Animal Referral Hospital Canberra
What owners report about visiting
1 community reports｜1/5 details added｜Updated 7/20
The information below comes from anonymous owner reports and keeps updating; we still suggest confirming with the clinic before your visit.
What owners say
An owner has reported bringing their pet here for a consultation.
Can you rely on it
You can take a look, but don't treat it as a confirmed answer. The reality may still vary by time of day, vet on duty and on-site conditions.
Your experience helps too
Your report can bring this information closer to reality.
What owners say
Awaiting owner input on whether walk-in visits are possible.
Can you rely on it
It can't be used as a basis yet. If you need this information, call the clinic first.
Your experience helps too
If you've visited this clinic, adding one answer helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
What owners say
Awaiting owner input on wait times.
Can you rely on it
It can't be used as a basis yet. If you need this information, call the clinic first.
Your experience helps too
If you've visited this clinic, adding one answer helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
What owners say
Awaiting owner input on cost explanations.
Can you rely on it
It can't be used as a basis yet. If you need this information, call the clinic first.
Your experience helps too
If you've visited this clinic, adding one answer helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
What owners say
Awaiting owner input on TNR / stray-animal assistance.
Can you rely on it
It can't be used as a basis yet. If you need this information, call the clinic first.
Your experience helps too
If you've visited this clinic, adding one answer helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
No questions from owners yet.
Have you been to this clinic?
Answer a few questions in about 30 seconds to help the next owner decide.
All of the above are anonymous, voluntary owner reports for reference only. They do not represent the clinic's official position; we still suggest confirming with the clinic before visiting.
Light up the pet care map together
This clinic still has some missing info — help more pets find a clinic their families can trust.
Clinic map clarity
Owner Review Summary
Distilled from Google reviews — see what pet owners actually say
👍What Pet Owners Praised
Owners consistently praised the caring, compassionate team and the skill of the specialists, with many stories of pets’ lives being saved or greatly improved after surgery or emergency care. Reviewers frequently mentioned clear explanations, being kept updated throughout hospital stays, and coordination with their regular vet. Several noted rapid triage at difficult hours, thoughtful aftercare advice, and being allowed to visit hospitalised pets.
💬Common Feedback & Suggestions
While many experiences were excellent, recurring concerns included long waits, triage delays, and at times being turned away despite seeking emergency help. A number of reviewers reported brusque or condescending reception interactions, communication gaps such as missed call-backs or slow follow‑up after expensive tests, and a strong focus on upfront payment. Costs were often described as high, with some alleging unnecessary testing or over‑servicing, and a few noted a chaotic emergency area or limits on visitation. Overall sentiment was largely positive, but these issues were raised by a noticeable minority.
🏥Clinic Specialties
- Emergency and critical care
- Orthopaedic surgery (cruciate repairs, fractures, pelvic osteotomy)
- Neurology and spinal surgery
- Internal medicine and advanced diagnostics (CT/MRI, ITP, FIC)
- Tick and snake envenomation treatment
- Compassionate end‑of‑life care and euthanasia support
🏷️Keywords
Overall Ratings
🐾Tips for Pet Owners
- Call ahead to confirm current emergency capacity, triage status and expected wait times before you drive in.
- Bring prior records and imaging from your regular vet and ask the team to share updates back to them.
- Request an itemised estimate, clarify any deposit and the pay‑on‑discharge policy to avoid surprises.
- If your pet is admitted, ask about visitation options and set expectations for regular call‑backs or text updates.
- Plan for possible delays by bringing water/snacks and comfort items; parking is available near the airport precinct.
Other areas this clinic treats
Common conditions in each area
Conditions commonly treated here
Note: this content is for general reference only — it is not a diagnosis.
Abortion, Spontaneous (Early Pregnancy Loss)-Cats
Abortion, Spontaneous (Early Pregnancy Loss)-Dogs
Abortion, Termination of Pregnancy
Breeding, Timing
Cryptorchidism
Eclampsia
Contact
Opening Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00〜24:00 | 24H | 24H | 24H | 24H | 24H | 24H | 24H |
Hours notice
Actual hours may change on public holidays or unexpected situations. Please call ahead to confirm before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions pet owners ask most often — tap a question to read the full answer. For other concerns, please consult a licensed veterinarian.
Animal Referral Hospital Canberra is at 364 Fairbairn Avenue, Pialligo ACT 2609. It’s in the airport precinct of Pialligo and there’s no train, metro or light‑rail station within easy walking distance, so driving is usually best. Street parking is typically available nearby—please check local signage. If you’re using public transport, use Google Maps to find the nearest bus route and timings.
They’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies and critical care.
The best way to reach them is by phone on (02) 6280 6344. You can also see service details and location information on their website: https://www.emergencyvet.com.au/our-network/arh-home/arh-canberra.html/
For emergencies, call ahead to check current capacity and then head straight to the hospital; for specialist care, ask your regular vet about a referral and check the ARH Canberra webpage for current referral steps.
Veterinary fees in Australia aren’t government‑regulated and Medicare doesn’t cover pets, so prices vary by clinic and case—call the hospital for a current quote. For any procedure, ask for an itemised written estimate. Because this hospital offers after‑hours emergency care, be aware that late‑night and public‑holiday fees are typically higher. If you have pet insurance, ask how claims are handled; some Australian clinics offer gap claims or payment‑plan options, but availability varies—confirm with the clinic.
Most Australian vet hospitals commonly accept EFTPOS, Visa/Mastercard and tap‑and‑go (Apple Pay/Google Pay); call ahead to confirm what this clinic accepts on the day. Some clinics also support pet‑insurance gap claims or payment plans—ask reception about options.
Yes—ARH Canberra provides 24/7 emergency and critical care. To help the team triage your pet, call ahead to confirm current capacity and expected wait times, and bring any records or imaging from your regular vet.
Yes—street parking is typically available near the hospital in Pialligo; check local signage and allow extra time during busy periods. If you prefer public transport, use Google Maps to find a suitable bus option as there’s no nearby train or light‑rail station within walking distance.
ARH Canberra offers emergency and critical care; orthopaedic surgery (cruciate repairs, fractures, pelvic osteotomy); neurology and spinal surgery; internal medicine with advanced diagnostics (CT/MRI, ITP, FIC); tick and snake envenomation treatment; and compassionate end‑of‑life care and euthanasia support.
Reviews are largely positive, with a 4.2/5.0 rating from 294 reviews. Owners praise the caring, compassionate team, skilled specialists, clear explanations and regular updates, rapid triage at difficult hours, thoughtful aftercare, and being allowed to visit hospitalised pets. Common feedback mentions long waits or triage delays, brusque reception interactions, communication gaps after tests, a focus on upfront payment, higher costs, and occasional limits on visitation.
Help with one question
Your report helps the next owner feel a little more certain.
Have you ever been seen here successfully without a reservation?
Based on 0 owner reports
Anonymous, about 3 seconds