Berkshire Veterinary Services

3804 Pricetown Road; Fleetwood, PA

610-944-3100

Emergency FAQs 

(Info copied from VRC's website for client information only and not guaranteed by Berks Veterinary Service. http://www.vetreferral.com/efaq/efaq.htm)

How do I know if my pet has an emergency?
Am I able to get medical advice over the phone?
How long will I have to wait to be seen?
Are the Emergency veterinarians specialists?
How much will it cost?
What payment methods do we accept?
Why is the Emergency Service more expensive than regular veterinary care?
What updates will I receive regarding my hospitalized pet?
Can I visit my hospitalized pet?
Where do I go for follow up care?

Q: How do I know if my pet has an emergency?
A: You know your pet better than anyone and if you believe they are sick or hurt, this is usually the case. Types of emergency situations include: bleeding, seizures, hit-by-car, animal fights, difficulty breathing, difficulty urinating, collapse, unresponsiveness, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and ingestion of medications, poisons or objects. If you are unsure whether your pet has an emergency, please do not hesitate to call and ask to speak with our knowledgeable staff.

Q: Am I able to get medical advice over the phone?
A: Medical advice can rarely be given over the phone. Often our recommendation is to bring your pet to VRC for evaluation. We would never want to misguide you, so until your pet is examined by a veterinarian, it is best to play it safe. However, if your pet has ingested a KNOWN substance, we may first direct you to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for specific instructions. The Animal Poison Control Center can be reached at 1-888-426-4435. A consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

Q: How long will I have to wait to be seen?
A: Just like a human emergency room, VRC's emergency case load can be unpredictable. Your pet will be evaluated for how severe the problem may be within minutes of your arrival by a veterinary nurse, and if your pet is critical, he/she will be taken to the treatment area for immediate evaluation by a veterinarian. Stable pets are seen in order of arrival to the Emergency Room. We make every effort to see all patients in a timely fashion.

Q: Are the Emergency veterinarians specialists?
A: VRC is fortunate to have several Board Certified Emergency/Critical Care specialists and experienced Emergency Doctors, as well as licensed and specialized veterinary Nurses. Our Doctors and Nurses are here to provide 24/7 compassionate care for your pet.

Q: How much will it cost?
A: For an emergency visit, there is a $130 - $150 emergency exam fee. All diagnostics, treatments, and medications are additional. Before your pet is admitted to the hospital, you will be given an estimate of anticipated charges. Hospital policy requires a deposit of 50% of the high end of that estimate. Should your pet require care and treatment which exceeds the initial estimate, a revised updated estimate will be provided to you. After your consent, an additional deposit will be required. Payment in full is due at the time of discharge. Please feel free to discuss any financial concerns with the veterinarian responsible for the care of your pet or the business office.

Q: What payment methods do we accept?
A: We accept cash, checks, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover. Should you require a payment plan, we offer Care Credit, a health care credit plan you can apply for at VRC. If interested, please see a receptionist for more details and an application. All checks are processed and verified through an electronic check approval system.

Q: Why is the Emergency Service more expensive than regular veterinary care?
A: Unfortunately, sick and injured pets often require advanced testing and treatment. The staffing, equipment and facilities to provide specialized veterinary care within a 24-hour emergency and critical care service comes at a higher overhead. We recognize the difficulties often associated with unanticipated costs and do everything we can to work within your budget to provide the best care for your pet. Feel free to discuss your financial concerns with the veterinarian responsible for the care of your pet and/or the business office at anytime!

Q: What updates will I receive regarding my hospitalized pet?
A: A veterinarian responsible for the care of your pet will contact the designated/authorized person with an update on your pet's condition. Updates may be expected once daily unless a change in condition warrants further communication. It is imperative that we have accurate phone numbers to contact the designated/authorized person to make decisions regarding the care of your pet 24 hours a day. The designated/authorized person may call for a status report and be directed to the veterinary nurse assigned to your pet. We ask that you limit your phone calls to one per day, as repetitive interruptions take care away from our hospitalized patients. Please be advised that only a veterinarian can discuss diagnostics and treatment plans.

Q: Can I visit my hospitalized pet?
A: A veterinarian responsible for the care of your pet will contact the designated/authorized person with an update on your pet's condition. Updates may be expected once daily unless a change in condition warrants further communication. It is imperative that we have accurate phone numbers to contact the designated/authorized person to make decisions regarding the care of your pet 24 hours a day. The designated/authorized person may call for a status report and be directed to the veterinary nurse assigned to your pet. We ask that you limit your phone calls to one per day, as repetitive interruptions take care away from our hospitalized patients. Please be advised that only a veterinarian can discuss diagnostics and treatment plans.