The term 'Veterinary Hospital' signifies a facility that is equipped and staffed to provide a higher standard of care, including 24-hour emergency services on call, advanced surgical and diagnostic capabilities, and dedicated in-patient wards, like our separate cat and dog ICUs and isolation wards. QVCC is built as a true hospital to handle complex and critical cases at all hours.
This is a crucial element of stress reduction and quality care. Dogs and cats have different needs and scents. By separating the wards, we minimise the noise, smells, and visual stress from other species, promoting a calmer, faster, and healthier recovery for all our patients, especially felines.
Plumbed-in oxygen is a significant safety feature. It ensures a continuous, high-volume supply is available instantly throughout our operating and treatment areas. There is no risk of running out mid-procedure or wasting precious time connecting a tank during an emergency, providing a superior layer of safety for every anaesthetised patient.
Dental procedures often involve removing large amounts of bacteria (from plaque and infection). By isolating the dental suite and its dedicated cages from the main surgical wards, we eliminate the risk of transferring harmful oral bacteria to patients recovering from sterile orthopaedic or soft-tissue surgeries, ensuring maximum safety for all patients.
When you press 'one', your call is instantly routed to the mobile phones of two of our dedicated, qualified QVCC team members (a vet and/or a nurse) who are on call. We do not use third-party services. This means you speak directly to someone familiar with our protocols who can offer immediate advice, triage the situation, and confirm the team is on-site and ready to receive your pet in the Triage Bay.
No, we do not require full payment before stabilising and treating a critically ill or injured pet. However, the veterinarian will discuss estimated costs with you as soon as your pet is stabilised and a treatment plan has been confirmed. There is a standard after-hours surcharge, which will be communicated during your initial phone contact or upon admission.
Time is vital. If a patient is bleeding, in kidney failure, or suffering from a toxic ingestion, sending blood samples to an external lab could delay results by hours. Our on-site laboratory gives us critical results such as organ function and red blood cell counts in minutes. This allows our vet to immediately tailor fluids, medications, and life-saving treatments, providing the fastest possible pathway to recovery.

IV (intravenous) fluids are essential for stabilising critical patients. They achieve three key things:

  1. Maintain Blood Pressure: Supporting circulation, especially in shock or trauma.

  2. Protect Organs: Flushes medications and toxins, supporting the kidney and liver function.

  3. Instant Access: Provides a secure vein access for rapid administration of life-saving drugs in case of a sudden downturn. This is a non-negotiable part of our gold-standard critical care protocol.

If you are worried, it's always best to call. Common signs that require immediate emergency attention include:

  • Difficulty breathing (gasping, blue gums).

  • Severe bleeding or a large open wound.

  • Collapse, unconsciousness, or inability to stand.

  • Persistent vomiting (especially if blood is present) or continuous straining without passing urine.

  • Known ingestion of poisons (e.g., rat poison, chocolate, human medication).

  • Seizures lasting more than two minutes or multiple seizures in a short period.

  • Severe trauma (e.g., hit by a car, significant fall).

Yes, we consider it necessary for all patients. It is a critical component of gold-standard care. IV fluids ensure stability by supporting blood pressure and organ function during anaesthesia. It is our proactive measure to minimise all risks, even for routine de-sexing, reflecting the level of care we want for our own pets.
Capnography is the measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in your pet’s breath. It is a crucial, advanced monitoring tool that provides an immediate and accurate check of how well your pet is breathing and how effectively the anaesthetic system is working. Monitoring CO2 allows us to detect and quickly correct any respiratory issues during the procedure, dramatically increasing patient safety.
Dental procedures often involve bacteria from the mouth and gums. By isolating the dental suite and its dedicated cages from the main surgical wards, we eliminate the risk of transferring harmful oral bacteria to patients recovering from sterile orthopaedic or soft-tissue surgeries, ensuring maximum safety for all patients.
Our pain management is multi-modal, meaning we use a combination of medications to target pain through different pathways, making it highly effective. This includes: 1. Pre-emptive Analgesia (before surgery); 2. Intra-operative Blocks (local numbing); and 3. Post-Operative Medication (take-home relief) to ensure comfort during recovery.
This varies depending on your pet’s genetics, diet, and home care. We recommend an annual check at a minimum. For most pets, a professional clean (COHAT) under anaesthetic is required every 1 to 3 years to maintain optimal oral health. Early intervention is always less costly and less traumatic than treating severe disease.
We strongly advise against this practice. Without anaesthesia, we can only address the visible part of the tooth and scale lightly, which is stressful for the pet. Crucially, we cannot perform dental X-rays or safely reach beneath the gum line where the most severe and painful disease occurs. A superficial cleaning leaves the most damaging parts of the disease untreated.
Untreated dental disease is painful and life-threatening. The infection will progress to cause root abscesses, leading to bone destruction, pus formation, and potential jaw fracture. Most seriously, the constant flow of bacteria from the mouth will put the pet at severe risk of developing secondary, major organ diseases affecting the heart and kidneys.
This is a crucial infection control measure. Dental procedures involve removing concentrated oral bacteria. By keeping dental patients in their dedicated, isolated dental ward, we eliminate the risk of transferring this bacteria to our main surgical recovery wards, protecting patients recovering from sterile surgeries.
Pets are masters at hiding pain, and often the symptom you call about (e.g., lethargy) is linked to a hidden problem (e.g., dental disease or weight gain). Our rigorous nose-to-tail exam ensures we check every major system and spot subtle, silent conditions like early arthritis, heart murmurs, or calculus build-up before they become serious and costly.
We generally recommend an annual comprehensive consultation for all adult pets, often coinciding with their annual vaccination boosters. For puppies and kittens, multiple visits are needed in the first year. For senior pets (typically 7+ years), we recommend check-ups every six months due to their rapid ageing process.
Yes, you can. If you are worried about your pet’s teeth or breath, you can book a Nurse Consultation. The nurse will conduct an oral health assessment and discuss preventative care options. If significant disease is found, they will then liaise with the vet to recommend the necessary surgical procedure (COHAT) and provide a quote.
As veterinary professionals, we rely on scientific evidence. We screen all foods, supplements, and preventatives to ensure they are the most effective, safe, and reliable options available. Our team is fully trained on these products, meaning you receive expert advice and a targeted solution tailored to your pet's needs, not just a generic recommendation.
Parasite prevention requires careful selection. Products bought from a pet shop may not cover all local risks (like the paralysis tick in certain areas) or may use less effective formulas. Our products are veterinary-grade, often require a prescription due to their strength and efficacy, and are backed by our team’s guarantee of coverage and safety. We only recommend the highest level of protection available.
Prescription diets are medical tools and should not be chosen without professional guidance. They are carefully formulated to manage specific pathologies (e.g., controlling mineral levels for kidney disease). During a consultation, our vet will diagnose the underlying issue and prescribe the exact diet required, ensuring the food actively supports your pet's recovery and stability.
Injectables remove the variable of human error. If you forget a monthly dose, your pet is unprotected. Injectable products, administered here, provide continuous, guaranteed protection for the full duration, giving owners absolute assurance that their pet is safe from debilitating and potentially fatal diseases.
Our screening process involves checking the product's evidence base. We verify that the supplement contains the correct, therapeutic levels of active ingredients (e.g., Glucosamine for joints), review independent veterinary studies on its effectiveness, and ensure it comes from a reputable, quality-controlled source. If the evidence shows it works, we stock it.

No, they serve different purposes, but they work perfectly together!

  • Pet Insurance is for unpredictable, catastrophic events (e.g., being hit by a car, sudden illness, major surgery).

  • The Pet Package is for predictable, routine wellness (consultations, vaccinations, preventative care, discounts).
    The Pet Package makes routine care cheaper and easier; insurance protects you against five-figure bills.

The base consultation fee is always waived. However, if you require a consultation outside of normal business hours, the after-hours surcharge (which covers the cost of having the team on call) still applies. The 10% discount on services and procedures would still apply to any emergency treatment required.
Absolutely. Older pets benefit the most from the Pet Package because they often require more frequent check-ups for conditions like arthritis, dental disease, or organ monitoring. The unlimited free consultations are invaluable for monitoring subtle changes in senior pets, ensuring early intervention.
We currently offer the package on an annual basis. (Note: If a pay-by-the-month option is introduced, it will be communicated here.) We are continually exploring options to make our gold-standard care as accessible as possible.
No, the benefits are effective immediately upon enrolment. Once you have completed the enrolment process, you can start using your free services, including nail clips, Hydrobaths, and the 10% discount, right away!
In a critical or emergency scenario, speed saves lives. Our on-site lab provides results on vital organ function and blood counts in minutes. This immediate data allows our veterinarians to start life-saving treatments like blood transfusions or specific fluid therapies without any delay, rather than waiting several hours for a courier and external processing.
No. Procedures like X-rays and Ultrasound can often be done with only mild sedation or even without any, provided the pet is calm and cooperative. However, for procedures that require the pet to be perfectly still (like Endoscopy, CT/MRI, or complex X-rays of a painful area), a safe, monitored general anaesthetic is often necessary to ensure both patient comfort and image quality.
We strive for speed. Once the imaging is completed at the partner facility, the files are digitally sent for specialist interpretation. We have access to services that can provide specialist reports back to us in as little as four hours. This rapid interpretation is key to making timely treatment decisions.
Ultrasound is incredibly beneficial because it provides a real-time, dynamic view of internal organs. Unlike X-rays, which show structure, ultrasound shows motion and texture. It is vital for identifying soft tissue masses (tumours), fluid around the heart, bladder issues, or checking the viability of an organ, often leading to a definitive diagnosis without the need for invasive surgery.
Our diagnostics are the basis for the specialists' work. We perform the initial X-rays and ultrasound on-site. If a case is complex (e.g., neurological signs or complex orthopaedic issues), the specialist requires a CT or MRI. We arrange the scan, and the specialist reviews these results upon their regular visit to QVCC, allowing them to formulate a targeted treatment plan (surgical or medical) without the owner ever having to travel outside the area for the consultation.
Yes. We encourage you to call and discuss your wishes and needs with our team ahead of time. We can finalise all paperwork, discuss aftercare (cremation vs. burial), and take payment over the phone. This allows your visit to be as brief and focused on your pet as possible.

We ensure a pain-free process by:

  1. IV Access: Placing an intravenous catheter for quick, guaranteed access.

  2. Sedation First: Often administering a sedative injection to help the pet relax into a deep sleep, free of anxiety.

  3. Final Injection: The final medication (an overdose of an anaesthetic) is then delivered through the catheter, causing the pet to drift quickly and peacefully away while deeply unconscious.

When you are acutely grieving, it is hard to absorb verbal information. We provide written advice on the grieving process so that once you are home and have the capacity to process it, you have resources and support materials available to help you navigate the stages of loss.
We do this purely out of compassion for the owner. Our goal is to ensure that after you have said goodbye, your focus is only on your grief and recovery. Being able to leave directly from the Quiet Room without having to go back to reception to deal with money is a small but important way we show our care.
No. If your pet is experiencing a critical, life-threatening emergency (such as difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, or collapse), the fastest and safest course of action is always for you to transport them directly to the hospital immediately after calling (07) 4939 1711. The Pet Taxi service is designed for scheduled transport for non-critical procedures.
If you choose home euthanasia, we can discuss aftercare options (cremation or home burial) and complete all paperwork and payment during the visit. If you choose cremation, our team will respectfully transport your pet back to the hospital in our vehicle for transfer to the cremation service.
Please ensure your pet is secure and comfortable. For cats and small pets, ensure they are in a secure carrier. For dogs, please have a lead and collar ready. If they are coming in for surgery or a dental procedure, please ensure they have fasted as per our instructions.
No. If your pet is sick, it must be examined by a veterinarian. Our vets will assess the situation and, if they determine the condition is non-critical, a home visit may be arranged. However, if the pet is showing signs of severe illness, we will always advise transport to the hospital, where diagnostics are available to make an accurate diagnosis.
This is known as the primary socialisation window. During this time, a puppy’s brain is highly receptive to new experiences, sights, sounds, people, and dogs. Positive, controlled exposure during these weeks is essential for preventing fear-based aggression and anxiety later in life. Our classes provide this crucial controlled environment.
Yes, our environment is safe. We only allow puppies who have had at least their first C3 or C5 vaccination and are confirmed to be within the correct age range. Furthermore, we host the classes on hospital property, where we have strict cleaning protocols, ensuring a low-risk environment for your puppy to socialise before they are fully vaccinated and can go out in public.
Our classes are run by our qualified veterinary nurses. This is a major benefit because they not only teach the essential obedience skills but are also experts in pet health, nutrition, parasite control, and post-operative care. This dual expertise ensures you receive comprehensive, reliable advice on all aspects of puppy ownership.
Yes. We dedicate time to discussing common behavioural issues, including effective, humane strategies for crate training and toilet training, ensuring you are using positive reinforcement methods that work best for your new puppy.
Graduation is only the start! We provide guidance on further training steps, including local obedience clubs and trainers, as dogs require continued education throughout their lives. The health information you receive will guide your preventative care decisions for the first year, and your discount card provides ongoing savings at the hospital.
We prioritise them because they offer the best coverage and maximum safety. Once administered by our professional team, the protection is guaranteed for the full duration, removing the risks associated with human forgetfulness or concerns about topical product transfer to children. It is our way of offering the gold standard in preventative protection.
Any vaccine carries a very small risk of a reaction. However, using the intranasal administration method for the Canine Cough vaccine significantly reduces the chances of a systemic (full-body) reaction often associated with injectable vaccines. We also use the highest coverage formulation available for the best protection.

Yes. Even indoor cats require protection. Diseases like Feline Panleucopaenia (Parvovirus) can be carried into the home on clothing or shoes. Furthermore, all cats are susceptible to intestinal worms (often carried by prey). While their lifestyle reduces some risks, a baseline of protection is still essential for gold-standard care.

Following vaccination, your pet may be slightly quiet or off their food for a day or have mild swelling at the injection site. This is normal. However, if you notice more severe symptoms such as facial swelling, vomiting, hives, or difficulty breathing, please contact QVCC immediately, as this could indicate a rare allergic reaction.
This is a discussion we have individually with every owner, as the ideal age can vary slightly based on breed, size, and gender. We generally recommend de-sexing around 5-6 months of age. This allows your pet to benefit from the health protections (like cancer prevention) before they reach sexual maturity.
The procedure is quick and is often compared to a standard vaccination injection. The microchip is tiny and inserted just under the skin between the shoulder blades. We can perform it easily during a routine visit, or if preferred, it can be done while your pet is under anaesthesia for de-sexing.
The primary benefit is safety. Our hospital status means we have two dedicated surgical suites, plumbed-in oxygen (for instant access), advanced monitoring equipment (including CO2 tracking), and a highly trained team. Applying these gold-standard protocols to a routine procedure drastically minimises risk and promotes a quicker, safer recovery.
We require that your pet is fasted (no food) from 8 PM the night before surgery to minimise the risk of aspiration during anaesthesia. Water should be available until the morning of the procedure. We will provide detailed written instructions upon booking and during your morning admission appointment.
Owners typically notice improvements in comfort and limb use within the first few weeks of consistent therapy. Full muscle rebuilding and functional recovery, however, require commitment to the entire 8-week program and continued adherence to the home exercise guide.
EMS involves placing electrodes on the skin over target muscle groups. The electrodes deliver a gentle electrical impulse that causes the muscle to contract. It is a safe, painless method used primarily in the first phase of recovery to prevent muscle atrophy (wasting) when the pet cannot yet safely put weight on the limb.
Absolutely. While arthritis cannot be cured, rehabilitation is highly effective for management. The exercises, combined with EMS, help maintain flexibility and muscle tone around the joint, taking pressure off damaged cartilage. This reduces pain, improves overall comfort, and is a vital complement to medical management.
Consistency is everything. Your pet only receives treatment at the hospital once a week. The gentle, frequent exercises you perform at home—even simple tasks like controlled walking or standing adjustments—are what prevent muscle regression and build the required stamina and strength for long-term functional recovery.
Because exotic pets are masters at hiding illness, routine check-ups are vital. We recommend an annual health check for most exotic species. This allows our vet to assess their health, review their husbandry, and catch subtle signs of disease before they become life-threatening emergencies.
Yes. As a Veterinary Hospital providing 24/7 emergency care, we are available for critical exotic pet emergencies. Please call ahead on (07) 4939 1711 so our team can prepare for their specific needs immediately upon arrival.
  1. Safety First: Do not attempt to handle snakes, bats, or any animal that poses a risk to you.

  2. Contact Us: Call us immediately. We can provide instructions on safe containment and transport, or advise on the next steps, including contacting specialist carers.

  3. Keep Warm and Quiet: Place the animal in a dark, quiet, secure box and keep it warm until it can be transported to the hospital or a carer.

After Hours & Emergencies
Please call 07 4808 2808