Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions after your pet's surgery

• Click here for answers to common questions you might have if you are worried about your pet's recovery.

Questions about the Veterinary Teaching Hospital

• What is a Veterinary Teaching Hospital?

  A Veterinary Teaching Hospital is a large veterinary clinic, usually associated with Universities, established to train veterinarians and veterinary nurses. Because the people who teach these budding veterinarians have postgraduate qualifications and a wealth of clinical experience, we are fortunate to be able to also offer referral services to members of the public. Although there are Veterinary Teaching Hospitals all over the world, Massey University at Palmerston North has the only one in New Zealand.

• Can anyone bring their pet/animals to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital?

  Yes, absolutely! You don't need a referral. We offer a first opinion service for all creatures great and small.
  
  If you are wanting to come to us for a second opinion on a case, please be aware that we are ethically obliged to inform your veterinarian that you are here.

• So will veterinary students be ‘practising’ on my animal?

You should view a Veterinary Teaching Hospital in exactly the same way as a large ‘human’ hospital where there are lots of junior doctors (house surgeons and registrars) assisting senior staff. The junior staff perform simple procedures under the supervision of senior staff and may assist senior staff in higher level diagnostic or surgical procedures.

• What is a Specialist?

A veterinary specialist is a registered veterinarian with an exceptionally high level of skill that is well above that of a practitioner in the same discipline. A specialist must have undergone extensive advanced supervised training, culminating in the passing of a rigorous set of examinations. The Veterinary Council of New Zealand is the body responsible for regulating the veterinary profession (www.vetcouncil.org.nz).

• Will my pet be used in ‘research’?

Very occasionally, we may run clinical studies but your full consent would be sought in writing prior to your animal being enrolled in any study.

• How much will a referral to the MUVTH cost me?

This varies from procedure to procedure. Following communication between your veterinarian and the veterinarian at Massey, your veterinarian will be able to give you a rough idea of costs. It may not be until your pet has been seen at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital (and possibly after some diagnostic procedures have been performed) that we know the best course of action and expected costs. This will be discussed in more detail with you during your initial visit and a more accurate estimate of costs given to you at that time.

• When do I have to pay my account?

For your convenience, we have cash and credit terms available. For cash clients, a 50% deposit of the maximum estimate is required after the initial consultation. (A 100% deposit of the minimum estimate is required for people picking their pets up in the weekend.) Payment of the balance is required upon discharge of your animal. If you wish to apply for credit, we strongly urge you to contact our Accounts’ Administrator before your visit on (06)3505329. A copy of our Terms and Conditions of Trade can be sent and credit approval can be prearranged. For credit approval to be confirmed, you need to be over 18 years old and have two forms of identification (one with a photograph) with you at your initial visit.

• Can I bring my pet’s favourite belongings along?

Yes, it often makes pets feel more at home and relaxed. However, we operate an ‘all care and no responsibility’ policy for personal belongings. It is not uncommon for belongings to get soiled when they are with pets while they rehabilitating in the confines of a cage. Please think twice about leaving particularly valuable items with us.

• Is the hospital staffed 24 hours per day?

  No, we have nurses on duty from 7:30 am until 9:00 pm Monday to Friday. Unless special circumstances call for it, the hospital is not staffed outside these hours. During the weekend, pets are checked and exercised at least twice each day and often times more frequently.

• How can I get my pet transported to Massey?

  Pets are frequently flown to us from all around the country. We recommend you contact Pet Care Specialists or look up Pet Transport in the yellow pages.