FAQs

Our clinic is open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 6:30pm, and Saturday from 9am to 12pm. We are closed on Sundays.

Yes, we provide emergency services during our regular hours. We ask that if you are presenting an emergency that you call us (when possible) so we can make the necessary preparations. For after-hours emergencies, we can refer you to an emergency veterinary hospital.

You can schedule an appointment by calling us on (03) 9596 7333.

Please bring your pet’s medical history, any medications they are currently taking, and a list of any concerns you have.

We ask that you give us at least 12 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment to avoid a cancellation fee.

Costs can vary depending on the type of service or procedure. We can provide an estimate after discussing your pet’s needs. Please call us for more detailed information.

We do not offer payment plans but we will work with you within your budget and we accept all forms of payment including cash, eftpos and credit cards.

If you notice any changes in your pet’s behaviour, eating, or drinking habits, or if they show signs of illness, please contact us as soon as possible for an evaluation.

Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, exercise, and preventive care like vaccinations and dental cleanings are key to keeping your pet healthy. We can provide personalised advice based on your pet’s needs.

We offer boarding for cats in our brand new luxury cattery (see our cattery page on for photos and further details). We do not offer boarding or grooming services for dogs, however, we can recommend trusted facilities that provide these services.

Yes, we offer consultations for behavioural issues and can provide guidance or refer you to a professional trainer if needed.

Our clinic is located at 390 Bay Street, Brighton VIC 3186. For directions, please visit our Contact page.

You can reach us by phone on (03) 9596 7333, or via email info@brightonvet.com.au, or through our contact form on the website.

We offer onsite ultrasonography including echocardiograms as well as advanced orthopaedic procedures. If you have further questions about these services you can give us a call on (03) 9596 7333 or book in for an appointment.

We primarily care for dogs and cats, but we also see some small animals, such as rabbits and guinea-pigs. Please call us to confirm if we can accommodate your pet.

Yes, we offer spaying and neutering services. We’ll discuss the procedure and provide pre- and post-operative care instructions.

For dogs, core vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. For cats, core vaccines include rabies, feline calicivirus, feline herpesvirus, and feline panleukopenia. We’ll tailor the vaccine schedule based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.

Dental cleanings should be done annually or as recommended by your veterinarian, based on your pet’s dental health.

Depending on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors, we may recommend flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as regular deworming.

Follow our pre-surgical instructions, which typically include fasting your pet for a specific period before the procedure. We’ll provide detailed instructions when you schedule the surgery.

Post-surgery, your pet may need to rest and recover. We will give you detailed aftercare instructions, including medication, activity restrictions, and signs to watch for.

Anaesthesia, while generally safe, does carry some risks. We perform a thorough pre-anaesthetic evaluation and offer optional in-house pre-anaesthetic blood tests to minimize risks to ensure your pet’s safety.

Yes, we can help manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or kidney disease with appropriate treatment plans and regular monitoring.

We’ll provide instructions on how to administer medications and can demonstrate techniques if needed. There are also various forms of medications, including tablets, liquids, and topical treatments.

Contact us for guidance on what to do if you miss a dose. We can provide advice on how to get back on track with your pet’s medication schedule.

We can offer initial guidance on behavioural issues and may refer you to a professional animal behaviourist or trainer for more specialised help.

Addressing separation anxiety often involves behaviour modification techniques, environmental changes, and sometimes medication. We can help create a plan tailored to your pet’s needs.

You can request your pet’s medical records by contacting us directly. We can provide records to you or to another veterinary practice if needed.

We can assist with completing insurance claim forms. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for their specific requirements and process.

Our veterinary team includes licensed veterinarians and certified veterinary nurses. We adhere to high standards of care and continuing education.

We follow strict protocols for sanitation and infection control to ensure a safe and clean environment for your pet. This includes sterilizing equipment and maintaining a clean facility.

Yes, we offer tours of our facility. Please contact us to schedule a convenient time.

The type and amount of food your pet needs depends on several factors such as species, breed, age, weight, activity level, and any underlying health conditions. For more information see our blog “How Much Should I Feed My Pet?”

The frequency of check-ups for your pet depends on factors like their age, species, and overall health. For more information read our “How Often Should My Pet Have A Check-Up?” blog.

To determine if your pet is at a healthy weight, you can check a few key indicators:

• Feel their ribs – you should be able to feel them without pushing too hard.
• Look at their waist – From above, your pet should have a visible waist.
• Profile view – From the side, your pet’s abdomen should slope up from the ribs towards the back legs.
• Many vets use a BCS ‘Body Condition Score’

For more information, visit our “Is My Pet A Healthy Weight?” blog.

The specific vaccinations your pet needs, and when, depend on their species, age, lifestyle, and regional health risks. You can find more information, by reading our “What vaccinations does my pet need, and when?” blog.

To learn the specifics about which vaccinations your pet needs, book an appointment with one of our vets.

Pets can’t verbally express when they’re in pain or sick, so it’s important to recognize behavioural and physical signs that may indicate a problem. For more tips on how to know if your pet is in distress, visit our “How can I tell if my pet is in pain or sick?” blog.

Diarrhoea in pets can be caused by a variety of factors, and identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. Here are some common causes:

1. dietry issues
2. infection
3. toxins
4. medications
5. stress
6.  inflammation conditions
7. intestinal parasites
8. underlying health issues
9. poor hygiene

To learn more about how these factors affect your animal, read our “What causes diarrhoea in pets?” blog or organise a consultation by calling (03) 9596 7333.

Deciding to euthanize a pet is a deeply emotional and challenging decision. Here’s a general overview of what to expect during the process:

1. Consultation with Your Veterinarian: Discuss your pet’s condition, quality of life, and options with your vet. They can provide guidance on whether euthanasia is the right choice and help you understand what to expect.
2. Preparing for the Appointment: You may be given the option to say goodbye to your pet beforehand. Some owners find it comforting to spend a little extra time with their pet before the procedure.

To read more about the actual process of euthenasia, visit our “What to expect when euthanizing my pet?” blog. This blog goes into the process in more detail, and will give you more of an overview of what to expect.

Dealing with a dog’s smelly breath involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Here are some common strategies to help improve your dog’s breath:

– regular dental care

– changes in diet and nutrition

– regular vet check-ups

– hydration

and more… to learn more, visit our “How To Get Rid Of Bad Breath In Dogs?” blog.

Helping a cat achieve a healthy weight involves a combination of diet management, exercise, and monitoring. Here are some effective tips for weight loss in cats:

1. Consult Your Veterinarian
2. Controlled Diet
3. Increase Activity
4. Monitor Progress
5. Limit Treats and Table Scraps
6. Encourage Hydration
7. Manage Stress and Environment
8. Gradual Changes
9. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups

Yes, incontinence in animals is often treatable, though the approach depends on the underlying cause. Incontinence can occur in both dogs and cats and can result from various conditions. To learn more visit our “Is Incontinence In Animals Treatable?” blog.