By Jennifer Reed
When you bring your pet to the veterinarian, do you really know what you are paying for?
Because each veterinary hospital offers a different level of care, comparing services on price alone does not necessarily allow you to fully understand the treatment your pet will receive.
At The Drake Center, we aim to ensure that every human and animal who walks through our doors receives a one-of-a-kind veterinary experience. This unique level of service is based on a dedication to quality patient care called The Drake Center Difference.
What does The Drake Center Difference mean for you and your pet?
AAHA accreditation: Did you know accreditation is not required for veterinary hospitals in the U.S.? Our voluntary certification means we provide the highest standards of care in anesthesia, dentistry, pain management, patient care, surgery and emergency care based on the guidelines set by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
Patient comfort: Individualized pain management is a hallmark of veterinary care at The Drake Center. Multimodal pain control uses combinations of medications and treatments, such as analgesics (painkillers), acupuncture and laser therapy, to safely provide pain relief or ensure a comfortable recovery from surgery.
Safety first: At The Drake Center, we take every pet’s health seriously and are very proud of our safety record. To ensure the safest medical care possible, we maintain strict protocols—from requiring an exam and blood screening prior to surgery to declining partnerships with online pharmacies—for the protection of our patients.
2:1 nurse to patient ratio: At The Drake Center, our surgical team is made up of one doctor, two registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) and one technician assistant. This means that two highly trained veterinary nurses provide care for every one hospitalized animal at our facility.
Continuing education: Each year, every member of our team is required to complete a minimum of eight hours of continuing education. Licensed employees must also meet an additional requirement of 20 (RVT) to 36 (veterinarian) hours every two years. These requirements for lifelong learning allow us to stay abreast of the most current developments in the field of veterinary medicine and technology.
Cutting edge medical care: At The Drake Center, we are proud to offer the latest advancements in medicine and diagnostic equipment. In fact, our facility was one of the first veterinary hospitals in San Diego County to offer digital radiographs (X-rays) and laser therapy.
Team effort: At The Drake Center, we know our clients are a vital part of the healthcare team. We personalize every exam based individual needs and aim to provide the education needed to help our clients make the best, most informed choices for their families.
Local partnerships: Our doctors regularly consult with board-certified radiologists, dermatologists, ophthalmologists, internists, neurologists, oncologists and surgeons to ensure your pet has the best possible care.