For Pet Owners
Helping You Navigate Your Pet’s Care
Learning that your pet needs emergency or specialty care can feel overwhelming. At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we help you understand what to expect, prepare for your visit, and make informed decisions about your pet’s care.
Our emergency clinicians, board-certified specialists, veterinary nurses, and support teams work together—and with your family veterinarian—to care for pets with complex or urgent medical needs.
Why Pet Owners and Veterinarians Choose OVRS
Request a Specialty Appointment
24/7 Emergency Care
Get Directions
(248) 334‑6877 or Call Toll Free 1-866-334-6877
How Can We Help?
I’m Here for an Emergency
OVRS provides emergency veterinary care 24/7 around the clock. You do not need an appointment or referral.
When you arrive, our team will assess your pet and determine how urgently care must begin. Because we treat patients according to medical need, pets with life-threatening conditions may receive care before pets who arrived earlier.
Our Emergency Services page explains:
If your pet has a serious illness, injury, or rapidly worsening condition, call (248) 334-6877 while you are on your way, if you can do so safely.
Visit the Emergency Services Page
Emergency Pre-Registration Form
What Happens in the First 10 Minutes of a Pet Emergency Visit?
Get Directions
What to Expect From a Visit to the Emergency Room
(248) 334‑6877 or Call Toll Free 1-866-334-6877
My Veterinarian Referred Me
Your family veterinarian may refer your pet to OVRS when a condition requires specialized expertise, advanced diagnostics, surgery, intensive monitoring, or treatment beyond what a general veterinary practice typically provides.
Your veterinarian may send OVRS:
During your specialty consultation, the OVRS specialist will review your pet’s information, discuss your concerns, perform an examination, and explain any recommended next steps.
OVRS will also share relevant findings and follow-up recommendations with your family veterinarian to support coordinated care.
If you are unsure which specialty your pet needs or whether a referral is required, call (248) 334-6877.
Explore Specialty Services
Request an Appointment Form
How to Advocate for a Veterinary Referral
(248) 334‑6877 or Call Toll Free 1-866-334-6877
My Pet Has an Upcoming Appointment
A little preparation can help our team make the most of your visit.
Before You Arrive
- Complete any forms requested by your specialty department.
- Ask your veterinarian to send current records, test results, and diagnostic images.
- Follow any instructions concerning food, water, or medication.
- Write down your questions and concerns.
- Take photos or videos of symptoms that occur intermittently.
- Call us if you do not understand your preparation instructions.
What to Bring
Please bring:
- A list of medications, supplements, and preventives
- Medication containers or clear photographs of their labels
- Records or test results that OVRS may not have received
- Relevant photographs or videos
- Any sample requested by the specialty team (How to collect a stool sample)
- Your pet in a secure carrier or on a leash
- Your identification and preferred payment method
- A list of questions you want to discuss
During the appointment, the specialist will review your pet’s history, perform an examination, and discuss recommended diagnostics or treatment. Some pets return home after the consultation, while others may need testing, a procedure, hospitalization, or follow-up care.
Request an Appointment Form
Explore Specialty Services (Find specialty-specific forms on specialty pages)
Get Directions
My Pet May Need Surgery or Advanced Diagnostics
OVRS offers advanced diagnostics and specialized procedures for pets with complex medical needs. Depending on your pet’s condition, the specialist may recommend imaging, laboratory testing, tissue sampling, endoscopy, surgery, or another procedure.
Your veterinary team will explain:
- Why it recommends the test or procedure
- What information or benefit it may provide
- How to prepare your pet
- Whether your pet may need sedation or anesthesia
- What costs to anticipate
- What recovery or follow-up care may involve
Preparation instructions vary by patient and procedure. Always follow the directions from your OVRS specialty team.
Diagnostic Imaging
Surgery TPLO Surgery
Explore All Specialty Services
I Need Help Understanding Costs
Emergency and specialty care may involve advanced testing, procedures, surgery, hospitalization, or intensive monitoring.
After evaluating your pet, our team will explain its recommendations and provide a veterinary treatment estimate whenever possible. An estimate reflects the care we reasonably anticipate at that time. Costs may change if your pet’s condition changes, testing reveals an unexpected problem, or additional treatment becomes necessary.
Please share financial concerns early. You will not offend us by asking about costs, priorities, alternatives, or payment options.
Costs, Estimates, and Planning
Understanding Veterinary Treatment Estimates
How to Discuss Cost Concerns
View Payment Options
Payment Options
Payment is due when OVRS provides services. Hospitalized patients and pets undergoing certain procedures may require a deposit.
OVRS accepts:
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- American Express
- Online payments
Financing options may include CareCredit and Scratchpay, subject to approval and each provider’s current terms.
Pet insurance policies vary. Pet owners generally pay OVRS directly and submit eligible expenses to their insurance provider for reimbursement.
View Payment Options
Make an Online Payment
CareCredit
Medical Records, Forms, and Resources
Medical Records
Whenever possible, ask your family veterinarian to send relevant medical records, test results, and diagnostic images before your appointment.
If you are unsure whether OVRS received them, bring a printed or electronic copy. Do not delay emergency care while trying to gather records.
After your visit, OVRS will share relevant findings and recommendations with your family veterinarian.
To request records from an OVRS visit, contact the department that treated your pet or call (248) 334-6877 for assistance.
Helpful Forms and Services
- Request an Appointment
- Emergency Pre-Registration
- Consent to Treat Form
- Prescription and Food Refill Request
- Online Pharmacy
- Online Payment
- Referring Veterinarian Update Form
Additional Resources
- Nearby Pet-Friendly Hotels and Amenities
- Pet Sitter Checklist
- Care Book: A Guide to Making Difficult Decisions for Your Pet
- Pet Loss Grief Brochure and Grief Book
- ICU Information
- Pet Blog
- Meet the OVRS Team
- Review Us
We Are Here to Help
You do not have to navigate advanced veterinary care alone. The OVRS team will help you understand what is happening, what your pet may need, and what comes next.
24/7 Emergency Care
Request a Specialty Appointment
Get Directions
(248) 334‑6877 or Call Toll Free 1-866-334-6877
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Many specialty services require or benefit from a referral from your family veterinarian. Call OVRS if you are unsure. You do not need a referral for emergency care.
Can I come to the Emergency Department without an appointment?
Yes. OVRS provides emergency care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calling while you are on the way can help us prepare, but do not delay care during a serious emergency.
Should my pet eat before an appointment?
Follow the instructions from your specialty department. Some tests and procedures require fasting, but withholding food may not suit every pet. Call us if you did not receive instructions.
Should I give my pet’s regular medications?
Do not stop or change medication unless your veterinarian or OVRS instructs you to do so. Bring a complete medication list and the medication containers with you.
Will OVRS communicate with my family veterinarian?
Yes. OVRS shares relevant findings, treatment information, and follow-up recommendations to support coordinated care.
What if my pet gets worse before the appointment?
Call your family veterinarian or OVRS immediately. If your pet develops severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek emergency care rather than waiting for the scheduled appointment.