Due to 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.
The emergency visit begins with an assessment of the severity of the illness and whether urgent treatment is needed. For some pets with less serious illnesses, this might mean waiting while our doctors attend to an animal with more immediate needs. Your stay with us also can vary depending on what tests need to be performed and whether the pet needs to remain in our hospital.
Triage Level 1: Critical
Life-saving measures must be administered immediately*:
- Allergic reactions
- Bleeding (excessive)
- Bloat (GDV)/swollen abdomen
- Blocked/unable to urinate
- 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. Wait times will vary depending on the stability of your pet and/or current critical emergencies in-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
- Severe vomiting/diarrhea
- Urinary tract problems
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
- Planned euthanasia
- Minor wounds
- Skin conditions
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/unable to urinate
- 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. Wait times will vary depending on the stability of your pet and/or current critical emergencies in-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
- Severe vomiting/diarrhea
- Urinary tract problems
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
- Planned euthanasia
- Minor wounds
- Skin conditions
Hospital Admit Guide
If your pet is admitted for hospitalization at CARE, please review our Hospital Admit Guide to help answer questions about your pet’s stay.
Our Emergency Doctors
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