Specialty Referrals for Your Pet

If your pet needs advanced care, your veterinarian may recommend a consultation with a veterinary specialist. Specialists are veterinarians who have completed additional years of advanced training and board certification in a specific field—such as surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, or ophthalmology.

Not every pet or situation requires specialty care. It’s an option your veterinarian will discuss if your pet’s needs align with a specialist’s expertise. Some clients decide not to pursue referral care, and that’s perfectly fine.

How to Begin

You can start the process any time using our Referral Tool to locate a specialist by field and location.

We don’t have a preference for which cardiologist, surgeon, or other specialist you see. All providers listed on our referral page are reputable and qualified. We also do not have access to their pricing—costs vary widely by hospital and procedure—so be sure to ask about estimates and payment options directly when scheduling.

What to Expect

1. Before the visit: The specialty office will request, and we will submit, your pet's complete records.

2. During the visit: You’ll meet the specialist team and review their plan. Bring your questions—this is the best time to clarify anything about care or cost.

3. After the visit: The specialist sends us a detailed report, and we continue your pet’s ongoing care based on their recommendations.

Communication and Follow-Up

Anytime you see your specialist, they will share reports on the visit with us.

However, questions about the specialist’s plan—medication changes, prognosis, or costs—should be directed to the specialist’s team.

In Summary

Specialty care is optional and sometimes costly, but it can provide access to advanced diagnostics and expertise when your pet needs it most.

During the visit, take time to get all your questions answered- the plan, prognosis, and the costs. Our hospital will be kept in the loop each time your pet visits their specialist and we work as a team to give your pet the best possible outcome.