RAINBOW BRIDGE VETERINARY SERVICES
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between you and my GP vet?
We offer tailored services specifically for pets who are approaching the end of their lives. They may have various illnesses or conditions for which treatment with curative intent is either not desired or not possible, and the focus is instead on giving them the best quality of life possible for the time they have left, and a dignified goodbye when the time comes. We provide laboratory testing for monitoring purposes, and surgery and dentistry on a palliative basis only. We do not provide preventative care, detailed diagnostic investigations, overnight hospitalization, or out-of-hours emergency services. It is therefore important that you maintain an ongoing relationship with your primary vet.
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Can I book an appointment for in-home euthanasia if my pet hasn't been seeing you for palliative or hospice care?
Absolutely. Anyone can contact us to arrange in-home euthanasia for their pet, even if we have never met them before.​
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Do I need a referral?
We are happy to receive referrals from other veterinary practices, but a referral is not required.
If you decide to book a consultation with us, we will (with your permission) request a copy of your pet's medical records from your primary vet to ensure we have a full understanding of their condition(s) and are able to give the best possible advice.
After an initial home visit we will send a summary report to both you and your primary vet, and will also keep them appraised of any significant changes in your pet's condition or treatment plan.
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Do you have a clinic building?
No, we do not have a permanent physical premises. Consultation services are provided either virtually or in your own home. Palliative dentistry and surgery is performed at Roundwood Veterinary Practice.
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Why do you give time windows for home visits rather than set appointment times?
The nature of palliative and hospice care means that sometimes our patients deteriorate suddenly, and need our urgent attention. We never want to leave a pet in distress, so sometimes this means prioritizing them over stable patients on a given day. We are also travelling to you, and traffic conditions can sometimes be unpredictable. We aim to arrive as close to your appointment time as possible, and will always try to contact you when we are on the way so you know when to expect us.
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Are you able to provide whatever medications or diets my pet needs?
We stock a variety of medications commonly used in palliative and hospice care (e.g. pain and nausea medication). If your pet needs a medication we don't stock, we can provide a written prescription. Please note, the cost of any medications prescribed or administered during a home visit are not included the consultation fee.
We do not stock any pet foods. If we recommend a specific clinical diet, your primary vet can usually supply this.
My pet can be very nervous or diffcult to handle, can you still help them?
Absolutely. Many pets who may be very fearful or reactive in a veterinary clinic setting are in fact quite relaxed in the comfort and safety of their own home. We also use a gentle and fear-free approach, and will take time to get to know you and your pet in a way that is not always possible in a normal 10-15 minute appointment at the vet's office. If your pet is still very nervous, or tends to be very reactive to anyone new in their home, we may discuss with you the use of medications ahead of visits to help ease this stress and anxiety. If you have concerns about your pet's behaviour please don't hesitate to let us know ahead of your initial consultation and we will be happy to chat with you about the best approach for them.
Can you examine and treat my other pets during a home visit?
It is not uncommon for pet owners to welcome multiple siblings from a litter into their family. This can unfortunately mean down the line that a pet owner finds themselves caring for multiple aging pets simultaneously. If you have more that one pet you feel would benefit from palliative or hospice care, a longer consultation can be arranged to facilitate this.
However, we are not able to provide advice or treatment for pets not on palliative or hospice care, and kindly request you contact your primary vet for their healthcare needs (see above - 'What is the difference between you and my GP vet?')
How much notice do you need for a euthanasia appointment? What if my pet deteriorates suddenly?
For many pets on palliative or hospice care, their quality of life deteriorates gradually, and a planned euthanasia allows their families time to prepare for this final goodbye. If you feel the time for euthanasia is near, please keep us updated on your pet's condition so we can plan as best as possible for this.
That said, many of our patients are seriously ill, and their condition can change suddenly. If this happens, please call us straight away and we will do our utmost to reach you and your pet as quickly as possible.
Are you available 24/7? What if my pet deteriorates out-of-hours?
While we do sometimes deal with emergencies, we are not a 24-hour emergency service. We do also occasionally close for annual leave or training events. If your pet needs urgent veterinary attention when we are closed, please contact either Roundwood Veterinary Practice or your primary vet.
If outside of normal hours, please contact your primary vet's emergency service, or a dedicated out-of-hours emergency service:
The Pet Emergency Hospital, UCD Belfield, Dublin 4, Ph. 01 260 9920
Emerg, Veterinary Specialists Ireland, Summerhill, Co. Meath, Ph. 046 955 7551
How do I make payment?
If you have booked a virtual consultation, we will email you a payment link before your appointment.
If you have booked a non-urgent home visit, we kindly ask for a 50% deposit of the consultation fee, and will email you a payment link. Payment of the outstanding balance and cost of any medications administered or prescribed will be due at the time of the visit. Card or contactless payment is preferred, though we can also accept cash. ​
Will pet insurance cover any of your fees?
Pet insurance may contribute towards the cost of consultations, medications, and euthanasia. This will depend on the details of your policy as well as your pet's age and medical history. Home visit fees are generally not covered. We suggest you contact your insurance company directly if you have queries about your coverage. If you wish to submit a claim, we can help with this process.
Do you offer payment plans?
No, unfortunately we are not able to offer payment plans at this time. Payment is due in full at the time services are rendered.
What is your cancellation policy?
For non-urgent appointments (Quality of Life Consultations, Follow-up Home Visits, Virtual Consultations), we request 24 hours cancellation notice. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will not be eligible for a refund.
If you have requested an emergency home visit for euthanasia and your pet passes away before the vet arrives, you may cancel the call out and no charge will apply. If you would still like the vet to attend to remove your pet's remains and make aftercare arrangements, a reduced visit fee will apply and any cremation fees, etc. will be charged as normal.​
