Information for pet owners Learn about the benefits of seeing a specialist — and how we work alongside you and your local family vet to deliver the best care.
Why choose Melbourne Animal Referral Services?
There are times when your pet may need advanced care to improve their quality of life, relieve pain, treat cancer, manage complex conditions, or prevent life-threatening illness.
That’s where MARS comes in.
We understand that every pet and family is different. That’s why we offer two ways for your pet to access the same level of exceptional care — from our state-of-the-art hospital in Hawthorn East (all services), or through our mobile referral service (surgery only), which brings our specialists directly to your regular vet clinic.
Specialist care, delivered your way.
Whether your pet is referred for surgery, internal medicine, oncology, or advanced diagnostics, you can trust they’re in expert hands. MARS understands how stressful medical decisions can be. That’s why we prioritise clear communication, compassionate care, and a collaborative approach — working closely with you and your regular vet to support the best possible outcome.
Your pet might see us at our specialist hospital or through our trusted mobile service, but our commitment to quality care never changes, wherever we meet you.
The benefits of this collaboration for you and your pet include:
1. Fully equipped state-of-the-art hospital (all services).
- On-site advanced imaging, medical, oncologic and surgical equipment.
- 24/7 care
2. Your local clinic (surgery only)
- A familiar environment with trusted staff, when treated through our mobile team
- Reduced travel time and greater convenience for you and your pet
- Seamless collaboration between your regular vet and our specialist team
- Continuity of care and ongoing support throughout your pet’s treatment
Whether you visit our hospital or see our mobile team at your clinic, you can be confident your pet is receiving personalised, expert care that puts their comfort and recovery first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the referral process work?
After your vet has made a diagnosis and has identified your pet as one that would benefit from advanced, referral level surgery they will contact MARS and provide appropriate case details, including results of any investigations already performed.
Following review of your pet’s history and diagnostic results, MARS will advise if and when a particular procedure can be performed.
Detailed information regarding the risks and benefits of procedures including any specific aftercare required is provided to your vet. We will also advise if any further investigations are required prior to surgery. Accurate estimates will be supplied in advance of scheduled procedures to minimize stress surrounding financial decisions.
It is also possible for you to request a specific surgical specialist to perform your pet’s procedure as the pet owner. Maybe a friend or fellow pet lover at the park has made the suggestion to engage the help of a specialist. Simply contact MARS directly yourself or request your vet to contact MARS.
How do I book a Specialist?
If you or your veterinarian would like a MARS Specialist to perform your pet’s surgical procedure this can be easily organised via your primary care veterinarian. A mutually convenient date for all parties can be scheduled. The procedure is performed at your local veterinary practice with all the specialised equipment and consumables supplied by MARS.
For enquiries, please complete our contact form.
In order for your pet to be treated by MARS, you must be referred by your local veterinarian. If you don’t have a local vet already, MARS can also help facilitate this if needed.
How are payments organised?
All payments are made to your local veterinary practice. We do not take payments directly from clients.
We provide your local practice with an estimate of our fee in advance to allow them to provide you with an accurate estimate of costs. It is very unusual for our fee to alter from the estimate and we will try and alert your local vets in advance if this is likely to be the case.