Frequently Asked Questions

A: A specialist is a veterinarian that has undergone an additional 3 to 4 years of training in their particular specialty, such as surgery or internal medicine. The specialist completes a 1-year internship in their chosen specialty and then 2–3 years of residency.

Once complete, the specialist must publish a paper and sit for a series of exams. They receive the prestigious title of Diplomate once they pass their exams and complete all the other requirements and will have additional initials after their DVM – such as – DACVIM, or DACVS.

 

A: Your family veterinarian is considered a general practitioner, which means they are the best resource for your pet’s wellness and preventative care.Just like your family doctor, your pet’s primary care veterinarian may refer your pet to a specialist if they feel they can benefit from their additional expertise or for advanced diagnostics, testing or treatment. 

 

  A: Your family veterinarian should always be the first person you turn to when your pet is ill or injured, the exception being if it is an emergency or your veterinarian’s office is closed.  Our emergency and critical care practice is open 24/7 for these cases and no appointment is needed. Your veterinarian will perform all the appropriate tests and if they believe your pet is in need of additional, specialized care, they will refer you to a specialty practice, like the ones at The LifeCentre. 

Because specialists have undergone additional years of training and other requirements, they are experts in their field and will have more insight into your pet’s specific illness or injury. They will work with you and your family veterinarian to develop a treatment plan that is best for your pet.  We consider ourselves as just a part of your pets medical care team!

 

A: If you are scheduling an appointment with a specialist at any of the practices, you will need a referral, plus your pet’s medical history, recent test results such as bloodwork, radiographs etc. Complete and detailed medical records are extremely helpful and your veterinarians office can fax, email or send records to us via the button above.  If you are bringing your pet in for emergency services, no referral or appointment is necessary however a quick call can help our triage teams prepare for your arrival.  

 

A: The accepted payment forms will vary by practice; however, all the practices accept most major credit cards.  Please click here to locate the phone number for the specialty practice your are visiting to find out more information about their policies.

 

A: Pet insurance is becoming a more and more viable option for those wishing to provide the best possible care for their pet. There are various pet insurance companies in the market today, so be sure to research which plan best fits your family’s budget and your pet’s health needs. 

Your pet insurance company will supply you with the claim forms you will need to bring with you to your veterinary practice and have the veterinary staff complete. You pay the veterinary practice directly, and then mail or fax the claim form to the insurance company. They will reimburse you the appropriate amount allocated by your plan.   

To learn more about why we recommend at least a basic policy for your pet – please see our blog about pet insurance in the drop down menu above!

 

A: If your pet is need of emergency care, please call 703-777-5755 immediately.  VCA  Animal Emergency Critical Care is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   Calling us will allow our CSR’s to alert the triage team that you are coming. 

For directions click on the maps below. 

The ER is located in The LIFECentre’s main building at 165 Fort Evans Rd. NE, Leesburg, VA 20176.  You will pass our smaller building (TLC West) on Fort Evans.  Please drive to the END  of Fort Evans and look for the yellow building on the cul-de-sac.   

Our emergency team is here 24 hours a day and if you are unsure if your pet needs to be seen, you may call us at 703-777-5755 for guidance on your pet’s condition.