Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question before your visit? You’re in the right place. Below are answers to common questions about appointments, payment, surgery, referrals, parking, and what to do when something with your pet feels a bit uncertain.
Do you offer free parking?
Yes. Yorkville Animal Hospital offers one hour of free parking at Yorkville Village, located under Whole Foods. Parking in Toronto can be its own adventure, especially with a pet in tow, so we hope this makes your visit a little easier. Ask our team if you have questions about parking before your appointment.
Can I drop my pet off for an exam or minor procedure and pick them up later?
Yes, drop-off appointments may be available. Please call us ahead of time so we can arrange the visit properly. We usually ask that pets be dropped off in the morning. Our team will contact you when your pet is ready to go home.
I’m nervous about my pet’s surgery. What do you do to help keep them safe?
It is completely normal to feel nervous before your pet has an anaesthetic procedure. Before surgery, we perform pre-anaesthetic testing to check for health concerns that could affect the plan.
Anaesthetic protocols are tailored to your pet’s age, health, procedure, and test results. During surgery, your pet is monitored closely, including heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and other vital signs. Pain control is also used before, during, and after the procedure when needed.
What forms of payment do you accept? Do you offer payment plans?
Payment is due at the time services are provided. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
We do not offer in-house payment plans. To help make routine care more predictable, we recommend planning for veterinary care in your annual budget and asking us about our Wellness Plans, which spread the cost of preventive care into monthly payments. Pet insurance is also worth considering for unexpected illness or injury.
My pet was seen for a problem, but they are not improving. What should I do?
Please call us. Some conditions need more than one step to diagnose or manage, and a lack of improvement can tell us useful information.
In many cases, we begin with the most likely cause and a practical treatment plan. If your pet is not responding, we may adjust treatment, recommend additional testing, or take the next diagnostic step. It does not always mean something went wrong; it often means we need more information.
Why is my veterinarian referring my pet to a specialist?
Sometimes a pet needs advanced care, equipment, or training that is best provided by a veterinary specialist or specialty hospital. When that happens, we may recommend a referral to help your pet receive the most appropriate care for their condition.
A referral does not mean we are stepping away from your pet’s care. We often stay involved by communicating with the specialist, reviewing updates, and helping with follow-up care when appropriate.
Do you offer guarantees or refunds if my pet does not get better?
No. Veterinarians are not permitted to guarantee the outcome of a treatment, procedure, or medical condition. Every pet is an individual, and even with careful diagnostics and treatment, bodies do not always behave predictably. As the saying goes, the cat did not read the textbook.
Our role is to use our training, experience, and available medical tools to help diagnose and treat your pet while keeping you informed about options, costs, risks, and expected outcomes. Veterinary fees cover the time, expertise, testing, treatment, and care provided, so we cannot offer refunds if a condition does not resolve as hoped.
I think my pet ate something poisonous, but they seem fine. What should I do?
Call us right away at (416) 923-8896. Some toxins can cause delayed symptoms, so waiting to see what happens may not be safe.
If it is outside our regular hours, call the Veterinary Emergency Clinic at 416-920-2002. You can also contact the ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435, though a consultation fee may apply.