Hospitalisation: In-Patient Care For Your Pet’s Recovery

If your pet requires in-patient care due to surgery, illness, or injury, they may comfortably stay at our vet clinics in Yishun or Upper Thomson, and you can visit them during visiting hours. Hospitalisation is available for many cases including post-surgery recovery and urgent emergency vet care.

In-patient care allows our veterinary professionals to administer treatments effectively and keep a close eye on the pet’s health so that we may address any issues as soon as possible.

We provide separate dog and cat hospitalisation wards to reduce species-specific anxiety and foster a comfortable environment. Overnight monitoring by trained vet nurses can be arranged, if required, for pets who may need special care and continuous support.

We also encourage pet parents to bring their pets’ familiar blankeys and toys to increase their pets’ comfort levels during their stay.

We provide separate dog and cat hospitalisation wards to reduce species-specific anxiety. Overnight monitoring by trained vet nurses can be arranged if required.
A pet dachshund patient at a vet clinic receiving IV fluids

Why Visit Paws N’ Claws for Pet Hospitalisation

Sometimes your pet needs more than a quick visit to the vet. At Paws N’ Claws Veterinary Surgery, our dedicated pet hospitalisation team is here to provide a safe and comfortable environment for their recovery.

Have a question? WhatsApp us at 8891 4417 for the Upper Thomson vet clinic, or at 8809 0787 for our vet clinic in Yishun.

Here’s a look at what goes on behind the scenes once you hand us the pet carrier or leash.

Separate Dog and Cat Wards

In line with our Fear-Free philosophy, we prioritise minimising stress and anxiety throughout your pet’s stay at our vet clinic in either Yishun or Upper Thomson. That’s why we offer separate hospitalisation wards for dogs and cats. 

This reduces species-specific anxieties that can arise from unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. For example, cats are generally more sensitive to noise and activity, and tend to prefer being on higher ground, while dogs may feel overwhelmed by larger canine companions. Separating them fosters a calmer atmosphere for all hospitalised animals.

Comforting Accommodations

Our clinic facilities are designed for your furkid’s comfort, well-being, and safety while they are hospitalised. 

Depending on your pet’s condition, soft and cosy blankets and towels are provided, so your pet can snuggle up for a good night’s sleep. Our patients do not sleep on cold, hard surfaces. If they feel cold, our nurses also prepare a hot water bottle to keep them warm.

cat in its bed

It might also be possible for you to leave their favourite toy or one of your clothings (such as a t-shirt carrying your personal scent) in the ward with them while they recuperate. We encourage pet parents to bring their pets’ familiar blankets and toys to increase their pets’ comfort levels during their stay.

Our spacious cages and cubicles, pictured below, are larger than standard sizes to fit the Fear-Free criteria and ensure they have a comfortable, restful stay while recovering.

Cats, smaller dogs, and pocket pets will be housed in the cages, while larger dogs will stay in the bigger cubicles which are large enough for our human nurses to sit in comfortably.

Roomy pet hospitalisation cubicles and cages at Paws N' Claws veterinary clinic, with feline patients
Feline patients at our roomy pet hospital accommodations.
Spacious dog hospital wards and cubicles at Paws N' Claws Vet clinic - animal hospital
Our larger hospital cubicles are suitable for bigger dog breeds.

Fear-Free Experience

Staying in an unfamiliar place, away from their fur-parents, can often be a stressful and scary experience for pets. This is especially so for critical cases such as major accidents or severe illness that we often see as an emergency vet clinic in Singapore. We do everything that we can to minimise any pain, anxiety, fear, and stress that your pet may feel, in line with our Fear-Free approach to veterinary care.

Our compassionate and professional team spends time sitting with every patient and talking to them gently and affectionately — treating every guest like our own pet. We love to give them lots of soothing pats, head rubs, chin scratches, belly rubs, and cuddles. This provides a calming atmosphere that can help reduce their anxieties during a vet visit or overnight hospital stay.

If they are well enough to move about, dogs are walked three times a day. Cats can explore and roam freely within the clinic premises during periods of low traffic — under constant supervision by our friendly and loving staff. We want to help all patients stay active and get fresh air where possible.

At both Yishun and Upper Thomson, our clinic houses an extensive pharmacy of anti-anxiety medications, both short-term and long-term, which we may prescribe for overly anxious patients. We are committed to fostering a calm and supportive environment, and hope that this can make us your go-to vet in Singapore for emergency vet care and hospitalisation for pets.

Dedicated Care Team

Our experienced veterinary technicians and nurses monitor your pets frequently during their stay and review their progress throughout the day, and even overnight if necessary.

Feline patients including a hospitalised pet cat at the Paws N Claws Vet animal hospital

For pets requiring additional monitoring or those experiencing anxiety during the night, we offer the option of overnight monitoring by our trained veterinary nurses. This provides an additional layer of reassurance and comfort, and ensures your pet receives immediate attention if needed. During this time, a veterinarian will also be on-call throughout the night to handle any issues that may arise.

As a reputable emergency vet in Singapore, we are committed to providing high-quality, Fear-Free care while keeping your pet safe, relaxed, and comfortable as much as possible.

Kindly note that there are additional charges for overnight monitoring and for the administering of treatments or medications outside of our clinic operating hours, if you wish to opt for them.

All hospitalised patients receive comprehensive care, including:

1. Close monitoring: Our team will regularly monitor your pet’s vital signs, including temperature, respiration, and heart rate. They will also observe their behaviour, appetite, and elimination patterns to identify any potential problems. Outside of our clinic operating hours, overnight monitoring can be arranged if required.

2. Medication administration: Our trained staff will administer all prescribed medications and treatments as directed by the veterinarian.

3. Pain management: We believe in managing your pet’s pain effectively to ensure their comfort and promote faster healing. We apply various pain management techniques, tailored to your pet’s individual needs and the nature of their condition.

4. Nutritional support: We offer a variety of diets to cater to your pet’s nutritional needs and any dietary restrictions they may have. Our team will ensure your pet receives proper hydration and nutrition to support their recovery.

5. Other forms of care which may be required: These can range from blood transfusions, plasma transfusions, nebulisation, oxygen therapy, and so on.

Isolation Ward

Our clinic premises also house a dedicated isolation ward. This is a specialised room used for pets with infectious or contagious diseases — such as leptospirosis (a bacterial disease in dogs), canine parvovirus (a serious viral illness), giardia (a parasitic intestinal infection), kennel cough (a respiratory illness in dogs) — to prevent the spread to other animals while making sure your pet receives the necessary care in a safe and controlled environment.

Our isolation ward is equipped with food preparation, medical equipment, and disposal systems that are separate from the rest of the clinic. It also has a separate entrance from the main clinic entrance.

A leptospirosis patient in the isolation ward of Paws N' Claws Veterinary Surgery. There has been a surge in cases of lepto among dogs in Singapore.

The vets, nurses, and technicians follow strict isolation protocol and precautions. We have to don personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, shoe covers, gowns before entering the isolation ward and when administering treatment to patients in the room.

Staying Connected With Your Pet

Given the potential emotional strain that hospitalisation can have on pet owners, we encourage you to stay connected with your furry friend.

• Status updates: You will receive updates of how your pet is doing during their stay, and these may include photos and videos where appropriate. For example, we may send videos of patients eating as they regain their appetite during the recovery, or photos of dogs on their daily walks.

• Visitation: In most cases, depending on your pet’s medical condition, we are more than happy to schedule visits for you to spend quality time with your pet. This can be a comforting experience for both of you. Our in-patient visiting hours at the Upper Thomson clinic are: Mon-Fri: 2pm to 3pm and 8.30pm to 9.30pm; and Sat-Sun: 8.30pm to 9.30pm. For the Yishun clinic, please WhatsApp us or ask our friendly staff about the visitation hours.

Discharge and Aftercare

When your pet is ready to return home, we will work closely with you to ensure a smooth transition. This includes:

1. Detailed discharge instructions: Our team will provide clear instructions on any medications or treatments your pet needs to continue at home, along with proper administration techniques.

2. Dietary recommendations: We will discuss any specific dietary requirements to support your pet’s continued recovery.

3. Wound care instructions: If applicable, we will provide detailed instructions on wound care and bandage changes, if necessary.

4. Follow-up appointments: A review appointment may be necessary to monitor your pet’s progress and ensure a complete recovery.

If you have any questions or concerns after your pet is discharged, feel free to WhatsApp or call us, and our friendly staff will do their best to respond to you as soon as possible.

Our WhatsApp numbers are 8891 4417 for the Upper Thomson clinic and 8809 0787 for the Yishun clinic.

In the event that you observe or suspect a potential emergency and if we are not responding promptly enough or if it happens to be outside of our clinic operating hours, please contact your nearest vet clinic or animal hospital for immediate assistance.

What People Say About Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my pet be monitored closely during their stay?

Yes. Hospitalised patients are monitored regularly throughout the day to track their progress and make sure that they are stable and responding well to treatment. During our clinics’ operating hours, the veterinary team checks vital signs, observes behaviour, and administers medication as needed. You will receive updates on your pet’s progress and recovery.

If you’d like, you can also opt for overnight monitoring, for trained nurses to be on standby during nighttime and outside of operating hours to monitor your pet and provide care. If any changes in a patient’s condition arise, a vet is on-call to review and adjust the care plan where necessary, and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

What happens if my pet’s condition worsens?

If a patient’s condition worsens or changes unexpectedly during their stay, our team is equipped to respond quickly and provide prompt emergency care. We can administer timely supportive treatments to stabilise them, carry out diagnotic tests in-house, and make immediate adjustments to their care plan.

If any urgent or critical decisions need to be made, you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Overnight monitoring is especially important for pets who are not yet stable or are at higher risk of complications. Our trained veterinary staff keep a close eye on these patients after hours, so that any signs of distress or deterioration are detected early.

What tests might my pet need during hospitalisation?

Depending on your pet’s condition or how they respond to treatment, blood tests, imaging such as X-rays or ultrasounds, or other diagnostics may be recommended at animal hospitals or vet clinics. These help the veterinary team evaluate internal health, monitor changes, detect infections, assess pain or discomfort, and make informed decisions about adjusting care plans if needed. For example, in a dehydrated pet, we may run blood tests to check hydration and kidney function. Or perform X-rays or ultrasounds if there are signs of internal injury or illness.

Before proceeding, our veterinarians, nurses, and technicians will discuss any recommended tests with you, explain their purpose, and provide estimated costs.

That said, further testing is not always needed as part of inpatient care. Some pets may not require additional tests if their condition is stable and already well understood.

Must my pet be hospitalised before and after surgery?

It depends; our veterinarians will advise on the best option based on your pet’s specific case and needs.

Before surgery, animals may be admitted as an in-patient either for pre-operative preparation or to stabilise their condition first. This can include fasting, administering fluids, running blood tests, or giving anti-anxiety supplements or medications to help ensure a safe procedure and a Fear-Free environment.

After surgery, hospitalisation may be necessary for post-op care. It will allow our team to monitor your pet’s recovery, manage pain, and provide supportive care such as wound management or administering medication. If close monitoring is needed, such as after a complex surgery or if your pet has other health concerns, an overnight stay may be recommended.

In some cases, especially after routine or minor procedures like sterilisation, your pet may be able to go home on the same day, once they are awake, stable, and comfortable.

How can I reduce the need for hospital stays?

Preventative care, regular veterinary visits, and attentive daily pet management are proactive steps you can take to reduce your pet’s risk of serious illnesses that require admission to an animal hospital. It also enables veterinarians to spot potential problems before they escalate, minimising the need for inpatient or hospital care.

This may include scheduling routine wellness exams or vet checkups, staying up to date with vaccinations, and following your vet’s recommendations for parasite control such as flea & tick prevention.

Our comprehensive vaccination and preventative care services keep your pet healthy, happy, and protected from preventable illnesses.

Schedule An Appointment

We hope this eases some of your worries during your pet’s stay at our clinic. The entire Paws N’ Claws Vet team always does our best to help with patients’ recovery. We strive to provide a supportive and healing environment for your pet when they require extended care.

Contact us today to book an appointment and discuss your pet’s hospitalisation needs.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team will gladly address any questions you may have and walk you through the process. We are here to help you make an informed decision about your pet’s care.

If you have questions or would like to book an appointment, WhatsApp us at 8891 4417 (Upper Thomson) or 8809 0787 (Yishun).

Alternatively, please fill in the form below to send us a query.

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