Pet Emergencies

Your Guide to Pet Emergency Care

If your pet is in distress, every minute counts. Knowing what to do — and where to go — before an emergency happens can make a real difference when it matters most. We understand how frightening it can be when something is wrong with your beloved pet, and the stress of not knowing how to respond can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether it’s a sudden injury, illness, or unexpected behavior, being prepared is key. With the right knowledge and resources, you can stay calm and act confidently in any situation, knowing that we’re here to support you and your pet through it all.

How to Know if Your Pet Needs Emergency Care

It's not always easy to tell whether a situation is a true emergency or something that can wait for a regular appointment. When in doubt, call us — we'd always rather you reach out than wait and hope things improve on their own.

That said, the following signs typically require immediate veterinary attention:

  • Breathing difficulties — Labored breathing, choking, or gasping for air is always an emergency.
  • Collapse or inability to stand — If your pet suddenly collapses, cannot get up, or seems unable to bear weight, seek care immediately.
  • Seizures — A seizure lasting more than a few minutes, or multiple seizures in a short period, requires urgent attention.
  • Suspected poisoning — If you think your pet has eaten something toxic — including human medications, certain plants, household chemicals, or foods like chocolate, xylitol, or grapes — don't wait for symptoms to appear. Call us or go directly to an emergency hospital.
  • Severe bleeding — Wounds that won't stop bleeding or deep lacerations need to be seen right away.
  • Suspected broken bones — If your pet has been in an accident or fall and you suspect a fracture, handle them as gently as possible and get them seen immediately.
  • Bloated or distended abdomen — A swollen, hard, or painful belly — especially in large breed dogs — can be a sign of a life-threatening condition called bloat and requires emergency care right away.
  • Straining to urinate or unable to urinate — This is particularly serious in male cats and can become life-threatening within hours.
  • Eye injuries — Trauma to the eye, sudden changes in vision, or a visibly damaged or protruding eye should be treated as an emergency.
  • Difficulty giving birth — If your pet has been in active labor for more than an hour without delivering a puppy or kitten, or if you know there are more to come and delivery has stopped, call us immediately.
If you're unsure whether what you're seeing is an emergency, it's always safer to call and ask. We're happy to help you figure out the right next step.

During Our Office Hours — Call Us First

If your pet is having an emergency during our regular office hours, please call us before you come in. This is important — it gives our team time to prepare for your arrival and make sure we can accommodate your pet's needs right away rather than having you wait.

The sooner you call, the sooner we can help.

Office Hours:

Mon: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Tue: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Wed: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thu: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Fri: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Sun: Closed

After Hours — Emergency Hospitals Near You

If your pet needs emergency care outside of our office hours, please do not wait until we open. Go directly to one of the emergency veterinary hospitals listed below. These facilities are equipped to handle urgent and critical cases around the clock.

Call ahead if you can — it allows the emergency team to prepare for your pet's arrival.

Questions? We're Here to Help.

If you're unsure whether your pet's situation is an emergency, don't hesitate to give us a call during office hours. We can help you assess what's happening and point you in the right direction. Your pet's health and safety always come first.

Trusted Pet Care & a Friendly Welcome for Every Pet

Call/Text: (860) 668-4041
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