The Two Different Types of Veterinary Facilities
A vet clinic and an animal hospital are where pet owners bring their pets for healthcare. Both consist of a different range of facilities, specializations, and equipment. People typically are more acquainted with vet clinics where they generally bring their sick pets. On the other hand, an animal hospital is where people get an injured or seriously ill pet.
Treatment of sick animals can be costly, and knowing the difference between the two facilities is vital before booking a consultation. While they may seem pretty similar, treatment costs differ depending upon the situation and what kind of treatment is required.
What is a veterinary clinic?
The most notable distinction between a hospital and a clinic is the range of care that the veterinary staff will be able to provide to your pets. Most clinics are private institutions that focus on outpatient and preventative care. They have limited surgical options, diagnostic devices, and inpatient facilities. In addition, they do not offer as many specialist services.
What is an animal hospital?
Although hospitals are generally public institutions, some are private. Hospitals offer both outpatient and inpatient services. Other services include preventative care, intensive therapy, surgical procedures, and emergency treatment. Visit this “animal hospital near me” page for a reputable vet facility.
It’s easy to assume that the size of the building is the primary difference, but hospitals need a large area to house the sick animals who require more extended treatment. They also have more equipment than regular clinics. However, don’t think that a clinic is not worth your visit; it depends on your furry friend’s specific need, but both can provide high-quality veterinary care.
Typical Services in a Hospital
One of the inconveniences in a clinic is that when a vet needs examinations like radiography and blood work, you must bring your pet to a diagnostic lab. Whereas in a full-service hospital, you don’t need to go to other facilities because they already have an in-house veterinary diagnostic lab. You can also expect the following services: dental work, overnight stays, intensive care units, pharmacy, etc.
Surgical Procedures in a Hospital
Some surgical services for pets can be executed in a clinic, like a dog spaying and neutering. But those surgical procedures like veterinary orthopedic surgery, cancer removal, abdominal exploration, and other major ones are best performed in an extensive animal hospital.
A Rundown on Animal Hospital and a Veterinary Clinic
- Clinics provide more economical costs for routine care, whereas animal hospitals are more costly since they provide more specialized medical care.
- Animal hospitals have more staff and a comprehensive range of services than clinics. So it will be more cost-efficient if you have multiple pets and you’re able to bring them simultaneously to a one-stop facility.
- Clinics usually have modest operating rooms, while hospitals contain surgery suites for specialized surgical procedures. Hospitals also offer accommodations when your pet needs time to recuperate after a surgical procedure.
- Consult with your primary veterinarians about their recommendations on what is the best facility for your pets. Most veterinarians have experience working on both types of facilities and can guide you in taking the ideal step.