Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. What is a veterinary specialist? A veterinary specialist is a veterinarian who has undergone additional training and certification in a specific area of veterinary medicine beyond what is required for general practice. These specialists focus on providing advanced care and expertise in their particular field. See "what is a veterinary specialist?” for further details

2. What types of veterinary specialists are available in New Zealand? In New Zealand, veterinary specialists cover various areas including internal medicine, oncology, dermatology, ophthalmology, neurology, cardiology, soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, and emergency & critical care. These specialists offer advanced diagnostics, treatment options, and surgical procedures tailored to meet the specific needs of animals.

3. When should I consider consulting a veterinary specialist? You may consider consulting a veterinary specialist when your pet requires specialized care beyond the scope of general veterinary practice. This could include complex medical conditions, need for advanced diagnostics, advanced surgical procedures, or specialized treatments not available at your regular veterinary clinic. Preventative and general veterinary care such as dental procedures, vaccinations, and many other procedures are still provided by your primary care veterinarian, even if under specialist care for specific diseases.

4. What types of procedures do veterinary specialists do? The diagnostics and treatments will vary depending on location and specialty, but you may be referred for procedures such as echocardiogram, chemotherapy, fluoroscopy, endoscopy, CT scan, MRI, specialist ultrasound, intradermal skin testing, CSF fluid analysis, complicated or urgent soft tissue or orthopaedic surgeries, phacoemulsification, bronchoscopy, ventilator support, blood transfusions, among many others. A consultation to determine the best course of action is always part of a specialty appointment.

5. How do I tell if my veterinarian is a specialist? Only veterinarians who have completed all the criteria required to register as specialists are able to legally call themselves specialists.

There are other types of qualifications in New Zealand (such as membership of the Australian and NZ college of veterinarians or MANZCVS) which allow general practice veterinarians to demonstrate further knowledge in areas of special interest but these are not equivalent to specialist status.

Appointment and Referral Process

1. Do I need a referral to see a veterinary specialist? Yes, most veterinary specialists require a referral from your primary care veterinarian before scheduling an appointment. This ensures proper communication between your regular veterinarian and the specialist, as well as continuity of care for your pet. It also ensures the specialist has access to all medical records and previous test results prior to the appointment, and that the most appropriate specialty is chosen.

2. How do I obtain a referral to see a specialist? To obtain a referral, speak with your primary care veterinarian about your pet's condition. If they believe your pet would benefit from the expertise of a specialist, they will provide you with a referral and help you schedule an appointment.

3. Can I schedule an appointment directly with a specialist? In most cases, appointments with veterinary specialists must be scheduled through a referral from your primary care veterinarian. However, some specialty practices may offer certain services, such as urgent or emergency care, that do not require referral.

Payment and Insurance

1. Are specialist services covered by pet insurance? Many pet insurance policies cover specialist services, but coverage may vary depending on your specific policy and provider. It's important to review your policy details or contact your insurance provider directly to determine what is covered.

2. How much do specialist services cost? The cost of specialist services can vary depending on the type of treatment or procedure required, as well as the individual practice and location. In general costs can be greater than general practice veterinarians owing to the more expansive diagnostics and therapeutic options. Your veterinary specialist will provide you with an estimate of costs during your initial consultation or appointment.

3. What payment options are available for specialist services? Most veterinary specialist practices accept various payment methods including cash, credit/debit cards, and in some cases, pet insurance. Wellness plans with a general practioner vet will not apply at specialty hospitals. Some practices may also offer financing options or work with third party financiers to help make veterinary care more affordable for pet owners.