Frequently Asked Questions

An emergency can be defined as any situation in which a pet owner has an urgent concern about their pet’s health or well-being. At IndyVet, we are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to evaluate, treat, and care for pets experiencing acute injuries, sudden illnesses, or worsening chronic conditions.

Many pets are skilled at hiding signs of illness, making it challenging to know whether they are having an "off day" or experiencing a true medical emergency. To help you recognize when immediate veterinary attention may be needed, please review our "What Is an Emergency?" resource and the list of common emergency symptoms below. If your pet exhibits any of these signs, seek veterinary care right away.

IndyVet serves as an extension of your family veterinarian’s practice, providing advanced emergency, critical care, and specialty services when additional expertise or resources are needed. Much like a specialist in human medicine works alongside a primary care physician, our team collaborates closely with your veterinarian to diagnose, manage, and treat complex medical and surgical conditions.

All IndyVet specialists complete four or more years of additional training beyond veterinary school before becoming board-certified. This advanced training and experience allow them to manage a wide range of complex diseases and conditions while working in partnership with veterinarians throughout Indiana. Through this collaborative approach, we provide comprehensive, seamless care that supports both pets and the veterinarians who know them best.

Our hospital offers advanced imaging and diagnostic capabilities, specialized medical and surgical care, and one of the largest animal blood banks in Indiana, allowing us to provide immediate, life-saving blood and plasma products to our patients. Combined with our skilled and dedicated team, these resources enable us to deliver the highest level of care when pets need it most.

Not for emergencies. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and are available any time your pet has an emergency. Our specialty departments consisting of Internal Medicine, Neurology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Surgery do require appointments. Appointments are scheduled through our Referral Coordinators at (317) 782-4484.

Referring veterinarians with patients requiring intensive care can be connected to the Critical Care Unit by calling our hospital for immediate referral. The Critical Care Unit can receive patients directly at any time of day that the service is available. Dr. Martindale is also happy to consult by phone on emergent cases that may or may not be referred to IndyVet.

Please bring any medical records and radiographs you may have and write down any medications your pet is taking. If you think your pet has been poisoned, please bring the container of whatever your pet ingested (rat poison, people medication, anti-freeze, etc.).

Additionally, please bring your own Drivers License with you at the time of your visit as it may be required in order to dispense certain medications at time of discharge.

Yes. We know you have a relationship with your family veterinarian and recognize that they may provide essential insight into the medical management of your pet’s condition. We remain in communication with your veterinarian, acting as a team of professionals to provide the best possible care for your pet.

Absolutely. Your pet’s wellness relies on your veterinarian having a clear picture of your pet’s health history. In order to facilitate this, we will provide a copy of our records to your veterinarian.

Our team is happy to provide guidance over the phone whenever possible. However, because we cannot examine your pet remotely, our ability to provide specific medical advice may be limited.

For current patients, we can often offer recommendations based on your pet’s medical history and the nature of your concern. For pets that have not been seen by our hospital, we will typically recommend an examination so that we can accurately assess the situation and provide the best possible care.

If your pet has ingested a known toxin or foreign substance, our team may be able to provide immediate instructions while you arrange for veterinary care. In these situations, please have the product name, packaging, or ingredient information available when you call.

When in doubt, the safest option is to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian. Our emergency team is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assess and treat urgent medical concerns.

When you arrive, one of our veterinary technicians will assess and triage your pet to determine if immediate medical attention is needed. Pets with life-threatening or critical conditions will be prioritized for treatment, while stable patients will be seen as soon as possible in the order determined by medical urgency.

Once your pet is examined, the doctor will discuss their findings and review a care plan outlining recommended diagnostics, treatments, and anticipated costs. Our team will answer any questions you may have and work with you to determine the best plan of care for your pet.

No. We have emergency doctors and nurses on duty at all times. We care for your pet around the clock and will take care of any needs that arise overnight to assure your pet is as comfortable as possible.

A veterinary technician is a credentialed veterinary professional who helps provide compassionate care to animals in both routine and emergency settings. Veterinary technicians work under the direction of a veterinarian and use their medical knowledge and clinical skills to support the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care of pets.

Their responsibilities may include obtaining patient histories, monitoring hospitalized patients, performing laboratory testing, administering medications, assisting with procedures and surgery, and providing nursing care. Veterinary technicians play an essential role in ensuring pets receive safe, efficient, and high-quality medical care.

Absolutely. We highly encourage family visits whenever possible, as they can help reduce patient stress, encourage appetite, and provide comfort during hospitalization. In some cases, visitation may need to be limited or temporarily postponed to allow for critical treatments, procedures, or ongoing medical care.

To help us coordinate the best time for your visit, please speak with your pet’s attending doctor or care team.

In most cases, your pet will follow up with your family veterinarian after discharge from IndyVet. Depending on your pet’s condition, diagnosis, or ongoing medical needs, follow-up care with one of our specialty services may also be recommended. Our specialists work closely with primary care veterinarians to ensure seamless communication and continued care, providing additional treatment and support when needed.

At IndyVet, we prioritize clear communication and coordinated care between our team and your family veterinarian to help ensure the best possible outcome for your pet. If you have any questions regarding follow-up care, our customer service team or your pet’s attending doctor will be happy to assist you.