FAQs

Animal emergencies can happen anytime of day. The HBAH clinic is a dedicated out of hours provider designed to address urgent veterinary needs that arise outside of your local veterinary practices regular clinic hours.  

The clinic will provide fully monitored overnight and weekend veterinary care on behalf of all the Companion animal veterinary Clinics in wider Hawkes Bay.

At night time: From 6pm until 8am the next morning

You can also phone 06 651 7103
Calling ahead alerts us that you are on your way so we can prepare for your pet’s needs.
Gates are closed for safety reasons after 8 pm but staff will be on site and available for you.

During weekend or public holiday daytime:
The clinic is open from 6 pm Friday to 8 am Monday so there will always be a vet and nurse to help you and your pet.
Similar to A&E, the clinic works on a walk in basis during the day so no appointment is necessary.
BEST TO CALL AHEAD TO ALERT US THAT YOU ARE ON YOUR WAY SO WE CAN PREPARE FOR YOUR PETS NEEDS.
On Saturdays or Sundays morning your own vet maybe open and be able to assist you but if your pet requires on going or intensive care then you may be directed straight to the afterhours clinic where we can provide 24 hour care, surgery or intensive care.

Your primary vet will explain what treatment or surgery may be required at the afterhours clinic.

They will be able to give you indicative pricing for treatment plans and care packages.

Your vet will ask you to transport your pet to the afterhours clinic.

Your vet will contact the afterhours staff so they know you are coming.

Your vet will also send all the relevant clinical notes so we can continue the care or treatment plan.

Your primary vet will explain what treatment or surgery may be required at the afterhours clinic.

They will be able to give you indicative pricing for treatment plans and care packages.

Your vet will ask you to transport your pet to the afterhours clinic.

Your vet will contact the afterhours staff so they know you are coming.

Your vet will also send all the relevant clinical notes so we can continue the care or treatment plan.

During week days (Mon – Fri) the clinic is closed all day and so all pets have to be discharged the next morning or by Monday morning (7.30-8.00am) from their weekend hospitalisation.

If your pet is well enough and requires no further hospitalisation it may be discharged home to you directly from the  afterhours clinic and the afterhours vet will give you a discharge time so you can come back and collect your pet and take them home .

If your pet requires ongoing treatment the afterhours vet will give you a time to collect your pet and you will need to transport them back to your primary vet clinic for ongoing care.

The afterhour’s clinic will ensure your primary vet has all the updated clinical notes after any stay.

If you are being transferred from your primary vet then they will be able to give you an indicative price before transfer. When you arrive at the afterhours clinic the vet will take you through the treatment plan and costs and obtain your signed consent for both.

If you are coming directly to the afterhours clinic the afterhours vet will take you through the treatment plan and costs and get your signed consent for both.

The cost of night time, weekend and public holiday care is higher compare to normal daytime veterinary care.

There will be hospital care plans which will be discussed with you that will cover the needs of your pet so you are comfortable that your pet will still receive the highest standard of care.

There will be some staff who work in the afterhours roster that you may recognise from your normal veterinary clinic.

But there will also be vets from other clinics from around Hawkes Bay and vets from outside the region

It’s helpful to bring any relevant medical history, medications, and insurance details.
If your pet is on a special diet, please bring their food.

Some pets may prefer to have their cuddly blanket with them.

Emergency clinics operate on a triage system, meaning more critical cases are seen first.

Waiting times can vary, so please be patient and we will keep you informed. We really appreciate this.

With our team and equipment we are well resourced and try to manage cases promptly to reduce wait time.

You will definitely be with your pet during the consultation but if intensive care or surgery is required then you will need to wait in the waiting area or go home and we will keep you updated.

Yes you can visit your pet but it depends on the situation and whether it’s safe to have visitors in ICU.

We will collect all your details on admission and phone or text you to keep you updated.

We can communicate to and coordinate referrals to speciality clinics or specialists with your primary care vet if advanced care is needed.

Yes euthanasia will be available at the after hour’s clinic to relive pain and suffering when required. There will be a cremation service available and ashes will be returned to your primary vet clinic for collection.

The afterhours clinic won’t be offering at home pet euthanasia.

Payment is required at the time of service.

There are no charge accounts even if you have one with your primary care vet as we are a separate business.

Clients will be asked to pay a 50% deposit on admission with the remainder of the invoice paid at discharge.

Paid invoices can be printed or emailed to your pet insurance provider for claims.

There won’t be an option of an insurance pre-approval after-hours.

There are a number of finance options available – Eftpos, Visa , Q card, AfterPay

Yes at discharge a detailed report will be sent to your regular vet for any follow up care.

Your primary vet will handle ongoing care.

If you don’t have a primary vet yet we can assist you with finding one close to your home.