We know vet costs can be a worry, especially when care is unexpected. Here's what's available as payment options and in some cases, how you might be able to plan ahead to help you focus on your pet when it matters.
What to expect from our estimates
Before any planned procedure, you'll know what the costs are and why. Here's what you can expect every time:
You'll always receive one. Every planned surgical procedure comes with an estimate. An estimate is our best guide to the expected cost, based on what your pet's procedure usually involves. Sometimes costs can change once the procedure is under way. Your vet may identify something that couldn't be seen beforehand, such as a problem that's more extensive than expected. Your pet may also need extra time under anaesthetic, additional medication or a longer stay in hospital. If this takes the treatment plan above the estimated range provided, we'll call you to explain what your vet has identified and why, and get your approval before going ahead.
We'll talk it through with you, so it's easy to understand. A member of our team explains each part, such as the anaesthetic, nurse monitoring, pain relief and the recovery plan, and answers your questions.
You'll get it in writing. We will email you a copy, so you can read it again at home or share it with your family.
Clear payment terms. Full payment is required on the day of the procedure.
If anything on your estimate isn't clear, please ask. We're always happy to talk costs through.
Ways to pay and funding support
Payment for all veterinary services is due on the day your pet receives care. We know costs can sometimes come at an unexpected time, so the options below are here to help, and our team is always happy to talk them through with you.
Ways to pay on the day include:
Cards and EFTPOS: Visa, Mastercard and EFTPOS.
Afterpay: pay your bill in 4 instalments over 6 weeks. The first payment is made on the day, and the rest are taken automatically every 2 weeks. There's no interest, and no fees if you pay on time. Late fees apply if a payment is missed.
Zip Pay: pay your bill off over time with weekly, fortnightly or monthly repayments. There's no interest, but a monthly account fee applies if there's a balance owing at the end of your statement period.
Before you use Afterpay or Zip Pay: set it up in the provider's app first before your visit. Each has its own approval and spending limit, which may not cover the full cost of a larger procedure, so please check the provider's terms first.
Gap only Insurance Payments: if you have pet insurance with a participating insurer, we can lodge the claim for you on the day, so you pay only the gap. That means you don't need to cover the full bill upfront and wait to be paid back, which can make a big difference when care is unexpected. GapOnly insurance partners, including some of Australia’s most recognisable pet insurance brands.
Help with funding care
VetPay: a payment plan for vet bills, repaid over time. Interest and fees apply, so check the terms before you apply.
NILS (No Interest Loan Scheme): loans with no interest or fees for people on lower incomes. Approval can take some time, so it helps to apply as early as you can, however we know that's not always possible, especially when care is unexpected.
RSPCA Tasmania Emergency Vet Program: can help eligible concession card holders with emergency vet costs, up to $500 only. The RSPCA pays our vet directly, and you repay $40 a fortnight to the RSPCA.
After-hours emergencies
Pet emergencies don't keep business hours. That's why we keep our vets and our clinic available outside business hours, every day of the year, so our local community has support when it's needed most.
When you call us after hours, you'll be connected to our after-hours triage service. They'll talk with you about your pet and help work out whether it's an emergency. There's no charge for this triage advice.
If your pet needs to be seen by our emergency vet, an after-hours fee applies to the after-hours emergency consultation. The triage service will take this payment by credit card over the phone during your call, before your pet is seen. The after hours fee depends on when you call but it does not matter if it is Christmas day or a normal after hours day the same rate applies.
After-hours fee are listed below for your information
[Closing time] to 9pm: $433
9pm to midnight: $513
Midnight to 7.30am: $613
The fee covers the emergency consultation, after-hours access to our vet and clinic and the triage service's payment fee.
Any treatment, medication, tests, fluid therapy, ICU support or surgery your pet needs is charged separately, after the consultation.
Some Comments on Pet insurance
Pet insurance can help with unexpected costs and it is something we recommend our clients consider. Policies vary a lot, so it's worth reading the details before you choose.
Things to compare:
Type of cover: accident only, or accident and illness.
Waiting periods: how long after you sign up before you can claim.
Pre-existing conditions: most policies exclude conditions your pet had before cover started.
Limits: the most the policy pays each year, and any limit for a particular condition.
How much is paid back: the percentage of the bill covered, and any excess you pay.
How claims are paid: whether you pay first and claim back, or the insurer pays us directly.
Age and premiums: whether costs rise as your pet gets older.
If your insurer offers gap-only payment, we can lodge your claim on the day.
For other insurance claims, we can help by providing the clinical notes and invoices your insurer needs.
You are always welcome to call us on (03) 6428 2703 to talk through payment options for your pet's care.
