ⓘ We are always looking for new vet and nursing talent
ⓘ We are always looking for new vet and nursing talent
Click here for available roles Click hereI cannot give high enough praise to the whole team at CARE; the surgeons, vets, nurses and receptionist staff were all amazing. Our dog Marty was incredibly sick having a...
I would like to start off my review by saying how greatful I am for the customer service and care that this vet clinic gives. I have been once before...
My cat Dodo spent the very last part of his life with vet here, and I am so, so grateful for the care we both received. The vets and staff...
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CARE offers specialist services in Surgery, Internal Medicine and Critical Care. Our specialists work cooperatively to ensure your pet receives optimal care and a smooth recovery. Our referral service also works closely with your regular veterinarian to provide specialist treatment when needed and return your pet to their ongoing care as soon as possible.
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At CARE, our highly skilled team of specialists in Surgery and Internal Medicine work alongside a dedicated Emergency & Critical Care team that operates around the clock. This close collaboration ensures that every patient receives seamless, comprehensive care — whether for a sudden emergency or a complex ongoing condition. We’re available 24/7 for urgent cases and also provide referral-based appointments for specialist assessment and treatment. Whatever your pet’s needs, CARE is here to deliver expert care when it matters most.
Our surgery department offers a comprehensive array of specialised orthopaedic and soft tissue surgical procedures and services.
During your pet’s initial consultation, our specialist veterinary surgeons will carefully review their medical history and current symptoms. A comprehensive clinical examination will follow to assess your pet’s condition thoroughly. Based on the findings, we’ll develop a personalised diagnostic and treatment plan, using the latest evidence-based Veterinary surgery techniques to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet’s recovery.
Advanced Diagnostic Capabilities
To support accurate diagnosis and informed decision-making, we offer a wide range of advanced diagnostic tools, including:
Comprehensive Surgical Services
Our team performs a broad spectrum of orthopaedic, soft tissue, and neurological procedures, including:
Safe and Comfortable Surgical Experience
We utilise advanced anaesthetic techniques and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort throughout the procedure. Pre and post-operative care is provided in our dedicated ICU facility, where pets receive 24-hour veterinary supervision and support during recovery.
Our internal medicine department applies advanced diagnostic techniques and experience to optimise the care of patients with complex conditions.
When your pet is referred to our Internal Medicine team, our specialist veterinarians will begin by carefully reviewing their full medical history and any previous diagnostic tests. A detailed clinical examination will follow to assess your pet’s current condition. Where appropriate, we may recommend advanced laboratory testing or diagnostic procedures such as:
These advanced diagnostic tools help us gain a complete understanding of your pet’s health issues, enabling us to design a personalised and effective treatment plan. Our goal is to improve your pet’s quality of life while working collaboratively with you and your primary veterinarian.
Conditions Treated by Our Internal Medicine Specialists
Our internal medicine service covers a broad range of complex medical conditions, including:
Compassionate, Collaborative Care
We understand how important your pet is to you. That’s why we’re committed to providing compassionate care while using the most advanced medical knowledge and technology. Our internal medicine team partners closely with referring veterinarians and pet owners to ensure continuity of care and the best possible outcomes.
The Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency offers an Emergency and Critical Care service 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including all public holidays.
Our dedicated emergency veterinarians are available 24/7 to examine, assess, and treat pets experiencing urgent or life-threatening conditions. We understand how stressful these situations can be, and we’re here to provide rapid, compassionate care when your pet needs it most.
When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Attention
If your pet shows any of the following signs, immediate veterinary care may be necessary:
Prompt Diagnosis and Critical Care
Our emergency hospital is equipped with advanced point-of-care diagnostic tools to perform immediate testing and assessments upon arrival. This enables our veterinary team to quickly diagnose your pet’s condition and develop a clear, effective treatment plan.
During your consultation, we’ll discuss all diagnostic findings and treatment options with you in detail. We encourage you to ask questions—we’re here to support both you and your pet through every step of the emergency care process.
Intensive Care and Ongoing Support
If your pet requires hospitalisation, they’ll be admitted to our dedicated Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where they will receive 24-hour monitoring and expert care from our veterinary and nursing teams. When needed, our ICU team works closely with in-house veterinary specialists and has access to advanced diagnostic imaging, such as CT, ultrasound, and MRI.
The Centre for Animal Referral and Emergency is equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic imaging technology to support accurate and timely diagnosis.
We offer multiple imaging modalities, with radiographic studies performed using digital radiography. Our Philips Affinity 50 ultrasound machine delivers high-quality, detailed abdominal, cardiac and musculoskeletal imaging, performed by our internal medicine and surgical specialists.
We have recently upgraded to a 16-slice Siemens CT scanner, providing superior, high-quality computed tomography images for the diagnosis and assessment of musculoskeletal, cardiorespiratory, nasal, abdominal and neurological conditions. Our 3D modelling and printing capabilities also allow our surgeons to plan complex procedures that may require customised implants.
Our service additionally includes access to high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging when required.
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CARE is a busy, multi-specialist veterinary hospital located in Collingwood, close to the Melbourne CBD. The central location allows easy access, at all hours, to the best food and coffee Melbourne has to offer, as well as proximity to the vast array of festivals, exhibitions and sporting events held throughout the year.
Our state-of-the-art facility is bustling with an expanding team of specialists in Emergency and Critical Care, Internal Medicine, and Surgery, supported by experienced emergency veterinarians, dedicated nurses, and exceptional support staff.
The clinic was created with the goal to provide the highest standard of patient care and best possible patient outcomes, in a cooperative, team-oriented environment.
Our Teams work together to achieve these objectives for each and every patient we see. CARE is committed to providing a workplace that respects, supports and encourages the personal well-being and professional development of all staff.
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At CARE, we know your pet is a cherished member of your family. Whether you’re facing an unexpected emergency or exploring specialist care options, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, our dedicated team of Surgical, Medical and Critical Care specialists alongside a team of emergency veterinarians work together to deliver compassionate, expert care tailored to your pet’s unique needs. From urgent after-hours treatment to advanced surgical and medical services, we aim to achieve the best possible outcomes for every patient
At CARE Specialist Surgery, we know that making decisions about your pet’s health can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a complimentary initial consultation with our specialist surgeon - giving you the clarity and confidence you need before committing to surgery.
Why Choose CARE Specialist Surgery?
Complimentary Initial Consultation
Meet with our specialist to review your pet’s case, discuss surgical and non-surgical options, and understand potential costs — all at no charge.
Expert Insights, Zero Pressure
We’ll assess your pet’s condition based on your vet’s referral, history, and diagnostics. You’ll receive clear treatment recommendations and have the chance to ask any questions.
Your Choice: Teleconsult or In-Clinic
Prefer convenience? Book a phone or video consultation from home. Want to meet us face-to-face? Visit our modern Collingwood hospital
How It Works
Our Areas of Expertise
Benefits for You & Your Vet
Please phone us on (03) 9417 6417 to arrange a specialist appointment for your pet or a patient you would like to refer. Emergency consultations through our Emergency department do not require an appointment.
For referral consultations with our specialists, our referral nurses will be able to arrange an appointment, instruct you on any preparation that may be required and answer any specific questions you may have.
Please ask your regular veterinarian to email your pet’s pertinent history to admin@carevet.com.au before the consultation. Specialist consultations are most commonly performed in the morning, so procedures and diagnostics can be performed in the afternoon. For further information, please see Referral FAQ’s.
In the case of an emergency, appointments are not necessary, however it is advisable that you ring ahead to notify us that you are coming, so we can prepare for your pet’s arrival and give you some idea of waiting times. For further information, please consult the 24hr Emergency link.
Here are some frequently asked questions for clients whose pets are referred to our specialist departments. For Emergency FAQ's please go to "24 hour Emergency".
If you require immediate assistance, no appointment is needed. Please visit our 24-Hour Emergency page.
Do I need to bring any information to my appointment?
Typically, your regular veterinarian will forward your pet’s clinical history, laboratory results, and imaging studies to us via email before your consultation. However, please consider bringing:
Important: Let our specialist nurse know your regular vet’s name when scheduling your appointment, so we can contact them directly if required.
Should my pet fast before the appointment?
Fasting depends on the type of appointment and your pet’s individual needs. Please confirm specific instructions when booking your appointment.
General guidelines include:
What happens during the appointment?
Your specialist appointment will include:
If you decide to proceed with recommended procedures, you’ll sign a permission form and your pet will be admitted to our hospital.
What happens after my pet is admitted?
The procedure your pet undergoes determines their care plan.
General information:
My pet is already in the ICU. What if their care transfers to another specialist department?
If your pet’s care is transferred within our hospital:
The specialist becomes your primary contact and caregiver moving forward.
CARE collaborates closely with your referring veterinary team and trusted partners to provide seamless patient care and optimal outcomes.
Does my pet need an emergency consultation and what does this involve?
If your pet has developed any signs which concern you out-of-hours and your regular veterinarian is not open, then they may require emergency veterinary attention. If you are uncertain, you are welcome to ring us and ask, although over the phone we can never be certain that your pet won't require attention. During the consultation, an emergency veterinarian will take a history of your pet's illness (if they are on medications, please bring them), examine your pet and discuss options for diagnostics, care and treatment.
Are appointments required?
No, appointments are not required for emergency consultations, however please call ahead (1300 888 200) to notify us that you are coming so we can prepare for your pet's arrival. Appointments are always required for the specialist referral services.
Will my pet be seen straight away?
Our emergency consultations are run on a triage system, where the most urgent cases are seen first. Therefore, there may be a wait if more urgent life-threatening cases require immediate attention.
Is payment required at the time of the emergency consultation?
Yes. We accept cash, EFTPOS, and credit cards (not American Express). If your animal is admitted to hospital a deposit will be required at the time of admission.
Will my pet have to stay in hospital?
This depends on the veterinarian's assessment of your pet's condition. They will discuss with you a range of different treatment options and plans to suit you and your pet. They will also provide an estimate of costs. Our specifically designed intensive care unit within the hospital allows 24-hour care of patients who require ongoing treatment. Once your pet is stabilised, you will often have the option to transfer them back to the care of your regular veterinarian, who receives regular updates from our clinic whilst your pet is in our hospital.
At CARE, we understand that managing unexpected costs in an emergency can be challenging. That’s why we offer a range of flexible payment and insurance options to support you in providing the best possible care for your pet when they need it most.
We proudly support most major pet insurance providers and offer GapOnly®, a convenient service that allows eligible clients to claim their insurance benefits on the spot. With GapOnly®, you only pay the difference between your pet insurance benefit and the invoice total, making the process quicker and easier during what can often be a stressful time. To learn more about how GapOnly® works and whether your insurer is eligible, visit gaponly.com.au.
For those without insurance or looking for alternative ways to manage costs, we offer several flexible payment options:
We’re here to help you navigate your payment choices and ensure your pet receives the care they deserve without added financial pressure. If you have any questions or would like assistance exploring your options, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Together, we provide the highest standard of care for your patients when specialist expertise or advanced diagnostics are required.
We understand the trust it takes to refer a patient, and we are committed to maintaining open, timely, and respectful communication throughout the process. Our team of experienced specialists and support staff are here to ensure your client and patient receive compassionate, coordinated care — with you kept fully informed every step of the way.
We are happy to discuss cases and potential referrals by phone, particularly for urgent matters.
Patient histories and referral information can be sent to admin@carevet.com.au, marked for the attention of the relevant department.
For appointment enquiries or to schedule a referral, please call (03) 9417 6417.
We’re offering free surgical consultations with our specialist surgery team, with no obligation to proceed with surgery. Whether your pet has been referred for a complex procedure or you’re seeking a second opinion, our experienced surgeons will provide clear guidance, discuss available options, and help you make the best decision for your pet’s care. This complimentary consult ensures you have all the information and confidence you need, without any pressure or commitment.
You may not have ever thought about it, but just like humans, some sick pets need blood transfusions to survive. Accidents and illnesses such as trauma, rat bait toxicity, immune disorders, cancer, and snake bites can cause life-threatening blood loss. In these cases, a single blood donation can save up to three critically ill animals.
If your pet is suitable, they can be added to our blood donor register and help save lives, they will also receive:
All donor candidates undergo a thorough but non-invasive health screening to ensure they are healthy and won’t be adversely affected by giving blood. In fact, for many pets, this may be the most comprehensive health assessment they’ve ever had, giving you peace of mind while they help others.
Donations are spaced at least every three months. During the process, your pet will receive a light anaesthetic and be placed on IV fluids to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes!
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