Additional Veterinary Services for Dogs and Cats in San Francisco
No general practice can handle every veterinary case in-house, and recognizing that early is part of good medicine. For cases that benefit from board-certified specialist input, advanced equipment, or 24-hour care, SF Vet Hospital coordinates referrals with trusted veterinary specialists across the Bay Area. We stay involved alongside the specialist team so your dog or cat's care remains coordinated, and we are open seven days a week to support follow-up at our Mission District clinic.
Specialist Referral Coordination
When your pet needs specialist input, whether that is internal medicine, dermatology, oncology, cardiology, or a procedure we do not offer in-house, our team handles the referral process. We share records, imaging, and lab work with the specialist team so the next clinician starts with the full picture. You receive clear next steps and our team stays available for questions throughout.
Coordinating Care Across the Bay Area
The Bay Area has strong veterinary specialty resources, and our team knows how to navigate that network on your pet’s behalf. For procedures and care that need specialist-level facilities, we coordinate with our specialist referral partners and continue to support your pet’s overall care plan at SF Vet Hospital.
When We Refer Your Pet
Referral is usually appropriate when a case needs specialist diagnostics, advanced surgery beyond what our visiting surgeon provides, 24-hour critical care, or ongoing condition management that benefits from a focused specialty practice. We explain what to expect, what the specialist visit will involve, and how we will pick the care back up when your pet returns to us.
Explore More
How does a specialist referral work?
Our team shares your pet's records, imaging, and lab work with the specialist clinic, and you receive their contact information to schedule. We stay in the loop throughout and resume your pet's general care once specialty care is complete.
Do you offer holistic or alternative care?
Our services focus on conventional veterinary medicine with strong preventive care, in-house diagnostics, and surgical support through our visiting board-certified surgeon. For modalities outside our scope, our team can point you toward qualified providers.
Can I stay with the same clinic after a specialist referral?
Yes. Specialist referral does not replace your relationship with our team. We continue as your pet's primary veterinarian and coordinate alongside the specialist throughout.
Wondering if your pet needs a specialist or just a closer look? Call SF Vet Hospital in San Francisco at (415) 907-7576 to talk it through with our team. Open seven days a week.