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Urgent Care:
Frequently Asked Questions

What is urgent care in a veterinary setting?

Veterinary urgent care is for pets experiencing sudden illnesses or injuries that need prompt attention but are not necessarily life-threatening.  It bridges the gap between routine appointments and emergency hospital care. If your primary care veterinarian is booked we are happy to help in the interim until they can see you. We will forward your appointment details to your primary veterinarian for follow-up.  

What types of concerns qualify for an urgent care appointment?

Examples may include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea, especially if persistent

  • Limping or sudden lameness

  • Minor cuts, wounds, or injuries

  • Ear infections or sudden skin irritation

  • Eye irritation or discharge

  • Loss of appetite or unusual lethargy

  • Urinary concerns, depending on the symptoms

If you’re unsure whether your pet needs urgent care, please call us. We can help assess the situation and advise you on the next steps.

 

How do urgent care appointments work?

Please call our clinic before coming in. Our team will ask about your pet’s symptoms, how long they have been occurring, and how your pet is doing overall. Based on the information you provide, we’ll determine whether we can accommodate your pet, recommend a scheduled appointment, or direct you to an emergency veterinary hospital.

 

Do I need to call before arriving?

Yes. Calling ahead is important because urgent care appointments depend on availability, staffing, and the severity of your pet’s condition. It also allows our team to help determine whether your pet needs a higher level of emergency care.

 

Is urgent care the same as an emergency veterinary hospital?

No. Urgent care is intended for concerns that need timely attention but are not immediately life-threatening. Emergency veterinary hospitals are equipped to manage critical conditions that may require immediate stabilization, intensive monitoring, surgery, or overnight hospitalization.

 

What symptoms require an emergency veterinary hospital?

Seek immediate emergency veterinary care if your pet has:

  • Difficulty breathing or choking

  • Collapse, unconsciousness, or severe weakness

  • Uncontrolled bleeding or major trauma

  • Seizures that are prolonged or repeated

  • A swollen abdomen with repeated unproductive retching

  • Suspected poisoning or ingestion of a dangerous substance

  • Inability to urinate, especially in a cat

  • Pale or blue gums, or signs of severe distress

If you believe your pet is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, do not delay care while waiting for an appointment. Contact an emergency veterinary hospital immediately.

 

Will my pet be seen immediately?

We do our best to accommodate urgent concerns as quickly as possible. However, appointment availability and medical urgency determine when your pet can be seen. Patients with more critical conditions may need immediate emergency referral, and wait times may vary.

 

Can I book an urgent care appointment for a pet who is not a regular patient?

Yes, please call us to discuss your pet’s needs and confirm whether we can see them.

 

What should I bring to the appointment?

If available, bring your pet’s medical records, a list of current medications, information about any recent changes in behaviour or symptoms, and details of any possible toxin exposure. Photos or videos of symptoms can also be helpful. Please bring any relevant packaging if your pet may have ingested something harmful.

 

How much does an urgent care appointment cost?

Costs depend on the initial examination and any additional diagnostics or treatments your pet may need. Our team can discuss the examination fee and provide estimates for recommended care before proceeding whenever possible.

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Your pet’s health is important to us. If something doesn’t seem right, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team can help you determine whether an urgent care appointment is appropriate or whether your pet needs immediate emergency attention.

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