Before a pet ever experiences health concerns, you'll want to know where to bring them if they become ill or injured. Different facilities provide different services; you'll want to determine where to take your pet beforehand so they can quickly receive the services they need. For instance, do you know the difference between an animal hospital and an animal clinic? Below, you'll learn the ways to tell the difference and decide which facility is right for your family.

Size

One of the most apparent differences between an animal hospital and a clinic is the size. Animal hospitals are larger than clinics. This is due in part to the number of services they offer, the number of rooms they need in order to accommodate sick or injured pets, and the amount of equipment they use. You're much more likely to find clinics in rural areas and animal hospitals in urban areas, so plan accordingly depending on your location.

Services

Animal hospitals, also known as veterinary hospitals, typically offer a wider range of services and more specialized options compared to clinics. This doesn't mean that they have a higher quality of service than veterinary clinics, but it does mean that they have more treatments available. This includes surgeries, which aren't typically provided at veterinary clinics due to the lack of a surgery suite. Generally, many of the services offered at animal hospitals are in-hospital capabilities, meaning that resources or procedures won't need to come from additional facilities. The care offered at clinics is more routine, like vaccinations, wellness exams, and other general services. Clinic care is also aimed more toward preventative care, whereas animal hospitals are aimed toward specialized care.

Staffing

Since animal hospitals are larger and provide more services than clinics, they also need more veterinarians. Since these hospitals have more staff, there can be more flexibility with veterinarian appointments. Additionally, pet owners can expect longer wait times at clinics, partly due to their lower staffing levels, but also due to the amount of time they tend to spend with patients. For pet owners hoping to spend longer sessions with more individual attention, so to speak, a clinic may be a better choice.

You'll find more vet techs on staff at an animal hospital. Veterinary technicians work under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian, and must also pass a credentialing exam, unlike the veterinary assistants you would find at a clinic. Veterinary assistants work alongside vets and vet technicians to provide your pet with well-rounded care.

Costs

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first-year cost of owning a dog generally exceeds $1,000. You'll need to budget for veterinary care upon adopting any pet. However, which facility is most affordable? Similar to specialized hospitals and general medical care for humans, visits to an animal hospital may be a bit more costly than a visit to the clinic, as the services offered by animal hospitals are often more specialized. Animal hospitals may also be privately owned, whereas clinics are usually publicly owned. Feel free to call in advance to ask about costs if you're unsure what to expect.

Choose Your Animal Hospital or Clinic Wisely

Which facility you visit is going to largely depend on what services you're looking to receive and the severity of the issue you hope to address. You'll want to visit a clinic instead of an animal hospital as often as possible just due to costs alone. If you have more than one pet, you'll typically want to bring them to the same facility as well to save costs, but it's best to confirm with your veterinarian. Many veterinarians have also worked at both clinics and hospitals, which makes them capable of recommending different facilities based on your preferences. Facilities also differ by areas of focus. This can include the animal size, the animal type, and certain especially specialized fields of study.

Choosing between an animal hospital and a veterinary clinic will largely depend on your location, the services you require, and how urgent the issue is. Here at West Toledo Animal Hospital, we're proud to have served our community since 1933. Our knowledgeable staff to assist you with all of your veterinary needs, from daycare and pharmacy needs to animal rehabilitation. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.