Pet Owner Resources

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Payment is due at the time services are provided. IndyVet accepts cash, major credit cards, and debit cards. We also offer third-party financing options through CareCredit and Scratchpay for qualified applicants.

If you have pet insurance, we can provide the documentation needed for you to submit a claim for reimbursement according to your policy’s coverage and terms.

We also accept Trupanion Direct Pay, a feature of select Trupanion pet insurance policies that allows eligible claims to be paid directly to the veterinary hospital at the time of service. This helps reduce or eliminate the need for upfront payment, allowing care to move forward without delay. IndyVet is partnered with Trupanion to accept direct payment when applicable.

CareCredit

• CareCredit is a healthcare financing option that allows qualified applicants to pay for veterinary services over time through flexible financing plans. CareCredit can be used for emergency visits, specialty care, surgery, and other eligible services.

Scratchpay

• Scratchpay offers simple, transparent payment plans with no hidden fees or surprises. Applications are quick, and checking your options will not impact your credit score.

Yes. Pet insurance can help reduce the financial burden of unexpected accidents, illnesses, and ongoing medical conditions. Having pet insurance may allow you to focus on your pet's care rather than worrying about the cost of treatment during an emergency.

When comparing pet insurance providers, consider the following:

• Coverage: Look for plans that cover accidents, illnesses, surgeries, emergency care, and chronic conditions.

• Cost: Review monthly premiums, deductibles, reimbursement percentages, and annual coverage limits.

• Exclusions: Understand what conditions or treatments are not covered, including pre-existing conditions.

• Reviews and Reputation: Research customer experiences and the company's reputation for claims processing and customer service. Visit Pet Insurance Review to compare pet insurance policies and providers.

There are many pet insurance providers available, and coverage can vary significantly between plans. We recommend reviewing multiple options before making a decision.

Benefits of Direct Pay:

• Immediate Payment: Reduces financial stress by not requiring pet owners to cover the full cost upfront.

• Convenience: Simplifies the payment process, making visits smoother.

• Broad Acceptance: Widely accepted by a network of veterinarians across the country.

How to Use Trupanion Direct Pay

• Find a Participating Veterinarian: Ensure your vet accepts Trupanion Direct Pay. IndyVet Emergency and Specialty accepts Trupanion Direct Pay.

• Receive Treatment: Get the best treatment for your pet.

• Trupanion Pays Directly: Trupanion pays the vet directly for covered services, and you only pay your portion of the bill.

For more information and resources, please visit Trupanion’s official website.

IndyVet provides helpful resources to support pet owners in evaluating their pet’s quality of life and cognitive health.

Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Assessment: A tool designed to help identify potential signs of cognitive decline in dogs, such as changes in behavior, memory, or awareness.

Lap of Love Quality of Life Assessment: A guided worksheet that helps pet owners evaluate their pet’s comfort, happiness, and overall well-being, often used when making end-of-life care decisions.

These resources can help guide conversations with your veterinary team and support informed, compassionate decision-making regarding your pet’s care.

Losing a pet can be an incredibly difficult and emotional experience. It is important to acknowledge this grief and seek support when needed.

Support Resources:

• Counseling: Professional counseling can help you process feelings of grief and navigate the loss of a beloved pet.

• Support Groups: Pet loss support groups offer comfort, understanding, and connection with others who have experienced similar loss.

• Memorializing Your Pet: Creating a memorial can be a meaningful and therapeutic way to honor your pet’s life and memory.

• Online Forums: Online communities can provide a space to share memories, express emotions, and connect with fellow pet lovers.

For additional support and resources, you can visit the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement.