Frequently Asked Questions

When your pet is sick or injured, treatment usually begins with your local veterinarian – a skilled and highly trained doctor. Occasionally, their patients (your pets) require specialized veterinary care. This is where ACCESS – Palm Beach County comes in. Advanced training, years of experience, and availability to cutting-edge technology, enables our doctors and support staff to provide a higher level of diagnosis evaluation, treatment and care for your pet than can be provided by a primary veterinarian.

A specialist is a veterinarian who has completed veterinary school, an internship, and a residency in a specialized area. All specialties require extensive examinations, and most require publications accepted into peer-reviewed journals. Terms that denote a specialist include Board-Certified, Specialist, Diplomate, and specialty names such as Criticalist, Surgeon, Cardiologist, Neurologist, Oncologist, Radiologist, etc.

No. We also have doctors trained in veterinary emergency care, and residency-trained doctors, who work closely with our board-certified doctors.

Yes. Usually your primary veterinarian will call an ACCESS specialist to discuss your pet’s case. They may also transfer medical records, such as x-rays and existing treatment plans. As we consider our relationship with your primary veterinarian as part of the overall treatment plan for your pet, we keep your primary vet up to date on your pets’ results and progress with timely and accurate reporting.

Unfortunately for legal and practical reasons, without an examination, we cannot provide specific medical advice for your pet over the telephone. However, if you feel you have an emergency, please contact us and we’ll be happy to recommend a course of action.

Pet owners are welcome to visit their pets who are hospitalized with us. However, due to privacy, health, and safety reasons, we only allow visits on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for more information.

We always endeavor to keep you regularly updated. If your pet has spent the evening with us, you are welcome to call for an update after 10 a.m. This allows our doctors to complete their ‘rounds’ and provide a most accurate status. Additionally, we may use texts and emails to communicate with you. Please ensure that you provide your correct contact information for timely updates.