"Should I go to a Hospital or a Clinic?"
​In many cases the terms 'clinic' and 'hospital' are used interchangeably, since there is no law saying what one or the other is. However, clinics are usually smaller and mostly do 'well animal care,' screening tests, vaccines and treat common, relatively minor health problems. They also perform routine surgeries such as cystotomy (bladder stone removal), spaying, pyometra, tumor removal, dentistry and more. Places that are called Clinics are frequently less expensive than a place called a Hospital! Some clinics are on-call after hours for their clients' emergencies, but often refer clients to an emergency hospital.
Don't forget, the terms 'hospital' and 'clinic' are not legally defined or controlled, but most people assume a hospital is bigger and better equipped. 'Hospitals' offer routine and advanced care, including surgery and many kinds of emergency care. They may charge more for routine care because they often have a large staff of veterinarians, vet techs, nurses, etc. and their overhead is much higher....which certainly leads to higher prices! A hospital may provide 24/7 emergency care.
​