Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. If you have additional questions that aren't covered here, please feel free to give Dr Claire a call on 0407-771-773.

1. What are the Mobile Practice hours?
   
   Appointments are available Friday to Tuesday, with consulting hours listed on the website.  Dr Claire is also available for emergencies both during listed opening times as well as after hours.    
   
   
2. What areas are serviced?
    
   Dr Claire's Mobile Veterinary Service services all of Canberra and the ACT including Civic, Inner North, Belconnen, Gungahlin, Inner South, Woden Valley, Weston Creek, Tuggeranong, Belconnen, Gunghalin, Molonglo, Jerrabomberra and Hall.  We also service Queanbeyan and Googong.  Dr Claire will travel outside these areas to see your pet by arrangement.  Additional travel fees may apply.
    
3. Do I need to have an appointment?
    
   Yes, patients are seen by appointment.  The exception is for emergencies:  please phone Dr Claire immediately on 0407 771 773.  Appointments can be made by phoning Dr Claire on 0407 771 773.  Alternatively, you can make an appointment via the online booking portal: Click here.  Please note that certain appointment types cannot be booked online, including euthanasias, home hospice care and behaviour consultations
    
4. How much does a consultation cost?
   The fee for a new patient is $275, including the cost of travel. Expect to spend at least 75 minutes with Dr Claire during this consultation, allowing for a comprehensive medical history to be collected and a thorough physical examination to be carried out.  You will then be advised of any treatment or testing recommendations.  Dr Claire will endeavour to answer all your questions about your pet.     The standard consultation fee is $250.  This includes the cost of travel, expect to spend at least 60 minutes with Dr Claire.
   The fee for an emergency or after hours consultation is $375, including the cost of travel. This includes the time Dr Claire needs for initial assessment and stabilisation of your pet.
    
5. What forms of payment do you accept?
    
   Payment is required at the time that your pet is seen. Dr Claire will advise the costs of any tests/procedures/treatment prior to carrying them out. The preferred method of payment is by card (Visa/Mastercard/debit/eftpos), with a 1.9% surcharge. Cash is also accepted, but please note that Dr Claire does not carry change. Direct deposit bank transfers can also be made, bank account details are listed on the bottom of your invoice. 
    
6. Can I pay my account off over time?
    
   Unfortunately, Dr Claire cannot offer accounts.  Payment is required at the time of service.  Dr Claire will discuss your pet's treatment plan and provide a detailed estimate of the costs during the consultation.
    
7. What species does Dr Claire treat?
    
   Dr Claire has extensive experience and expertise in treating dogs and cats.  She is also able to provide health checks and vaccinations for rabbits.   Dr Claire does NOT treat horses, sheep, cattle, goats, reptiles, pocket pets or birds.
    
8. Does Dr. Claire perform surgeries or take X-rays or do ultrasounds?
    
   Dr. Claire can perform minor procedures under sedation such as skin biopsies, wound care, bandage changes. She can also perform basic screening ultrasounds including for pregnancy diagnosis and emergencies.  If your pet requires any X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, dentals or surgery under a general anesthetic, Dr. Claire will arrange a referral to another veterinary hospital for the procedure.
    
9. At what age can I have my pet spayed or neutered?
    
   Spaying or neutering of dogs and cats can be done at approximately 6 months of age.  Dr Claire can advise on the timing of this procedure depending on the circumstances and factors such as breed.  Your pet is given an exam prior to surgery to help determine whether your pet is healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure. Current vaccinations are required at the time of surgery. Also a pre-anesthetic blood screen is recommended prior to undergoing anesthesia and surgery.  Dr. Claire does not have any surgical facilities so you will be referred to another veterinary hospital for any surgery.
    
10. What is the pre-anesthetic blood screening?
    
    This is a blood test that is run prior to surgery - it can be done by Dr. Claire (who sends the samples to a veterinary pathology laboratory), or at the veterinary hospital where you pet has surgery. It tests the organ functions, blood counts and clotting function of your pet. The pre-anesthetic blood screening is done to assure safety during surgery and the ability to heal following surgery.
     
11. How long do the sutures (stitches) stay in after my pet's surgery?
     
    Procedures involving sutures require them to be removed in 10-14 days following the surgery.  Dr Claire likes to follow up all surgery cases and can remove any sutures regardless of which hospital performed the surgery.  Some surgeries have buried sutures which dissolve.  However, it is still recommended that your pet have post-operative reassessments even if there are no sutures to be removed.
     
12. Is it a good idea to let my pet have at least one litter?
     
    No, there is no advantage to letting your pet have one litter. However there are plenty of advantages to having you pet spayed or neutered. These advantages include decreasing the chances of breast tumors later in life, decreasing the chance of cystic ovaries and uterine infections later in life, decreasing the desire to roam the neighborhood, decreasing the incidence of prostate disease later in life, helping prevent spraying and marking, and also decreases the surplus of unwanted puppies and kittens.
     
13. Do you board pets?
     
    No, we are a mobile service only.
     
14. Can you transport my animal to another vet?
    
    No, Dr. Claire is unable to provide any transport for animals.  She may be able to assist with arranging a pet ambulance transfer to another veterinary hospital if needed.