Urgent Services

We can see you when it can't wait.

When your pet needs medical attention, sometimes it’s hard to know whether it’s an urgent issue or an emergency. At Advanced Animal Care ER, we make it easy by offering Urgent Care for Pets—available Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm. Whether your pet has a minor issue that just can’t wait or something more serious, we’re here to help.

Not Sure If You Need Urgent or Emergency Care? Let Our Team Help You!

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Urgent vs. Emergency: When to Visit Us

It’s not always easy to tell if your pet is experiencing a minor issue or a critical one. That’s why our team is ready to assess and treat pets regardless of the situation.

What is considered an Urgent Care situation for my pet?

That's a great question. Urgent care versus emergent care: urgent care is something that needs to be seen within several hours or within the day. Emergent care is something that needs to be seen as soon as possible.

Dr. Prince

What types of emergencies do your Urgent Care Services handle?

We are very fortunate to be an emergency hospital that also sees urgent care. Even if you are uncertain if your pet needs Urgent Care or emergent care, we can take care of it. Our well-trained staff can handle situations ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, lacerations, foreign bodies, allergies—pretty much anything can be handled here.

When should I bring my pet to Urgent Care instead of waiting for a regular appointment?

If you can get into your regular veterinarian who you have established care with, call them first to see if they can fit you in that day. If your veterinarian is fully booked, you can come to us for those Urgent Care needs within the day.

What symptoms indicate that my pet needs urgent medical attention?

Urgent medical attention can vary from minor illnesses, minor injuries, small lacerations, vomiting, diarrhea starting that day, coughing, sneezing—mostly things that have happened in the last day or so, where the pet is still bright and alert. These would be considered Urgent Care needs.

How are Urgent Care Services different from Emergency Veterinary Care?

Urgent Care Services typically aim to be outpatient, so the pet comes in, gets treated, and can leave. Emergency Services vary depending on the nature of the emergency. Many times, those patients need to be hospitalized or have more aggressive therapies performed in the hospital.

Can I bring my pet in for Urgent Care without an appointment?

You can. You do not need an appointment for our Urgent Care time slots. If you want to call us when you're on your way, that's helpful so we can be prepared, but it's not necessary.

What should I bring with me when I bring my pet for Urgent Care?

If you have any past medical records, it's great to have them on hand. If not, that's okay. Also, bring a form of identification for yourself.

How much time does a typical Urgent Care visit take?

Typically, Urgent Care visits can vary. It depends on what's going on in the hospital at that moment and if we have any current emergencies. We try to get you in and out as quickly as we can. Sometimes that is possible; sometimes there is a wait. That is the nature of an emergency urgent care hospital.

Will my pet's Urgent Care records be shared with their regular veterinarian?

Yes, we can always send your records to your regular veterinarian as long as you let us know who to send it to.

What common treatments are offered through Urgent Care Services?

We offer many different treatments: pain management, allergy management, laser therapy, fluid therapy sometimes IV or subcutaneous. The list goes on and on.

Are Urgent Care Services available for all types of pets?

During the day from 8 to 4, we see Urgent Care time frames and appointments. It depends on the veterinarian who is currently working. Our Exotics vet is typically here from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, so it depends on the doctor on the Urgent Care daytime slot if they're willing to see an exotic pet.

What should I do if my pet's condition worsens before I arrive at Urgent Care?

Since we are an emergency facility as well as an Urgent Care, continue to get them here as quickly as possible, and we'll assess their needs when they arrive.

Are follow-up appointments necessary after an Urgent Care visit?

It depends on the nature of the visit. Sometimes we will say that you need to follow up, and we can either follow up here or with your regular vet, depending on what we found in our exam.

What should I expect during my pet's Urgent Care exam?

Every time a patient comes in, they are triaged by one of our technicians, including a brief physical exam to get vitals and history. Depending on the assessment, they'll either be brought straight back for a doctor to examine them, or the technician will relay the information to the doctor. Exams can be done in the room or the back. Once examined, the doctor will speak to you about diagnostics and treatments.

Is Urgent Care available after hours for pet emergencies?

Urgent Care is not available after hours. We switch back to emergency visits after 4:00 during weekdays, and weekends are always considered emergency hours.

Is Urgent Care covered by pet insurance?

Many times, pet insurance companies will reimburse you after you have paid the upfront cost. It depends on the type of insurance you have. Generally, many cover Urgent Care needs, but it depends on your specific coverage.

Some examples of common urgent care visits include: