At Vet HQ, we know that the decision to bring your beloved pet in for surgery can be stressful and emotional. You trust us with your furry family member, and we take that responsibility very seriously. To help put your mind at ease, we want to walk you through what happens behind the scenes, every step taken to ensure your pet receives the best possible care.
1. Pre-Surgical Prep Begins Before You Arrive
Your pet’s surgery day actually begins well before you walk through our doors. In the days leading up to the procedure, our team carefully reviews your pet’s medical history, any previous surgeries, allergies, and current medications. We want to understand the full picture so we can tailor every aspect of care to your pet’s unique needs. If your pet is on any medication prior to surgery, our team will be able to advise if this medication should or shouldn’t be given prior to your pet’s procedure.
In the early morning before your arrival, our surgery team prepares the operating room and sterilizes all surgical instruments. We confirm the surgical schedule, review your pet’s case one more time, and begin preparing the anaesthetic protocol. This protocol is custom-designed to fit your pet’s size, breed, age, and health status, our goal is always maximum safety and comfort.
2. Admission
When you drop your pet off the morning of their procedure, you will be admitted by one of our friendly and knowledgeable veterinary nursing team. They will go through with you the procedure to be performed that day, answer any questions or concerns you may have and go through the estimate of costs for the procedure to be performed.
Once you leave your pet with us, they are taken out the back to our hospital team.
The vet assigned to your pet’s procedure that day will firstly do a complete physical examination to confirm everything looks good for surgery that day. If your pet is nervous or anxious about being in hospital during their physical examination, the vet may decide to give your pet a oral sedative medication to help keep them calm and minimise any stresses during their day with us.
3. Anaesthesia
Every pet is unique, and so is their anaesthesia plan. Our vets determine the safest drug protocol based on your pet’s size, age, breed, and health status. If pre-anaesthetic bloodwork hasn’t already been done, we’ll perform it the morning of surgery to check organ function and confirm that your pet is healthy for anaesthesia that day. This also aids the vets in preparing their anaesthetic plan to minimise any identified risks.
When the vet has their anaesthetic plan ready and all equipment is set up for your pet’s procedure, your pet will be given their injectable sedative drugs. This usually happens 10-30 minutes prior to their procedure.
4. Monitoring Throughout the Procedure
Once your pet is nice and sleepy after their sedative drugs, they are gently placed under general anaesthesia. This involves placing an endotracheal tube down their windpipes so we can monitor and control their breathing. Before the procedure starts your pet is connected to several monitoring devices allowing us to monitor and manage their; heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, breathing rate, temperature and heart rhythm. During surgery, your pet is never alone. They are continuously monitored by one of our trained veterinary nurses, whilst the vet performs the procedure.
5. Recovery
Once the procedure is complete, your pet is moved to a quiet, warm recovery area. A veterinary nurse stays by their side, monitoring vital signs and keeping them comfortable as they wake up. Pain management is a top priority, so every pet receives tailored medications to minimize discomfort and optimise recovery.
6. Post-Surgical Care and Going Home
When your pet is alert and stable, we’ll call you with an update and arrange a discharge time. During pick-up, your vet will go over detailed home-care instructions, including medications, activity restrictions, and signs to watch for. We will also organise a recheck appointment so we can ensure your pet is recovering appropriately. Our team is always just a phone call away if you have any questions.
We understand that leaving your pet in our care for a surgery or dental procedure can feel daunting. That’s why every step, from pre-surgical planning and tailored anaesthesia to continuous monitoring and recovery care, is designed with your pet’s safety, comfort, and wellbeing in mind. Our experienced team treats every patient as if they were our own, providing compassionate, attentive care throughout their visit.
We hope this behind-the-scenes look has given you confidence and peace of mind, knowing your furry family member is in safe and caring hands every step of the way.
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Both clinics offer the same standard of care, shared medical records and a collaborative team. Many clients choose the location closest to home, while others visit a specific vet they love. If you are unsure, our team can guide you to the clinic that best suits your pet’s needs.
Yes. We can often see urgent cases on the same day at either our Darlinghurst or Double Bay clinic. If the situation is critical, call us right away and our team will advise the safest next step and prepare for your arrival.
We combine warm, relationship-based care with advanced diagnostics, gold-standard cat facilities and a Fear Free approach. Many of our vets and nurses have been with us for years, providing genuine continuity and a familiar, trusted team for your pet.
Absolutely. Many families travel to us from Surry Hills, Paddington, Bondi, Woollahra and across the Eastern Suburbs because they value consistent care and our wide range of services under one roof.
You’ll meet a friendly team who takes time to listen, understand your concerns and get to know your pet’s personality. We explain everything clearly, discuss options and create a plan that suits your pet’s health and your family’s routine.
You can book online or call our Darlinghurst or Double Bay clinic. It helps to have your pet’s name, species, age, any current medications, and a brief summary of what you’ve noticed. If you have recent test results or notes from another vet, bring them along so we can get up to speed quickly.
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