to have an account prior to using VetTriage for the first time, it is strongly recommended. In an emergency situation your emotions often can run high and even the most simple task can become confusing and difficult . By becoming familiar with the VetTriage website and having an account already set up with them, when an emergency does occur with your pet you will already be familiar with the process and will be able to access care in a calm and timely manner.
Do I have to call VetTriage or use the on-line portal to receive emergency services from the Animal Health Centre?
- YES. VetTriage is our triage service. These on-line veterinarians contact your local emergency health care team (either the Animal Health Centre or the Humber Valley Veterinary Clinic depending on which clinic is covering after hours emergencies that day) directly once they have triaged your pet. It is a very similar practice to the triage nurse at the emergency department at Western Memorial Hospital. It is extremely important to note that you will not be able to reach our local emergency care team directly without using VetTriage on-line web portal or phone line.
