Taking your pet in for an emergency visit is already scary enough. But staying calm is essential, because your pet will pick up on your panic. You might never face a pet emergency, but if you do, knowing what to expect will help you keep your cool. This quick guide explains how to know when it’s an emergency, how emergency vet visits go, and what you might need to bring with you.
When Do You Need an Emergency Veterinarian?
When our cats and dogs seem off, it can be difficult not to rush right to the veterinarian. However, knowing when to head to an emergency vet, call for an urgent care appointment, or wait for a regular appointment is important.
Emergencies include:
- Car accidents
- Encountering poisonous substances or venoms
- Inability to put weight on a limb after a fall
- Heat stroke
- Excessive bleeding
- Injuries from other dogs, cats, or wildlife
- Unconsciousness
- Convulsions lasting more than 3 minutes
- Excessive vomiting or diarrhea
If you are ever uncertain, call your veterinarian and they will tell you whether or not your pet needs emergency care.
What to Do If Your Pet Needs Emergency Care
Call Before You Come
Before you head in, CALL. You will be asked several questions about your pet’s condition.
Then, one of four things will happen:
- You will be directed to come to the office right away
- You will be directed to another emergency facility
- You may be asked to wait for an urgent care appointment
- You may be asked to try some home remedies first
While most veterinary offices will take care of your pet in an emergency, it is important to call first. This helps ensure you do not waste time heading to an office that cannot accommodate the emergency. If there are not enough veterinarians, time, or proper equipment, you will be directed to contact another facility.
Expect to Wait
All emergency rooms, even those for pets, work with a triage system. This means patients with the most life-threatening problems are first in line. Even if your pet is the first to be treated, it can take time. This is especially true for internal problems that may require x-rays or ultrasounds for diagnosis, or treatments that involve surgery.
What to Bring with You
- Injury information: If your pet is being treated for an injury, your veterinarian will need as much information about the incident as you can provide.
- Insurance information: If you have pet insurance, be sure to bring it with you. Depending on the insurance, you might need to contact them for approval or pay and be reimbursed later.
- Method of payment: Some emergency veterinarians require payment before care can take place.
Pet Care in Gilbert, Arizona
If you need veterinary care, East Valley Animal Hospital is here for you. We offer a range of services from preventative to urgent care. Our team of animal lovers are here for any concerns about your pet’s health. To request an urgent visit, please give us a call.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/11/2025). Photo by Alexander Andrews on Unsplash