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How the referral process works
Referring a patient is straightforward. You can contact our team by phone or have the family book a consultation, and we coordinate from there. Sharing the patient's history, recent diagnostics and your clinical question up front allows us to prepare before the visit and use consultation time efficiently.
Our goal is to support your relationship with the client, not replace it. We see ourselves as an extension of your team for procedures that benefit from advanced minimally invasive equipment and training.
What to send before the consultation
Referring veterinarians can send records before the consultation, which helps us plan appropriately. Useful items include the patient's history and presenting complaint, recent bloodwork, radiographs or other imaging, current medications, and any prior surgical or anesthetic notes.
Records can be sent ahead of the appointment so the case is reviewed before the family arrives. If imaging is available, please include it — it often informs whether a minimally invasive approach is appropriate for the individual patient.
Cases commonly referred for minimally invasive surgery
Common referrals include laparoscopic spay and prophylactic gastropexy, cryptorchid neuter, abdominal and liver biopsies, endoscopic evaluation of the GI tract or airway, foreign-body retrieval, arthroscopy for selected joint conditions, and procedures that benefit from VITOM-assisted visualization.
Each case is assessed individually. Whether a keyhole approach is suitable depends on exam findings, diagnostics, anatomy and anesthetic safety, and we are glad to discuss candidacy with you before scheduling.
Communication and shared records
Clear communication is central to a good referral experience. After the consultation and any procedure, we aim to send concise, timely updates so you have what you need for continuity of care, including findings, what was performed and home-care instructions provided to the family.
If you would like to discuss a case directly, our team can arrange a conversation. We want referring veterinarians to feel informed at each step.
Returning patients to your care
Discharge timing and follow-up are planned for the individual procedure and patient. Patients return to your practice for routine and ongoing care. We provide discharge instructions and recommended follow-up so the transition back to your team is smooth.
Families are encouraged to maintain their relationship with their primary veterinarian for vaccines, wellness and long-term management. Our role is focused on the specific procedure and the period immediately surrounding it.
How to start a referral
To begin, call our team or direct the family to book a consultation, and send the patient's records when convenient. We will confirm receipt and reach out if anything further is needed before the visit.
We appreciate the trust involved in a referral and aim to make the process simple for both you and your clients.
Related pages
Frequently asked questions
Continue your reading
Sources & further reading
For more detail on the topics in this guide, explore these professional resources.
American Animal Hospital Association
2025 AAHA Referral Guidelines (opens in a new tab)Roles, communication and continuity between primary and referral veterinary teams.
American Animal Hospital Association
Section 4: Responsibilities During Referral (opens in a new tab)Coordination, updates and responsibilities during referral care.
This guide provides general educational information and does not replace an individual veterinary examination or case-specific advice.