Pets are beloved in households across the nation. Many people own one or more pets.
It is no surprise that these pets can get sick or injured just like humans do, and when they do it is important to seek veterinary medical help. Veterinary clinic services are relatively easy to find, but animal hospitals are few and far between.
Many people often confuse hospitals and veterinary clinics. Though they are related, there are several differences between the two facilities. We understand why people are confused by this pair, since both work with animals. But, there are differences between the two that you should know before visiting either one.
What It’s Like to Visit Animal Hospitals and Veterinary Clinics
If you’ve ever visited either an animal hospital or veterinary clinic, then you know the difference and how it feels like. Many people confuse between the two and end up visiting a vet clinic when they should go to an animal hospital. Vet clinics only offer advice while hospitals provide diagnosis, treatment, and surgery for animals in need of urgent attention.
So if something is seriously wrong with your pet, visit a hospital instead of a vet clinic! If you need a suggestion for a facility you can click here.
Animal Hospitals vs Veterinary Clinics
First, it’s important to know that veterinarians go through similar education to human doctors. Both must receive state-approved degrees followed by years of internship or residency in order to practice medicine. A veterinarian is a doctor who specializes in the care of animals while an surgeon is not a real medical term used for vets.
Veterinary clinics provide routine health examinations, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, microchipping, and other pet services while a hospital provides more extensive care including emergency care, intensive care units, surgical procedures, and overnight stays.
An important difference between hospitals and clinics is that a hospital will have the facilities and equipment to provide veterinary care for sick or injured animals, while a clinic may not.
In general, an animal hospital has more staff members including doctors, technicians, and receptionists compared with a veterinary clinic. An animal hospital also needs to stay open 24/7 in case an emergency comes up during odd hours while a clinic can close during off-peak times.
Veterinary clinics employ veterinarians who have gone through extensive studies and training but their jobs are often limited to performing routine wellness exams, vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering pets. The veterinarians working at a clinic may also serve as referrals if any of the pet’s health issues require further diagnostics or treatment.
A hospital has the ability to provide more comprehensive services for animals because of its larger pool of veterinarian resources. Veterinarians at a hospital also deal with emergencies that require surgery or overnight care, which gives them the experience needed to perform more complicated procedures.
Another way to tell if you’re looking at a veterinary clinic or hospital lies in the layout of the facility. If you see separate areas for cats and dogs, then it’s likely that it’s a vet clinic.
Animal hospitals are often built as one-stop facilities providing treatment for all kinds of animals including livestock, birds, and exotic pets such as reptiles. A typical canine room will have kennels or cages separated by function so they are set up for surgery, boarding, etc., while a cat room has cubicles with screened walls.
Lastly, it’s worth noting that many veterinary clinics are part of a larger animal hospital network where they can refer their more complicated cases or refer their clients to other branches in case they don’t have adequate facilities for the pet’s treatment.
If you are having any health issues with your pets, go straight away to your vet clinic and get them checked up immediately! Make sure you choose the right one. Veterinary clinics will only give out advice while an animal hospital is equipped to provide diagnosis and treatment. If you want comprehensive services then head over to an hospital where veterinarians have years of experience treating sick patinets.
Typical Services of a Veterinary Clinic vs an Animal Hospital
A veterinary clinic provides services such as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, micro-chipping, and wellness examinations for regular checkups. They also refer their clients to other branches in case they don’t have adequate facilities for the pet’s treatment.
An animal hospital has the ability to provide more comprehensive services for animals because of its larger pool of veterinarian resources. Veterinarians at an animal hospital also deal with emergencies that require surgery or overnight care, which gives them the experience needed to perform more complicated procedures. This is why it’s important to know what kind of facility you are visiting so that your beloved pets receive the proper treatment.
An overview of differences
• Pet clinics usually do not have the capability to provide emergency services
• Hospitals usually have more equipment and facilities, as well as a larger pool of veterinarian resources
• Veterinarians at animal hospitals deal with emergencies that require surgery or overnight care
• Hospitals are often built as one-stop facilities providing treatment for all kinds of animals including livestock, birds, and exotic pets such as reptiles. A typical canine room will have kennels or cages separated by function so they are set up for surgery, boarding, etc. while a cat room has cubicles with screened walls.
• Clinics refer their clients to other branches in case they don’t have adequate facilities for the pet’s treatment.
Conclusion
If you are having any health issues with your pets, go straight away to an animal hospital and get them checked up immediately! Make sure you choose the right one. Veterinary clinics will only give out advice while a hospital is equipped to provide diagnosis and treatment.
If you want comprehensive services then head over to a hospital where veterinarians have years of experience treating sick animals. Remember that vet clinic usually do not have the capability to provide emergency services. With all that said, veterinary clinics will only give out advice while an animal hospital is equipped to provide diagnosis and treatment. If you want comprehensive services then head over to an animal hospital where veterinarians have years of experience treating sick patients.
