The closure of multiple animal ERs in the Charlotte area has created a high case volume.
CARE is open and available to you and your pets. Due to this high case volume, wait times are extremely variable and may be extended, especially for less critical patients. Cases will be seen in the order of severity, with the most critical being prioritized. See below for Triage Priority Levels.The emergency service at CARE is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help with your pet’s urgent needs. Emergencies can range from life-threatening injuries to simple illnesses that just can’t wait until your veterinary office opens. Our staff is trained in emergency assessment, diagnosis and treatment so that your pet can feel better as soon as possible.
Triage Priority Levels: 1, 2, 3
Triage Level 1: Critical
Life-saving measures must be administered immediately*:
- Allergic reactions
- Bleeding (excessive)
- Bloat (GDV)/swollen abdomen
- Blocked cat
- Breathing difficulty/choking
- Collapse
- Euthanasia**
- Eye trauma
- Heatstroke
- Hit by car
- Poisoning
- Seizures (active)
- Trauma
*Partial list – please discuss your pet’s situation with our team.
**Euthanasia will be done in our Comfort Room. Two family members are permitted to enter the hospital.
Triage Level 2: Urgent
Wait times may apply based on the amount of Level 1 cases:
- Birthing difficulties
- Bowel obstruction/constipation
- Broken bone
- Pain/restlessness
- Urinary tract problems
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Triage Level 3: Important
Wait times may be prolonged based on the amount of Level 1 and Level 2 cases:
- Abscess
- Anorexia/not eating
- Chronic diseases
- Ear infection
- Eye irritation
- Lameness
- Minor wounds
- Skin conditions
We understand that during this stressful time, it’s vital that we communicate what to expect and what treatment options are best. Because your regular veterinarian is a core part of your pet’s healthcare team, we also make sure he or she is aware of all test results and treatment plans.
At CARE, our emergency veterinarians have the advantage of access to specialists who provide consultation and perform complicated emergency procedures. We know how worried owners are when their pets have an emergency and our focus is to relieve that worry by providing exceptional care with compassion.
Triage Priority Levels: 1, 2, 3
Triage Level 1: Critical
Life-saving measures must be administered immediately*:
- Allergic reactions
- Bleeding (excessive)
- Bloat (GDV)/swollen abdomen
- Blocked cat
- Breathing difficulty/choking
- Collapse
- Euthanasia**
- Eye trauma
- Heatstroke
- Hit by car
- Poisoning
- Seizures (active)
- Trauma
*Partial list – please discuss your pet’s situation with our team.
**Euthanasia will be done in our Comfort Room. Two family members are permitted to enter the hospital.
Triage Level 2: Urgent
Wait times may apply based on the amount of Level 1 cases:
- Birthing difficulties
- Bowel obstruction/constipation
- Broken bone
- Pain/restlessness
- Urinary tract problems
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Triage Level 3: Important
Wait times may be prolonged based on the amount of Level 1 and Level 2 cases:
- Abscess
- Anorexia/not eating
- Chronic diseases
- Ear infection
- Eye irritation
- Lameness
- Minor wounds
- Skin conditions
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