FAQs

We understand how scary it is when your pet isn’t acting like themselves. If you’re ever concerned, please call our clinic right away. Our team will ask a few questions and advise you on next steps, whether that’s coming in for a check-up or monitoring at home. It’s always better to be safe and have us take a look if you suspect something is wrong.

Certain signs like trouble breathing, collapse, severe bleeding, or seizures mean your pet needs immediate help. If you notice any of these or your pet is in distress, get to a vet right away. We prioritize emergencies during our clinic hours. If a crisis happens when we’re closed, you should head to a 24/7 veterinary emergency hospital without delay.

We partner with a trusted local emergency service for after-hours care. If your pet needs urgent help when our clinic is closed, you can contact the Animal Referral & Emergency Centre (AREC) in Newcastle, or SASH in Tuggerah.

They’re open 24/7 and will provide immediate veterinary attention. We’ll receive a report from the emergency team so we can follow up with you and your pet as needed.

Yes, we welcome all kinds of pets at Edgeworth, not just cats and dogs. Our vets have a special interest and plenty of experience in treating birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, mice, reptiles (like snakes and lizards), and more. We understand these unique pets have specific needs, and we’re fully equipped to give them the gentle, knowledgeable care they require.

Absolutely. Exotic pets often hide signs of illness, so routine check-ups are very important. We recommend annual health checks (or more often for some species) to catch any subtle issues early. Our team is skilled in exotic animal care and can give you tailored advice on diet, housing, and preventive health to keep your unusual pet happy and thriving.

Of course. We know how important peace of mind is when it comes to your pet’s health. Our vets are happy to provide a second opinion on any diagnosis or treatment plan. We’ll review your pet’s history, perform a thorough examination, and then discuss our findings and recommendations with you in a caring, honest way.

You’re in good hands. Our clinic is equipped to handle many complex cases, from challenging medical conditions to advanced surgeries. Each of our veterinarians has special areas of expertise (such as surgery, internal medicine, or exotic animal care); we work together as a team to solve tough cases. If your pet ever needs care beyond our scope, we’ll refer you to a trusted specialist and collaborate closely to ensure your pet gets the very best care.

Look for a vet who makes you and your pet feel comfortable, listens to your concerns, and communicates clearly; a great clinic will treat your pet as family and provide continuity so you see familiar faces over the years. At Edgeworth Animal Medical Centre, we pride ourselves on being warm, patient, and thorough; we take the time to get to know you and your pet and tailor our care to their individual needs. Ultimately, trust your instincts and choose a clinic where you feel heard and supported.

We do our best to provide consistency. As a smaller independent clinic, we have a close-knit team, and we’ll strive to schedule you with your preferred vet whenever possible. We believe that building a long-term relationship with one veterinary team helps your pet feel more at ease and allows us to offer more personalised care at every visit.

Yes, behaviour is an important part of your pet’s well-being, and our vets can offer guidance on common issues like anxiety, barking, destructive chewing, or litter box problems. We’ll first check if there’s any medical reason for the behaviour, then work with you on training tips or changes at home that might help. If needed, we can also refer you to a qualified pet trainer or veterinary behaviourist for additional support.

Caring for your pet’s quality of life means looking after their physical health and emotional happiness. Make sure they get a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and plenty of mental stimulation through play and enrichment activities. Regular veterinary check-ups are also key, as they help us catch any health issues early and manage things like dental care or arthritis to keep your pet comfortable. Most importantly, give them love and attention, as a strong bond with you and a safe, enriching environment go a long way toward a happy life for your pet.

Absolutely. We’ll always explain the costs before we proceed with any treatment and provide you with a clear, written estimate after examining your pet and determining what they need. You’ll have time to ask questions and consider the options, and we’ll only move forward once you’re comfortable with the plan. Our goal is to be transparent and avoid any surprises, so you can make informed decisions about your pet’s care.

We want to make managing your pet’s care as stress-free as possible. Our clinic accepts cash, credit cards, and EFTPOS. We can also process many pet insurance claims on the spot through GapOnly, so you only need to pay the difference (the ‘gap’) while your insurer covers the rest. For larger or unexpected expenses, we’re an approved VetPay provider, allowing you to set up a manageable payment plan. If you ever have concerns about the cost of care, our team will work with you to find a solution that helps you feel confident about your pet’s treatment.