Pet Urgent Care
How Our Pet Urgent Care Works
Please note that urgent care visits can reach daily capacity and may not be available at all times. Calling ahead is always the right first step — it allows our team to advise you on your pet’s specific situation, confirm whether urgent care is the appropriate level of care, and prepare for your pet’s arrival. If your pet’s condition requires a level of care beyond what we are equipped to provide, we will help direct you to an emergency facility better suited to respond.
Once your pet is dropped off, they will be evaluated by one of our veterinarians. Our doctor’s assessment and recommendations will be communicated to you by phone, and treatment can begin promptly once we have discussed a plan together. Most urgent care patients are ready to be picked up after 2:00 PM on the same day as drop-off.
Is This an Emergency?
Calling ahead gives our team the opportunity to assess your pet’s situation over the phone, prepare for your arrival, and advise you on whether our urgent care service or a dedicated 24-hour emergency facility is the most appropriate option for your pet’s needs. In some situations — such as suspected toxin ingestion, severe respiratory distress, uncontrolled bleeding, or loss of consciousness — a 24-hour emergency hospital may be better equipped to provide the level of intensive care your pet requires.
We would rather help you make the right call quickly than have you arrive somewhere unprepared to handle your pet’s specific emergency.
Conditions We Treat with Urgent Care
Our urgent care vet team is experienced in evaluating and treating a broad range of conditions that require prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening.
Common reasons pet owners bring their dogs and cats in for same-day urgent care include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea that is persistent, severe, or accompanied by lethargy or blood
- Suspected ingestion of a foreign object or a potentially harmful substance
- Eye injuries, sudden changes in vision, or significant eye discharge
- Ear infections causing obvious pain or discomfort
- Limping or sudden lameness that does not resolve quickly with rest
- Urinary symptoms, including straining, frequent attempts to urinate, or blood in the urine
- Wounds, lacerations, or bite injuries requiring evaluation and treatment
- Skin reactions, hives, or facial swelling, which may indicate an allergic response
- Respiratory symptoms such as coughing or labored breathing
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or other sudden behavioral changes
This list is not exhaustive. If something about your pet’s condition concerns you and you feel they need to be seen sooner rather than later, please call us and let our team help you determine the appropriate next step.
When to Go Directly to an Emergency Hospital
While our urgent care service handles a wide range of same-day concerns, some situations require the around-the-clock monitoring and intensive care that only a dedicated emergency hospital can provide.
Signs that your pet may need emergency care rather than urgent care include:
- Collapse, loss of consciousness, or extreme weakness
- Seizures, especially if prolonged or occurring in clusters
- Severe, uncontrolled bleeding
- Known or suspected ingestion of a toxic substance with rapid symptom onset
- Extreme difficulty breathing or open-mouth breathing in cats
- A distended, hard, or painful abdomen
- Pale, white, blue, or gray gums
- Inability to urinate, especially in male cats
If your pet is experiencing any of these signs, call us immediately. We will help assess the situation and, if needed, point you to the nearest emergency facility equipped to provide the level of care your pet requires.
For a list of recommended emergency facilities near us, please visit our Emergency Hospitals page.
Our Diagnostic & Treatment Capabilities
One of the advantages of bringing your pet to South Shore Veterinary Hospital for urgent care is the depth of diagnostic and treatment resources available on-site. Unlike a standalone urgent care clinic, our hospital is a full-service veterinary facility with in-house capabilities that allow us to assess and treat a wide range of conditions the same day.
Our urgent care team has immediate access to in-house laboratory testing — including complete blood counts, chemistry panels, and urinalysis — as well as digital pet X-rays and ultrasound for rapid imaging when needed. When a condition requires surgical intervention, our experienced surgical team is on-site and equipped to perform both soft tissue and orthopedic procedures.
A Trusted Urgent Care Vet Team, Ready When You Need Us
We know that an unexpected illness or injury is stressful for both pets and their owners, and our team works hard to provide a calm, reassuring environment even in time-sensitive situations. Getting your pet the care they need quickly, safely, and compassionately is always our first priority.
FAQs About Pet Urgent Care
How do I know if my pet needs urgent care or can wait for a regular appointment?
Do I need to call before coming in for urgent care?
How long will my pet be at the hospital for urgent care?
Many urgent care patients are ready for pickup after 2:00 PM on the same day as drop-off, though timing varies based on your pet's condition and treatment needs. The total time will depend on the nature of your pet's condition, the diagnostics required, and the treatment recommended. We will keep you updated by phone throughout the day.
Can I stay with my pet during an urgent care visit?
What should I bring when I drop my pet off for urgent care?
Is urgent care available every day?
