53 reviews
Unit 2/493 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519
#compassionateCare#gentleHandling#clearCommunication+12
Animal Referral Hospital Wollongong
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Owner Review Summary
Distilled from Google reviews — see what pet owners actually say
👍What Pet Owners Praised
Owners frequently praised the team’s compassion and professionalism, especially during emergencies such as snake bites, bloat concerns, allergic reactions and trauma, as well as during end‑of‑life care. Many reported prompt triage in a number of visits, clear explanations of options, and regular updates while pets were hospitalised. Several noted successful outcomes after major surgery or targeted treatments, and good care for small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs.
💬Common Feedback & Suggestions
Reviews show a significant cluster of concerns about high costs, upfront payment requirements and perceived price gouging after hours. Multiple owners reported very long waits and frustration with triage/availability, difficulty reaching the phone line or being turned away near closing, and one review cited an unhygienic consultation room. A few cases described missed or downplayed severity (e.g., a heart failure case advised to wait, a bird assessed as not very sick, an intestinal blockage not helped), and one owner felt continuity of care and communication suffered during a longer admission. Overall sentiment is mixed: many strong positives alongside several serious complaints.
🏥Clinic Specialties
- Emergency and critical care
- Snake envenomation treatment
- Surgery and anaesthesia
- Exotic and small‑mammal care (rabbits, guinea pigs)
- Gastrointestinal emergencies (bloat, constipation, foreign bodies)
- End‑of‑life and euthanasia support
🏷️Keywords
#compassionateCare#regularUpdates#clearCommunication#quickTriage#thoroughExplanations#highPrices#upfrontPaymentRequired#longWaits#poorTriage#phoneUnanswered#cleanlinessIssues#afterHoursService#surgeryCapabilities#snakeBiteTreatment#exoticPetCare#euthanasiaSupport
Overall Ratings
🐾Tips for Pet Owners
- Budget for higher after‑hours costs and be prepared to pay upfront; have your insurance details ready.
- Call ahead and give your ETA, but plan for possible long waits; bring a blanket or crate liner for comfort.
- If your pet is a bird, consider going directly to an avian specialist for urgent issues.
- Ask for itemised estimates and regular updates, and discuss transfer to your regular vet once your pet is stable to help manage costs.
- Let staff know if your pet is reactive or highly anxious; they may suggest sedation or other calming strategies.
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.
Aortic Stenosis
Aortic Thromboembolism
Arteriovenous Fistula and Arteriovenous Malformation
Ascites
Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter
Atrial Premature Complexes
Contact
Opening Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00〜00:00 | |||||||
| 00:00〜08:00 | |||||||
| 18:00〜23:59 |
⚠️
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 Wollongong is at 1/3 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519. There isn’t a train, metro or light-rail station within easy walking distance, so driving is usually best. Street parking is typically available nearby—check local signage. If you’re using public transport, use Google Maps to find the nearest bus route and stops to the clinic.
Please call ahead to confirm current opening hours. If you have an emergency, call before you set off and provide your estimated time of arrival.
Call (02) 4283 8432 or visit https://www.emergencyvet.com.au/our-network/arh-home/arh-wollongong.html/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=local_seo&utm_term=arh_wollongong. In an emergency, please call before you arrive if you can.
Call ahead to discuss your pet’s needs and give your ETA for urgent cases, and check the clinic’s website for visiting guidance. For emergencies, calling before you arrive helps the team prepare.
Veterinary fees in Australia aren’t government-regulated and Medicare doesn’t cover pets, so prices vary by clinic and case. Call the clinic for a current quote, and ask for an itemised written estimate for any procedures. After-hours and emergency fees are typically higher. If you have pet insurance, check your cover; some owners use payment-plan services or insurance gap-claim options at Australian vets, but availability varies—ask what’s possible before treatment.
Australian vet clinics commonly accept EFTPOS, Visa/Mastercard and tap-and-go (Apple Pay/Google Pay). Some also support pet-insurance gap claims or payment plans. As options vary by clinic, call ahead to confirm what this hospital can accept on the day.
Yes—this hospital focuses on emergency and critical care, including snake envenomation, trauma, bloat and other urgent conditions. Triage is used to prioritise the sickest pets, so wait times can vary, especially after hours; call ahead to advise your arrival time.
It holds a 3.6 out of 5 rating from 56 reviews, with mixed feedback. Many owners praise compassionate, professional care, clear explanations, regular updates and successful outcomes—including for rabbits and guinea pigs. Common concerns include high costs and upfront payment requirements, long waits or difficulty reaching the phone, and a few reports about triage, cleanliness and continuity of care.
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4.4
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1-3 Princes Highway, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519
#compassionateCare#friendlyStaff#clearCommunication+13
Source: Google Maps
Last updated: 8 July 2026