EMERGENCIES VS. NON-EMERGENCIES
**The information on this page is meant to be used as a guideline. Just because an animal is not in immediate danger does NOT mean they don’t need to be seen. Urgent care clinics exist and provide many of the same services.**
Ask yourself, “Is it possible for my pet to be comfortable and stable enough to go home the same day of its exam?”
If the answer is yes, the pet’s ailment is usually an urgent care one. However, if the pet requires more time in–hospital, needs significant medical intervention, or needs to see a specialist, the pet will require an emergency visit.
- If the symptoms are annoying or mild, schedule an appointment with your regular vet.
- If the symptoms would cause you to go to an urgent care that day or the next day for yourself, it is likely that your pet should, too!
- If the symptoms are life-threatening and the animal may not survive the next 24 hours, that is when an emergency visit is warranted.
Emergency clinics have specialized equipment and operate 24/7 which makes them the most expensive option while urgent care will have extended hours and only some specialty equipment. Your regular veterinarian is not usually equipped to handle intensive emergencies, so please do not expect this of them!
