Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book?Routine appointments may be booked several days or weeks ahead. For urgent on-the-day cases it is best to contact me directly via call or text. Please leave a voice message if I am unable to take the call, as I may be busy with another client.
What is the best way to contact you?Sending an appointment request via the website is the best way to book an appointment. Alternatively, you can email me directly with your query.
Calls should be limited to urgent on-the-day requests, but I will make an exception for those who aren’t as tech savvy!
What happens if my animal needs hospitalisation or surgery?If your pet requires hospitalisation, advanced diagnostics, or surgery, they will usually be referred to your regular veterinary clinic for ongoing care. If you do not currently have a regular veterinarian, River and Valley Veterinary Care can refer you to local clinics that are accepting new patients or are happy to see patients referred by our practice. Wherever possible, follow-up care can then be provided in your home by River and Valley Veterinary Care.
Please note that each veterinary clinic has its own fees and policies, and these costs will be discussed with you directly by the admitting clinic. Some clinics may also require an initial consultation prior to scheduling surgery as this allows them to provide the most accurate treatment plan and cost estimate.
If your goat, sheep or alpaca requires surgery, this may be done “in the field” (at your property). I have the ability to perform stitch ups of wounds, C-sections, dehornings, providing intravenous fluids among other things.
Under the Veterinary Service Standards in Tasmania, I am unable to perform any surgery on companion animals outside a clinic environment.
What days and hours do you work?I am a busy mum! So my days and hours are never set and may change week-to-week. When contacting me I am able to provide this information and work out a time which suits both parties.
I will be available some weekends for urgent cases and home euthanasia, and these will be advertised on my facebook page.
Do you provide out-of-hours emergency care?I may be available some weekends for urgent appointments and home euthanasia. I may also be available some evenings for urgent, non-life threatening appointments. These times will be advertised on my facebook page.
Weekends I am not available please visit the team at Animal Emergency Hospital Launceston, 207 Hobart Rd, Kings Meadows. They provide a 24 hour service from Friday evening to Monday morning. During the week please contact your regular veterinary clinic for afterhours care.
What is an urgent, non-life threatening appointment?Urgent, non-life-threatening appointments are for animals that are unwell and should be seen as soon as possible, but are stable and not in immediate danger. Examples may include:
Vomiting or diarrhoea that is persistent but your pet is otherwise bright and responsive
Mild to moderate lameness or limping
Ear infections or painful skin conditions
Eye problems without sudden blindness or severe trauma
Reduced appetite for 24–48 hours
Minor wounds or abscesses
Urinary signs such as straining, increased frequency, or blood in the urine in animals that are still able to pass urine
Coughing or sneezing without significant breathing difficulty
Sick sheep, goats or alpacas that are still standing and responsive
If your animal is collapsed, having difficulty breathing, unable to urinate, experiencing seizures, has suffered major trauma, or you are concerned they may not survive transport or the next few hours, please contact your regular vet or the Animal Emergency Hospital.