FAQs
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Q. What is CARE?
A. Charlotte Animal Referral & Emergency (CARE) is a state-of-the-art emergency and specialty hospital devoted to the health of your pet. Emergency care is available 24/7, 365 days a year. Our highly trained specialists work closely with your referring veterinarian to diagnose and treat disease. Specialty services include cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology and surgery. CARE does not focus on primary care for your pet such as vaccinations. Whether you are coming to us on referral for a specialized service or in an emergency, our focus is on providing the most comprehensive care with an unsurpassed level of compassion and expertise. CARE is the pet equivalent of a human medical center.
Q. Where is CARE?
A. We are centrally located just south of uptown Charlotte, convenient to uptown, NoDa, SouthPark, Myers Park, Plaza Midwood and Cotswold. Our address is 3726 Latrobe Drive, near the intersection of Monroe and North Wendover roads. See map.
Q. What type of pets does CARE treat?
A. Primarily dogs and cats. Other species may be treated in special cases. We are happy to talk with you about your needs on an individual basis. Please have your primary care veterinarian call us to schedule an appointment or consultation.
Q. Do you provide special care for cats in critical condition?
A. Yes. We have a Cat ICU to provide the best care for our feline patients in need.
Q. What information about my pet should I bring on my visit?
A. A list of medications your pet is taking, and any information from recent veterinary visits.
Q. What happens after I arrive with my pet?
A. If you are coming for an appointment with one of our specialists, a Client Services Representative will greet you and get your pet checked in. The patient’s information will be verified, and the specialty service notified of your arrival. If you are coming in an emergency, your pet will be triaged and will be seen as soon as possible depending on what other emergencies are in the hospital. In all cases, your comfort is important to us. There are separate waiting areas for dogs and cats. Our lobby offers free Wi-Fi, concessions and large-screen TVs, all with your convenience in mind.
Q. How long will my visit take?
A. While every appointment is different, a visit with a specialist generally takes about two hours. It could take longer, however, depending on if any procedures will be performed the same day or your pet needs to see multiple specialists. We do our best to provide you with a timeline, with a goal of determining the best possible treatment plan for your pet. In most cases, this is provided after the doctor has examined your pet. For emergency visits, it is impossible to predict. It depends on a number of factors, including the nature of your pet’s emergency and our caseload at the time you arrive. Just as with emergency rooms for people, the most critical patients are seen first.
Q. What tests is CARE able to run?
A. Digital X-ray, Ultrasound, MRI, CT Scan and Endoscopy. Also, various lab tests are conducted in-house.
Q. How will my primary care veterinarian be involved in the care of my pet?
A. Your primary care veterinarian will be updated throughout the course of your pet’s treatment.
Q. What should I expect when my pet is admitted for hospitalization?
A. If your pet is admitted for hospitalization at CARE it could be for Emergency Services or a Specialty Service. Since hospital admissions can be scary and stressful, we’ve created a Hospital Admit Guide to help answer questions about your pet’s stay at CARE. This guide describes how your pet’s doctor will provide updates to you for either Emergency or Specialty Services, and what you should know about visitation, food, bedding and medications.
Q. Where will my pet be kept during his or her stay?
A. Animals are kept in climate-controlled spaces customized to maximize comfort and minimize stress. Our Intensive Care Unit is staffed with a doctor and nurses 24 hours a day. A typical hospital stay ranges from two to six days. Our priority is for your pet to be as comfortable as possible during his hospitalization.
Q. May I visit if my pet needs to be hospitalized?
A. Until the restrictions around the coronavirus pandemic are lifted, our policy is that owners are not allowed to visit pets in order to comply with social distancing guidelines. We are also not currently accepting any personal items (beds, toys, etc.). To learn more, please see our Visitation Policy.
Q. How do I know if it is time to euthanize my pet?
A. That can be a very difficult decision. The kindest thing any pet owner can do is to give an animal a home full of love and attention. However sometimes when pet is very ill and suffering, the kindest thing we can do is to let that pet go with as much grace as possible. To help guide pet owners through this emotionally trying decision, please see our article on euthanasia.
Q. Will my visit to CARE cost more than a visit to my primary vet?
A. While each case is unique, and handled on an individual basis, our goal is always the same: To provide the best possible treatment for your pet, with the highest level of compassion and customer service. Recognizing that a diagnosis for your pet may require advanced tests, we will keep you fully informed every step of the way prior to testing and treatment. We will go over our recommendations, risks associated with each option, and the pricing involved. At every step of the way, you are encouraged to ask questions to help you make the best possible decision for your pet.
Q. How am I billed?
A. After an initial evaluation, you will be provided with a treatment estimate. Clients will be asked to pay the low end of the estimated services prior to the beginning of treatment and the balance will be due when your pet is ready to go home. We accept cash, checks and major credit cards. CareCredit® is available to qualified individuals. This is a healthcare credit card that extends special financing offers to help you meet your veterinary needs. Scratchpay is another option for payment. To learn more, please see our Payment Policy..
Q. Where can I go to find information on product recalls and alerts?
A. The American Veterinary Medical Association has a page on their website dedicated to recalls and information on pet foods or animal-related products recalls and alerts. The page is updated regularly and is a trusted source to consult if you need to verify if a recall or safety alert is genuine.
Q. What is the CARE Silent Partner Fund?
A. In response to staff and many of our clients asking how they can help pets in need, we founded the CARE Silent Partner Fund. We know not everyone can afford the costs associated with restoring health to their pet. Our fund lets us provide services to pets whose owners could not otherwise afford treatment. Donations to The CARE Silent Partner Fund are dedicated to assisting owners who are struggling financially. Learn how you can help.
