Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions2022-10-12T00:31:05+08:00
What is included in a pets physical examination?2023-08-31T17:17:36+08:00
  • Coat and skin assessment
  • Musculo-skeletal assessment
  • Heart and lung assessment
  • Body and weight condition evaluation
  • Dental health examination
  • Ear examination
  • Neurological assessment
  • Abdominal palpation
  • Urogenital evaluation
  • Anal gland assessment
Where are you located?2022-10-05T02:16:18+08:00

Vetwest has sixteen veterinary hospitals across Perth. Our clinics are located in: Armadale-Byford, Ballajura, Bibra Lake, Canning Vale, Carine/Duncraig, Clarkson/Mindarie, Cockburn/Success, Currambine, Ellenbrook, Mandurah, Midland/Midvale, Rockingham, South Perth, Wanneroo, Whitfords/Hillarys and Yokine.

Find more information including contact details, directions and booking details here >

My pet needs after hours emergency care2022-10-05T02:16:57+08:00

Our hospitals offer extended opening hours including weekday trading from 7.30 am – 7.00 pm and weekends on Saturday and Sunday from 8 am – 5 pm (check your local Vetwest for Sunday trading). If your pet has a medical emergency during our opening hours please contact your local Vetwest clinic. If your pet becomes ill or is injured outside of these hours you can call your local Vetwest clinic and our answering machine will provide details of the nearest after-hours emergency care surgery or you can find more information here.

My pet is unwell and needs to visit the vet2022-10-05T02:17:05+08:00

We ask that you please make an appointment prior to seeing us so that we can ensure your waiting time is minimised. Of course, if you have an emergency you can bring your pet straight in.

You can book an appointment by calling any of our Vetwest hospitals across Perth or you can book your appointment online by clicking the book online button in the website header.

What payment options are available?2022-10-05T02:17:10+08:00

Zip Pay, Zip Money, Afterpay and GapOnlyâ„¢ are now all available at Vetwest. Now there are more options to help you to give your pets the care they require when they need it. Plus we accept cash and most major credit cards.

Find out more here >

What is the Total Wellness Plan?2022-10-05T02:17:14+08:00

The Total Wellness Plan is an annual healthcare plan designed to make it easier and more affordable to give your pet the care they deserve. With our focus on preventative care, we’re helping you give your pets a healthier and happier life.

With no waiting periods, you can start enjoying all the benefits of the plan today! Find out more here.

Do you offer Puppy Preschool?2022-10-05T02:17:18+08:00

Vetwest offers Puppy Preschool at most of our 16 locations. Puppy Preschool is a must for all owners looking to give their puppy the very best start in life and the opportunity to grow into a well behaved, sociable dog. Classes are designed for puppies between 8 to 15 weeks* of age, as this is the critical learning stage when puppies gain important socialisation skills and learn the basics of being a good dog! Find out more today.

Why does veterinary care for your pet cost what it does?2022-10-05T02:17:24+08:00

Your veterinarian is not only your pet’s general physician, but also its surgeon, radiologist, dentist, dermatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist, ears/nose/throat doctor, and veterinary pharmacist. Your veterinary bill is a reflection of the costs of maintaining suitable facilities, equipment, and trained and experienced staff to provide the level of care that is expected in animal medicine today.

Although it may feel as if you are paying more for your pet’s health care than your own, chances are you may be used to Medicare rebates, prescribed pharmaceutical scheme benefits and healthcare insurance for your own medical services. Consequently, you often do not see the total bottom-line figure for your own medical bills. When human health care costs are added up – there is no comparison to the much lower veterinary care costs.

Do I need a long consult appointment?2022-10-05T02:17:29+08:00

Just like an appointment at your GP, our standard 15-minute consultation at Vetwest is appropriate to address one health concern for your pet. If you have two or more health concerns or a complicated case, you will need to book a long consultation.

A long consultation allows our vet enough time with your pet to provide the appropriate recommendations on multiple concerns or complicated cases. Find out more here.

Vaccinations2022-10-05T02:17:35+08:00

We use premium vaccines to provide optimal protection for your pet.

For Dogs a C5 Vaccination – to protect against, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza (Kennel cough – viral), Bordatella bronchisepta (Kennel cough – bacterial) For Cats a F5 Vaccination – to protect against Panleucopaenia (Feline enteritis), Rhinotracheitis (Feline herpes virus), Calicivirus (Cat flu), Chlamydophila (Chlamydia), Leukaemia.

Can I cancel my plan?2022-10-05T02:17:41+08:00

In the unfortunate event of a pet’s death, the Total Wellness Plan will be cancelled and payments stopped once Vetwest Animal Hospitals is notified. Plans purchased upfront will be eligible for an adjustment credit based on the remainder of the plan only.

In the event of a plan being cancelled for any reasons other than a pet passing, monies outstanding on the remainder of the plan (12 months) are payable by the client, regardless of use.

How do I change my address?2022-10-05T02:17:45+08:00

Visit our Contact Us page and select the option to ‘Change address details’ on the Contact Us Online form.

Why does the price vary for dogs of different sizes (weight)?2022-10-05T02:17:49+08:00

Vaccinations and parasite control products used in the Total Wellness Plan are tailored to suit your dog’s size. The plan prices are a reflection of the products required by your pet.

If I join the Total Wellness Program is there a waiting period before I can bring my pet in to see the vet?2022-10-05T02:17:55+08:00

No, there is no waiting period. You can bring your pet in to see us for a free primary consultation immediately.

How does payment by monthly instalments work?2022-10-05T02:18:00+08:00

Our monthly payment plan option offers an easy way to budget for your pet’s wellness care. We will direct debit your bank account on a monthly basis commencing from the date of your agreement. Unless cancelled 7 days prior to your one year anniversary date your annual membership will renew automatically.

I’m interested and want to enrol, what next?2022-10-05T02:18:05+08:00

Drop into one of our practices to complete an enrolment form. You will then receive any treatments that are currently required and your program will be outlined.

Can I use my Total Wellness Plan at any Vetwest Animal Hospital?2022-10-05T02:18:57+08:00

Your Total Wellness Plan can be used at any Vetwest Animal Hospital in Western Australia. This also means if your usual Vetwest Animal Hospital is closed at any time such as Sundays and after hours you can visit our other hospitals who have extended hours. For opening hours and locations visit this link

My pet is a puppy or kitten. Does the Total Wellness Plan cover for their initial vaccinations?2022-10-05T02:19:03+08:00

The Total Wellness Plan includes one vaccination per year. Any additional puppy and kitten booster vaccinations are not included.

Can I use different products to those selected in the Wellness Plan by Vetwest?2022-10-05T02:19:10+08:00

We have selected our Wellness Plan products with your pet’s optimum health care in mind. Our selection enables us to provide the best healthcare possible at the most affordable price for you, therefore we are not able to substitute a different product.

How much does the Total Wellness Plan cost?2022-10-05T02:19:15+08:00

Please click here to visit pricing details.

How often can I visit the veterinarian at no charge?2022-10-05T02:19:22+08:00

Unlimited standard consultations are included in our Classic plans so if you choose this option, you can visit as many times as you like throughout the year. If you feel your pet is unwell or have any questions about their health, you can simply phone one of our clinics for an appointment.

How do I receive my products?2022-10-05T02:19:29+08:00

Monthly parasite control products (flea control, intestinal wormers and heartworm prevention if included in your plan) will be posted to you, timed to arrive on the working day before your pet is due for treatment each month. For injections (annual vaccination and heartworm prevention injection) you will need to visit the hospital with your pet. We will send you a reminder when these are due.

Why does veterinary care for your pet cost what it does?2022-10-05T02:19:34+08:00

Bear in mind that your veterinarian is not only your pet’s general physician, but also its surgeon, radiologist, dentist, dermatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, psychiatrist, ears/nose/throat doctor, and Veterinary pharmacist. Your veterinary bill is a reflection of the costs of maintaining suitable facilities, equipment, and trained and experienced staff to provide the level of care that is expected in animal medicine today.

The cost of veterinary care has actually risen very little during the last 20 to 30 years. However advancements in both research and technology have allowed us to offer your pet better healthcare and prolong their life through surgical procedures and drugs. When compared to the rising cost of human health care, pet care is not at all unreasonable.

Remember too that the original cost of the animal has no bearing on the cost of services rendered.

Although it may feel as if you are paying more for your pet’s health care than your own, chances are you may be used to Medicare rebates, prescribed pharmaceutical scheme benefits and health care insurance for your own medical services. Consequently, you often do not see the total bottom-line figure for your own bills. When human health care costs are added up – there is no comparison to the much lower veterinary care costs.

Why don’t veterinarians diagnose and/or prescribe over the phone and save you time?2022-10-05T02:19:38+08:00

For the same reason a medical doctor won’t, it’s both unethical and illegal. Without physically examining an animal, it’s impossible for the veterinarian to come up with an accurate diagnosis and rational plan of treatment.

A veterinarian can’t make a diagnosis based on symptoms only as observed by an owner. The outward signs may be an indication of any number of internal causes with a wide variety of clinical treatments. A complete physical examination and possibly other diagnostic tests are required to determine the cause of the symptoms and best course of treatment. And some medications are considered prescription medicines and it is illegal to dispense such items without a physical consultation.

Isn’t there a cheaper option for treatment? Can’t your vet discount your bill?2022-10-05T02:19:43+08:00

The extent of care given to any animal is ultimately determined by its owner. As a responsible pet owner, you place a high value on your animal and will want to consider what’s best for your pet.

Every pet owner has different ideas about what is acceptable pet care and how much they are willing to spend on their pets healthcare needs. We can only make you aware of the services and products that are available and then provide guidance in their choices and decisions. The owner is given options; the owner makes the call.

It’s important to understand that our veterinarians can and will go the extra mile for their clients, but they simply cannot jeopardize the quality of our practice by discounting or waiving fees. We must cover our employees’ salaries, costly equipment, the expense of years of professional training, and the expense of continuing education for staying up-to-date on the latest research.

How do we determine desexing prices?2022-10-05T02:19:47+08:00

The prices we charge for desexing cats and dogs are based on the quality and amount of services we provide for your pet.

We strive to ensure that your pet’s surgery is as safe as possible. We use the best quality anaesthesia presently available to veterinarians, similar to that used for human anaesthesia. A pulse oximeter, and respiratory monitor is attached to your pet during the entire surgical procedure. An IV catheter is placed so that fluids can be used to keep your pet’s blood pressure at a safe level during surgery. A warming pad is used to reduce the danger of hypothermia.

We use high quality suture material. Sterile gloves, gowns, drapes and surgical instruments ensure the cleanest, germ-free operating area.

On a one-to-one basis, our qualified nursing team monitors your pet’s post-operative recovery until your pet is breathing safely on their own.

The surgery fee includes a pre-surgical exam, a one day stay in our hospital, post-operative pain medications and a post-surgical checks before discharge. Optional services include pre-anaesthetic blood work to more thoroughly examine your pet’s health status before surgery.

We are very proud of the high quality of service we offer pets and their families.

Should females have a litter before being desexed?2022-10-05T02:19:51+08:00

This is not necessary for your pet’s benefit. Spaying a dog before her first heat will reduce the risk of mammary cancer to nearly zero. Every season/heat a female has, significantly increases her chance of developing mammary cancer.

Do pets become lazy after they are desexed?2022-10-05T02:19:57+08:00

There is generally no change in the character of your dog. Young males will be less inclined to mount objects and jump fences in search of a female mate. However, they will still be happy to chase their favourite ball or participate in their favourite activity.

Will desexing my pet make them fat?2022-10-05T02:20:02+08:00

By removing organs that produce hormones your pet’s metabolism may be slowed, overfeeding your pet and/or no exercise will make them fat.

Will desexing a trained guard dog reduce their ability to guard?2022-10-05T02:20:06+08:00

Guarding results from instinctive territorial behaviour. It is not changed by the removal of reproductive organs.

How soon after an oestrous cycle can a female dog or cat be desexed?2022-10-05T02:20:11+08:00

When an animal is in season, there is an increased blood supply to both the uterus and the ovaries. Animals can be desexed whilst they are in season, but generally we try to do the surgery from about 8 weeks after the start of their last oestrous cycle.

How do I organise my pet’s desexing procedure?2022-10-05T02:20:15+08:00

Please contact your local practice to schedule a time for your pet’s procedure. This is best done by telephone so we can discuss any specific questions you may have. We can also provide information about the price of the procedure as this depends on the species and size of your pet. If your pet is female, we’ll also ask you specific questions about her heat or oestrus cycle.

Illium Pyraqyantal2022-09-04T19:37:49+08:00

All wormer for dogs. For the control of: roundworms, whipworms, hookworms and tapeworms.

Find out more information here

Popantel2022-09-04T19:38:02+08:00

Intestinal wormer for cats

Check your pet’s dose or find out more information

Tapewormer for cats

Check your pet’s dose or find out more information

All wormer for dogs. For the control of: roundworms, whipworms, hookworms and tapeworms.

Check your pet’s dose or find out more information

Simparica Trio2022-09-04T19:38:10+08:00

Tasty chewable tablet that protects against common parasites killing intestinal worms and provides superior protection against deadly heartworms. It also kills 100% of fleas and prevents tick bites.

Check your pet’s dose or find out more below:

Advocate2022-09-04T19:38:24+08:00

Spot-on treatment for cats and dogs that prevents heartworm infections, treats and controls fleas and intestinal worms including roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.

Check your pet’s dose or find out more below:

Precautions – Avoid contact with surfaces. For full precautions and safety information please visit the supplier’s website here.

Advantage2022-09-04T19:38:31+08:00

Spot-on flea control for cats and dogs

Check your pet’s dose or find out more below:

Precautions – Avoid contact with surfaces. For full precautions and safety information please visit the supplier’s website here.

Is Simparica a safe product?2022-09-04T19:39:14+08:00

Simparica is an FDA and APVMA-approved flea and tick control product that is recommended for monthly use and is considered safe to use in dogs. More than 200 million doses have been distributed globally, protecting pets all over the world.
The active ingredient Sarolaner is a member of the isoxazoline class, which is the same class of medication used in other flea control products such as NexGard and Bravecto. All isoxazoline medications control fleas and other parasites through effects on the parasite’s nervous system. Side effects to the isoxazoline family of parasiticides are rare and are most likely to include vomiting, diarrhoea and lethargy. On very rare occasions, seizures have been observed. Most reactions to the isooxazoline class are self-limiting and of short duration. Vetwest uses and recommends isooxazoline products for flea control because we believe they are safe and effective and provide a significant health benefit to our patients. If you have any concerns, please contact us or contact the product support number provided by the manufacturer on the packaging.

You can find out more on the Zoetis website www.zoetispetcare.com/products/simparica-trio

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