When your pet faces a sudden health emergency, you frantically try to find facilities where you can bring them. A basic internet search could direct you to local clinics offering pet care, but how can you tell if you need to bring your four-legged friend to an animal hospital vs. a vet clinic? Our team at Hudson Animal Hospital breaks down the key differences between these facilities below.
Pet Owners May Need Both Facilities
You want the best for your furry friend. In order to give them top care, you’ll have to bring them to a veterinary clinic for routine check-ups and other types of preventive pet healthcare. During routine exams, veterinary technicians and a licensed veterinarian may administer vaccines, listen to your pet’s heart and lungs, and conduct a general check of your pet’s health.
You should schedule regular appointments at an internal medicine practice so experts can monitor your pet’s care and address any health concerns. This doesn’t mean that you may never need to bring your pet to an animal hospital.
While there are differences in the services you’ll receive at an animal hospital vs. a vet clinic, both offer comprehensive pet care to keep your loyal companion healthy. In emergency situations where your pet’s life is at risk, bring them to a facility offering specialized care around the clock.
Five Distinct Differences Between a Veterinary Hospital and a General Clinic
You don’t want your pet’s health to suffer because you don’t understand the differences between local animal healthcare facilities. Use the information below to determine which one best suits your pet in various situations.
1. Hospitals Handle Emergency Services Rather Than Routine Care
Ask an expert to define an animal hospital vs. a vet clinic, and they’ll tell you to consider where you’d go for certain medical treatment. You’ll likely visit your doctor’s office for yearly check-ups and minor health concerns, while a trip to the emergency room is your best option if you’re in a traumatic accident or are in critical condition.
A standard veterinary clinic is where you should bring your pet for check-ups, while a vet hospital is better suited for emergency pet care. If your pet’s condition isn’t dire, it’s best to call your regular veterinarian to set up an appointment.
2. Veterinary Specialists May Not Be On Site in a Clinic
Veterinary schools provide advanced training to animal health practitioners. While a licensed veterinarian working in a basic animal clinic can diagnose a wide range of health concerns, they may have to refer you to another provider for specialized care.
Hospitals have to prepare for any type of pet emergency and, therefore, keep various specialists on staff, such as:
- Animal oncologists
- Orthopedic experts
- Neurology specialists
- Veterinary cardiologists
These veterinary professionals can handle complex cases involving dogs, cats, and even exotic animals.
3. Hospitals Provide Overnight Care, While Clinics Focus on Outpatient Treatment
A key component to keep in mind when debating going to an animal hospital vs. a vet clinic is the type of treatment each facility provides. It’s not uncommon for emergency care facilities to board pets for overnight stays. This allows doctors to monitor any changes in their condition and ensures they can administer emergency veterinary care if necessary.
The average animal clinic offers outpatient treatment only. Even if it offers basic surgical services like spaying and neutering, it likely won’t keep animals who need critical care overnight.
4. An Animal Hospital Often Has More Specialized Equipment
Doctors and vet techs have to uncover the problem affecting a pet’s health and figure out the best way to treat it. For ill or injured pets, they’ll need advanced diagnostics. Some standard veterinary medicine practices have access to diagnostic equipment, but hospitals tend to have much more medical technology.
Bring your fur baby to an animal hospital and expect to see high-quality diagnostic equipment, including:
- X-ray machines
- Ultrasound equipment
- Full-scale testing laboratories
These facilities often perform dental cleanings on animals, which require additional equipment that most preventative care practices don’t have.
5. Surgical Treatment Varies
Ask a veterinary surgeon about the procedures they perform in an animal hospital vs. a vet clinic, and they’ll tell you that the former usually involves more complex treatment.
A general wellness practice usually offers common surgical procedures to spay and neuter pets. Depending on the practice’s resources, providers may offer additional surgical services, though pet parents may need to contact a nearby veterinary hospital for comprehensive care.
In a hospital setting, animals may undergo various operations, such as:
- Tumor removal
- ACL repair
- Tooth extractions
- And more
Situations Requiring Specialized Veterinary Services at an Animal Hospital
You may debate bringing your pet to an animal hospital vs. a vet clinic, but some scenarios are too dire to wait. Take your fur baby to a nearby hospital in any of the following situations:
- They experience shortness of breath: Have an emergency veterinarian evaluate your pet’s labored breathing to diagnose an underlying problem.
- They have a seizure: This neurological issue requires an emergency visit and continued monitoring.
- They sustain serious trauma: Dog fights, car accidents, and other unfortunate situations that leave an animal injured call for treatment at a full-scale animal hospital.
- They ingest a harmful substance: If your pet gets into your stash of chemical cleaning supplies or comes in contact with other toxic substances, it’s an emergency requiring a trip to the local animal hospital.
You know your pet best. If their behavior changes or they experience alarming symptoms, don’t delay seeking treatment.
Hudson Animal Hospital Is Here for All of Your Pet’s Needs
Stop weighing whether to bring your beloved companion to an animal hospital vs. a vet clinic. Hudson Animal Hospital is the veterinary practice that you can count on for superior medical care in any situation.
We offer preventive care services in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, as well as emergency interventions for ill dogs and cats. Trust our caring, well-trained staff to deliver compassionate care during every appointment. Contact us at (212) 706-4088 when your pet is sick or if you need to schedule a wellness exam.