Questions & Answers about Tufts VETS
Q | What is the best time of day to arrive for emergency care?
A | Just like a human hospital, Tufts VETS utilizes a triage system to determine the order in which pets are seen, with the most critical cases receiving life sustaining care first. Rest assured that when you arrive one of our technicians will get a brief history and do a rapid assessment of your pet. Our triage team will determine if your pet’s case is most appropriate for our urgent care or emergency department. If your pet is determined to be in stable condition, there may be a wait to see the doctor or while tests are performed.
Please note that while we are prepared to see an emergency at any hour of the day, for safety, our front door is locked after 9pm. Please ring the doorbell between 9pm and 7:30am and a client service representative will answer as soon as they are able.
You are always welcome to call the hospital to inquire what the estimated client wait time may be upon arrival or if you are unsure if your pet needs to be seen.
Q | Can I bring my pet to Tufts VETS for routine care (heartworm testing, vaccines, dental prophylaxis)?
A | We provide ancillary specialty care to augment the care provided by your primary veterinarian. We recommend that you see your primary veterinarian for your routine pet health needs including heartworm testing, annual wellness bloodwork, dental prophylaxis and vaccines.
Q | Can I bring my pet to Tufts VETS for spay or neuter surgery?
A | At Tufts VETS we offer minimally invasive spay procedures, which are particularly beneficial for large breed dogs at risk of GDV, as we can perform the spay and prophylactic gastropexy in a minimally invasive fashion. Please note that the associated fees reflect the expertise of a veterinary surgeon utilizing specialized equipment.
In some cases, we can perform a traditional spay or neuter if your pet is undergoing another surgical procedure at our facility.
Q | Will my veterinarian be kept up-to-date on my pet’s care and receive copies of my medical record, bloodwork and x-rays?
A | A detailed record of your visit, testing performed, and medications dispensed is emailed to your primary veterinarian at the conclusion of your visit. If your pet is admitted to the hospital, your primary care vet with receive a notification of admission to the hospital. Further updates are not provided until the patient is discharged, but primary care vets are welcome to call for updates on their hospitalized patients. Please ensure that we have the correct contact information for your primary veterinarian.
Q | My pet is hospitalized at Tufts VETS. When should I expect to be updated on his/her condition by my veterinarian?
A | Our team meets for patient rounds each morning and evening to ensure seamless care of your pet between shifts. The daytime staff will assess patients after rounds and begin making updates. We aim to call with morning updates between 10am and noon. Be assured that you will receive a call immediately if there is an important change in your pet's condition.
Q | Can I stay with my pet while it is hospitalized or undergoing treatments?
A | Unfortunately, our facility was not designed to allow clients in treatment areas. There may be times when therapies are performed with the owner present, depending on the individual pet. However, most treatments are done in separate clinical spaces to allow for optimal working conditions and patient safety.
Q | Can I visit while my pet is hospitalized?
A | Yes, we encourage visitation whenever possible with special consideration given to your pet’s condition. Please schedule your visit with one of our dedicated emergency and critical care liaisons. Be aware that your pet may or may not be able to leave the ICU during the visit. They may require medications and/or treatments during your visit which may limit the duration. In addition, please understand that your veterinarian may not be able to meet with you during the visit depending on their schedule and patient needs.
Q | At Tufts VETS you offer 24-hour care. Who will be with my pet overnight while hospitalized?
A | Tufts VETS is staffed by a team of emergency personnel throughout the night.
Q | My pet is scheduled for a drop off appointment. What should I expect?
A | If you are asked to drop your pet off for an outpatient procedure or surgery, you will be given a specific drop off time to bring them in the morning, along with fasting instructions if necessary. When you arrive, a nurse will talk with you to get an updated history, review medications, and give you an idea of how their schedule is planned for the day. Your pet will then be taken to their dedicated kennel for the day and provided ample comfortable bedding and water. Dogs are walked at scheduled times throughout the day.
Drop off appointments are usually scheduled for early morning, regardless of what time the procedure will be performed, to allow the staff to get all patients registered and prepped for their procedures. You should receive a call with an update on your pet by the afternoon. You are welcome to call and check in on them throughout the day.
Q | Can I obtain refills on medications prescribed by my primary veterinarian?
A | As stated in Massachusetts state law, a valid client-patient relationship is required to prescribe medication to a veterinary patient. Therefore, your pet must be examined by one of our veterinarians for medication to be prescribed or refilled.
Q | Why do you require proof of a rabies vaccine?
A | Massachusetts General Law Part 1 Title XX Chapter 140 Section 145B (c) requires that Tufts VETS verify proof of current rabies vaccination for all dogs and cats presented to our hospital. If you do not provide a current rabies certificate for your pet, it may result in Tufts VETS vaccinating your pet prior to discharge at your expense.
Q | I found an injured/orphaned wild animal. Can I bring it to you?
A | We are not a licensed wildlife care facility. Therefore, we are only able to provide euthanasia services to gravely injured small wildlife animals. We recommend contacting the Tufts Wildlife Center in N. Grafton.
Q | Do you treat exotic animals?
A | Yes. We treat most small mammals and non-poisonous reptiles through our Urgent Care service. We do not treat birds, chickens, ducks, etc. We also do not offer routine wellness care for exotics.