Which of the following is NOT a way veterinarians can provide emergency services outside regular hours?

The option of scheduling routine appointments is not a way veterinarians can provide emergency services outside regular hours. Emergency services are typically characterized by immediate response to urgent situations requiring prompt attention, such as injuries or critical health issues in animals. Routine appointments, on the other hand, are planned visits for non-urgent care, such as vaccinations or annual check-ups, and do not fit the criteria for emergency services.

In contrast, joining a call group for coverage allows veterinarians to share on-call responsibilities to ensure that someone is always available for emergencies. Providing telemedicine consultations can also be part of emergency services as it allows veterinarians to assist clients remotely in urgent situations. Referring to a 24/7 hospital ensures that animals needing intensive care or specialized emergency treatment receive the appropriate services even during off-hours.