Alan Smith
After Hours Emergencies
Because of the severe staffing shortage at London Regional Veterinary Emergency and Referral Hospital, we have teamed up with a Canadian veterinarian-led company named Smart.Vet in an effort to improve access to after-hours veterinary care for all patients,
SmartVet is a veterinary service that will triage your pet, and can offer phone/video consults with veterinarians for non-emergent cases, or refer to the closest available emergency hospital for animals in life threatening distress.
SmartVet is able to offer two different options for after hours veterinary care.
1. Smart.Vet has a direct phone number to speak with a Registered Veterinary Technician. 1-647-695-5411.
Smart.Vet allows you, our clients, access to Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT's) over the phone whenever our hospital is not open to take your call. These RVT’s can speak with you to ascertain the level of care that your pet requires, and will then facilitate scheduling an appointment with one of their licensed Ontario-based veterinarians if needed. If your pet requires in-person intervention, the RVT will be able to determine this over the phone with you and find the closest emergency clinic that will be able to see your pet for care.
There is no cost for this call or any assistance provided by Smart.Vet’s RVT’s, however, if you are booked with a virtual veterinarian or sent to an emergency clinic there will be charges associated with that visit.
2. A virtual veterinary consult.
There is a link provided on our website or you can access directly at http://smart.vet. Clients must click register, and create an account. Once you’ve created an account, you can decide to send a message or request a phone consult/video call to speak with a veterinarian directly.
SmartVet will then send us all medical records associated with your cat for any necessary follow-up.
Emily
Emily graduated from the University of Guelph (Ridgetown campus) Registered Veterinary Technician Program in 2019 and has a very gentle touch with our feline patients.
She has 2 cats, a dog and a miniature donkey. She enjoys trick training and doing agility with her dog in her spare time.
AAFP (American Associate of Feline Practitioners) Certified Feline Advocate
Holly
A 1995 graduate of St. Clair College, Holly is a very experienced Registered Veterinary Technician.
She is a huge cat lover and has 3 of her own: Jake, Gabby and Lily.
Fun fact: each cat has only three legs!
AAFP (American Associate of Feline Practitioners) Certified Feline Advocate
Darby
Darby is our Receptionist / Vet Assistant / Kennel Attendant.
We welcomed her in August 2019. She graduated with honours at the Stratford Career Institute for Veterinary Assistant. Originally from Sudbury, she moved to London to pursue her career.
Darby has experience with cats, dogs, fish, reptiles, and wild exotics. She enjoys the company of her 2 cats (Snickers and Grizzabella) as well as her Chinese Cave Gecko (Shenzi)!
AAFP (American Associate of Feline Practitioners) Certified Feline Advocate
Continuing Education
Dr. Cheung regularly attends conferences to keep updated on the latest information and advances in feline medicine.
COVID-19 Updates
We are now able to see annual, wellness, nail trim and grooming appointments as well as urgent/emergency exams. Our boarding facility is open as well.
Our Hours are Monday - Friday 8 am - 5pm
Saturday 9 am - 1 pm
Guide to Fear Free Visits
Here are some tips to minimize the stress of your cat’s upcoming visit
1) Bring out the cat carrier several days ahead of the scheduled visit if possible to help your cat get re – acquainted to it. (You can also leave it out year round! ) Try putting some catnip or treats in the carrier or feed your cat inside. Putting bedding or some clothing in the carrier with the familiar smells of home will help to re-assure your cat and provide traction while travelling.
2) Prepare your vehicle ensure a comfortable temperature and airflow. Try to match to temperature inside house. The safest spot for the carrier inside your car is in the foot well behind the front seat. You can also secure the carrier with a seat belt on the back seat.
3) Choose your carrier wisely. Hard sided carriers that open from the top or can be disassembled are ideal. Make sure it’s roomy enough for your cat to turn around in.
4) A better way to transport: cradle the carrier in your arms instead of holding the handle of the carrier. This will prevent swaying back and forth and will keep your kitty on its feet. Cover the sides of your carrier so your cat can choose if they want to look outside or not.
5) Bring them in hungry! This will help prevent car sickness and make them more receptive to food or treats offered in clinic.
6) Feliway: Available in a spray and plug in diffuser, we highly recommend this ‘happy cat’ pheromone. It helps calm and comfort your cat and is great for spraying in the carrier and car before your visit. Allow 10-15 minutes between spraying and placing your cat in the carrier. We also use this product in our exam room!
7) Thundershirt This product is a snug fitting jacket that can be fitted at home and throughout the appointment! It activates pressure points and helps calm and re-assure your cat. Think of it as a ‘tight hug’. Call us to order or order online from our webstore: http://www.myvetstore.ca/centralcathospital
8) Chill pill. Ask us about Dr. Cheung’s ‘chill pill’ combo. We offer mild sedatives to help take the edge off!
9) Zylkene: Natural anti – anxiety nutritional supplement. Contains calming milk proteins. Best effects if started 3-5 days before visit. Great for boarding or travel too!
10) Relax. Cats can sense when we are feeling anxious, which can increase their own stress levels! Playing some calming music on the ride over can help ease the tension for you and your kitty.
Dental
Dental care is a very important aspect of veterinary care for our feline friends as keeping your cat's teeth and gums healthy plays an important role in their overall health and lifespan.
Surgery
All routine surgeries are performed here such as spays, neuters, dentals and wound/abcess repair.
Preventative Medicine
Preventative medicine is the ultimate goal here at Central Cat Hospital so that your cat stays as healthy as possible and to live as long as possible.