Veterinary Referral FAQs

Find answers to common questions about referrals, specialist surgery (orthopaedic, soft tissue, minimally invasive and neurosurgery), physical therapy and rehabilitation, advanced imaging/CT support, and visiting Brindabella Veterinary Referral Service in Canberra, ACT.

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General Questions

What does Brindabella Veterinary Referral Service do?

Brindabella Veterinary Referral Service provides specialist veterinary referral care for dogs and cats. Our services include specialist surgery (orthopaedic, soft tissue, minimally invasive and neurosurgery), physical therapy and rehabilitation, and advanced imaging/CT support.

Where is BVRS located?

Brindabella Veterinary Referral Service is located at:
82 Hardwick Crescent, Holt, ACT 2615
We support pet owners and referring vets across Canberra, the ACT and surrounding areas.

Do you provide emergency care?

No. BVRS is not a 24-hour emergency hospital and does not provide emergency walk-in care.

If your pet needs urgent or emergency care, please contact your regular veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary hospital.

What animals do you treat?

BVRS treats dogs and cats only.
We do not treat rabbits, birds, reptiles, exotic pets, small mammals, horses or livestock.

Referral Questions

Do I need a referral from my regular vet?

Most specialist services at BVRS are referral-based, which means your regular veterinarian will usually refer your pet to us. This helps us understand your pet’s history, previous treatment and current care needs.

Physical therapy may have a different referral pathway depending on your pet’s situation.

Can I contact BVRS directly?

Yes. Pet owners can contact our team with questions, especially if their pet has already been referred or they would like to understand the referral process.

For specialist surgical care, we usually work with your regular veterinarian as part of the referral pathway.

How do vets refer a patient to BVRS?

Referring vets can submit patient information through our referral form or contact our team directly. We aim to provide clear communication, timely updates and collaborative support throughout the referral process.

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What areas do you serve?

BVRS serves Canberra, the ACT and surrounding areas, including Queanbeyan, Bungendore, Murrumbateman, Yass, Nowra, Batemans Bay, Cooma, Jindabyne and the Snowy Mountains.

Pet Owner Questions

What should I bring to my pet’s consultation?

Please bring any information requested by our team, along with your pet’s current medications, relevant medical history and any questions you would like to discuss. Your referring vet will usually provide medical records and referral information before your visit.

What happens during a referral consultation?

During a referral consultation, our team will review your pet’s history, assess their condition and discuss recommended next steps. This may include further diagnostics, surgery, rehabilitation, imaging or a tailored treatment plan.

Will my regular vet be kept informed?

Yes. Communication with referring vets is an important part of how we work. We aim to provide timely updates and clear information so your regular vet remains involved in your pet’s ongoing care.

How should I prepare my pet for surgery?

Preparation depends on the procedure and your pet’s individual needs. Our team will provide instructions before your pet’s surgery, including information about food, medications, arrival time and what to expect on the day.

What happens after surgery?

After surgery, our team will provide post-operative instructions and recovery guidance. Some pets may also benefit from physical therapy or rehabilitation as part of their recovery plan.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Questions

Does BVRS offer physical therapy?

Yes. BVRS has a physical therapy and rehabilitation service for dogs and cats. This may support pets recovering from surgery, managing mobility concerns or living with musculoskeletal disease.

What rehabilitation services do you offer?

Our rehabilitation services may include rehabilitation nursing, laser therapy, TENS therapy, manual therapy, cryotherapy and post-operative support.

Can my pet self-refer for physical therapy?

Pets may be referred directly to our physical therapy team by their regular vet. If your pet does not have a referral, they may be able to see one of our physiotherapists first. Please contact our team so we can guide you through the right pathway.

Do you offer hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is planned as a future service when BVRS moves into its new facility, but it is not currently available.

Payment Questions

What payment options are available?

BVRS accepts VetPay and GapOnly, and our team can help with pet insurance claims. Please contact our team for current payment information and to discuss what may apply to your pet’s care.

Can I claim through pet insurance?

Many pet owners use insurance for specialist veterinary care. Please contact your insurer directly to confirm your level of cover, claim requirements and any pre-approval steps that may be needed.

Contact Brindabella Veterinary Referral Service

If you have questions about referrals, specialist services, physical therapy or your pet’s upcoming visit, our team is here to help.