IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS REFLECT THE POLICIES OF THE ANNE ARUNDEL VETERINARY EMERGENCY CLINIC.  OTHER MEMBER COMPANIES OF THE CHESAPEAKE VETERINARY REFERRAL CENTER MAY HAVE DIFFERENT POLICIES DUE TO THE NATURE OF THE TREATMENT THEY PROVIDE AND OTHER BUSINESS PRACTICES.  

WHEN IN DOUBT, ASK A CLIENT SERVICE TEAM MEMBER OR YOUR SPECIALIST.

What are our hours of operation?

AAVEC is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  If you have a problem with your pet, please come in immediately or call a Client Service Team Member at 410.224.0331 to discuss your pet's condition if you are unsure if your pet requires immediate attention.

Is there always a doctor on staff?

Yes.  There is always at least one licensed veterinarian on staff 24 hours a day.  At most times, we will have two to three licensed veterinarians available to treat patients.

What should I bring with me?

You only need to bring your pet, his or her leash and/or carrier, his or her medical records (if time permits), and an accepted form of payment.  AAVEC accepts cash, personal checks (which must have the client's name pre-printed on the check, and all checks must be validated with our electronic check processing system) , debit cards, MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover, and CareCredit.

How much does a visit to AAVEC cost?

Of course, this depends on the type and extent of treatment your pet receives.  All AAVEC clients are charged an emergency fee and exam fee totaling $160.  Any treatment will exceed this amount.  Client Service Team Members are unable to provide estimates for treatment over the telephone.  Only a licensed veterinarian will be able to devise a treatment plan for your pet after a thorough medical examination.  At that time, the veterinarian or Client Service Team Member will discuss the projected cost with you.

What should I expect when I arrive?

When you arrive, bring your pet inside and a Client Service Team Member will greet you and assess your pet's condition.  If your pet presents in critical condition, you will be asked to sign a consent to triage so that our veterinarians can start stabilizing emergency procedures.  If your pet presents with a non-critical emergency, a Client Service Team Member will show you into an examination room and have you fill out a short form while you wait for an emergency veterinarian to examine your pet.

How long will I have to wait?

This varies.  Critical cases receive first priority.  In many instances, the veterinarian will see you and your pet within 15 minutes of your arrival.  Sometimes, especially on the weekends, you may expect to wait for 1/2 to 1 hour (rarely longer) to be seen by the doctor for non-critical emergencies.  Whenever the doctor has made his or her assessment of your pet's health, he or she will create an estimate and discuss treatment with you.  At that time, you may elect to leave your pet with us and return to pick him or her up at a designated time on the same day.  Many cases will require overnight care; some even for several days or longer.  Your veterinarian will discuss this with you on a case-by-case basis.

Can I bring my pet to you for regular check-ups, vaccines, or for purchasing food, medicine, and supplies?

No.  Unfortunately, we are unable to provide non-emergent care due to the high number of emergency patients that require our full attention and resources.  We do not recommend specific regular veterinarians to clients or the public.  Please check the telephone book or the world wide web for lists of licensed veterinarians nearest to you.

Can I bring my pet's toys, blankets, or other personal objects to stay with him or her while hospitalized?

No.  There are several reasons for this policy.  The first is to maintain a sanitary environment.  We strive to ensure that our patients' environment is completely sterile.  The linens we provide for your pet are treated to ensure sterility and outside objects could compromise that environment.  Rest assured that we have plenty of linens, beds, and toy items to keep your pet comfortable and entertained.  Depending upon your pet's diet or medical condition, your emergency veterinarian may request that you bring his or her food and/or medication in order to save your expense.

Can I call for updates on my pet's medical condition while he or she is in the hospital?

Yes.  You must call once every 24 hours for an update on your pet's condition.  You may call for updates anytime day or night; however, excessive phone calls may interrupt the veterinarian's treatment of your pet and others.  You may be asked to leave a message if he or she is unavailable and he or she will return your call.  Since we are a 24-hour facility, please indicate to a Client Service Team Member any time during which you wish not to be contacted.

Can I visit my pet in the hospital?

Yes.  AAVEC does not have set visiting hours.  It is advisable to call before you arrive to ensure that your pet is not currently receiving treatment that would preclude your visit.  Due to the nature of our business, we may not be able to immediately accommodate your visit at the moment you arrive.  This is because we are continually treating emergency cases and your veterinarian or veterinary technician may be temporarily unavailable to visit with you.  Please be patient when you arrive and we will allow your visit as soon as possible.

Must I have follow-up care performed at AAVEC?

No.  In some cases, the veterinarian will arrange for you to return for follow-up treatment; however, like the human ER, our ultimate goal is to perform emergency care and allow you to follow up with your regular veterinarian who is more familiar with your pet's medical history and can track his or her improvement long-term.  Regular veterinarians keep the lines of communication open with our emergency veterinarians to ensure that your pet progresses well once he or she is discharged from AAVEC.

Do you have other questions?

Please call 410.224.0331--  24 hours a day -- to discuss your question with a Client Service Team Member.