FAQs
Caring for the Whole Family
Leading the Way in Veterinary Emergency, Hospital, and Specialised Care
At Lake Road Veterinary Hospital, we believe a healthy family includes every member — human and animal.
As the Riverina’s trusted 24/7 emergency, referral, and general practice hospital, we combine compassionate care with industry-leading facilities to give your pet the very best chance of a happy, healthy life.
Whether it’s a late-night emergency, advanced diagnostics, or ongoing health care, our team is here for you around the clock, ready to support your pet — and your family — every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are you really open 24 hours a day?
Yes — we are staffed 24 hours a day, every day of the year, including weekends and public holidays. We always have experienced veterinary nurses on-site to triage patients at any time of day or night, and veterinarians available around the clock for emergencies and hospital care.
2. Do I need an appointment, or can I just walk in?
For routine consultations, vaccinations, and general care, please make an appointment.
For emergencies, you can come straight down — however, if there’s time, we strongly recommend calling ahead on (02) 6922 4659. Many emergencies require preparation, and a quick call allows our team to get ready, which can save your pet’s life. Our nurses are always ready to triage on arrival.
3. What should I do if my pet has an emergency after hours?
Bring your pet directly to the hospital at Lake Road, Wagga Wagga. Call us on (02) 6922 4659 on the way if you can. The more information you give us over the phone, the more prepared we can be for your arrival — and in critical cases, those minutes can make all the difference.
4. Can you take referrals or patient transfers?
Yes — we regularly accept patient transfers and referrals from other veterinary clinics for advanced diagnostics and care. This includes:
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CT scans
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Cardiac investigations including echocardiograms
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ICU and critical care patients
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Ventilated patients
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Thoracic or major surgery
We work closely with referring vets to ensure seamless, professional care for complex cases.
5. Do you treat all animals?
Yes — we care for cats, dogs, pocket pets, livestock, and more. While most of our work is with small animals, we can provide care for a wide range of species, and if your pet needs something we can’t offer, we’ll connect you with a trusted colleague who can help.
6. How do you update owners about hospitalised pets?
Our nursing team provides morning updates, and our vets call between 10 am and 2 pm to discuss your pet’s progress and any treatment decisions. You can also book hospital visits through our reception team to see your pet while they’re in our care.
7. What payment options do you offer?
We offer a variety of payment options including EFTPOS, credit card, and VetPay. We operate on a fee-for-service model with single day billing:
Day patients & consultations – payment is due on the day.
Hospitalised patients – a bill is generated each day and must be paid by 4 pm.
If payment isn’t received by then, treatment may be paused until payment or cleared funds are received.
8. Do you recommend pet insurance?
Absolutely. Pet insurance can make all the difference in emergencies and serious illness, helping you choose the best treatment for your pet without finances being the main deciding factor. We’ve seen many pets survive and thrive thanks to their owners being insured.
9. What advanced diagnostic tools do you have on-site?
We have CT scanning, ultrasound, digital X-ray, comprehensive blood testing, organ function studies, and blood gas analysis — all available 24/7. This means we can quickly diagnose and begin treatment, even in the middle of the night.
10. Do I need a referral to bring my pet to Lake Road Veterinary Hospital?
No — you don’t need a referral to come to us. If your pet is already under the care of your regular vet, we recommend bringing along any previous test results or diagnostic reports as they can help our vets make faster and more informed treatment decisions.