Specialist Referrals
Working together with Sydney’s leading veterinary specialists to provide the best possible care for your pet.
Most health conditions can be diagnosed and treated within our hospital. Occasionally, however, a pet may benefit from the advanced expertise, equipment or procedures available through a veterinary specialist.
When that happens, we'll help guide you through the referral process while continuing to support both you and your pet every step of the way.
When might a specialist referral be recommended?
A referral is recommended when your pet would benefit from specialised knowledge or advanced procedures that are beyond the scope of general practice.
This doesn't mean we've reached the end of your pet's care—it simply means we're bringing additional expertise into your pet's healthcare team.
Our priority is always to recommend the approach that offers the best outcome for your pet.
Common reasons for referral
We may recommend referral for:
Complex orthopaedic surgery
Advanced soft tissue surgery
Neurology
Cardiology
Oncology (cancer care)
Dermatology
Internal medicine
Ophthalmology
Advanced diagnostic imaging such as CT or MRI
Complex behavioural cases
Every referral is based on your pet's individual needs and circumstances.
Choosing the right specialist
We work with a network of respected veterinary specialists and referral hospitals throughout Sydney.
When recommending a specialist, we consider factors such as:
The type of condition being investigated
The specialist's experience and expertise
Location and accessibility
Availability for urgent cases
Continuity of care
We'll discuss the available options with you so you can make an informed decision that's right for both your pet and your family.
What happens during the referral process?
We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Typically, we will:
Discuss why a referral is recommended.
Prepare a detailed referral history, including examination findings and treatment to date.
Forward relevant blood test results, imaging and medical records.
Help you arrange an appointment with the specialist if required.
Remain involved in your pet's ongoing care after the specialist consultation.
This ensures the specialist has the information they need before your appointment and avoids unnecessary duplication of tests wherever possible.
We remain part of your pet's healthcare team
A referral doesn't mean your relationship with us ends.
In fact, we continue to work closely with the specialist throughout your pet's treatment.
This may include:
Discussing test results
Reviewing treatment recommendations
Providing ongoing medications
Performing follow-up examinations
Monitoring long-term conditions
Answering your questions after specialist visits
Our role is to help you understand the recommendations and support you in making informed decisions throughout your pet's care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't everything be done at one veterinary hospital?
General practice veterinary hospitals provide a very broad range of medical and surgical services. Veterinary specialists undertake several additional years of advanced training in a specific discipline and often have access to highly specialised equipment, such as CT scanners, MRI machines or advanced surgical facilities.
Working together allows pets to benefit from both comprehensive general practice care and specialist expertise when needed.
Do I have to see the specialist you recommend?
No. The decision is always yours.
We're happy to discuss the available referral options and provide the information you need to choose the specialist or referral hospital you're most comfortable with.
Will my pet come back to you afterwards?
In most cases, yes.
Following specialist treatment, your pet usually returns to us for ongoing monitoring, routine healthcare and long-term management, with the specialist remaining available if further advice is needed.
Are specialist services more expensive?
Specialists are independent veterinarians and set their own consultation and treatment fees. We'll encourage you to discuss likely costs with the specialist hospital before your appointment so you have a clear understanding of the expected expenses.
Working together for the best outcome
One of the strengths of modern veterinary medicine is the ability for general practitioners and specialists to work together.
Our goal is always to ensure your pet receives the right care, from the right people, at the right time.
Whether your pet's condition can be managed entirely within our hospital or requires specialist expertise, we'll continue to support you throughout the journey and help you make informed decisions every step of the way.