Steps to Take In a Pet Emergency
If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, follow the steps below.
- Call ahead if possible: You should contact one of the emergency animal hospitals listed above to let them know you are on the way. This will allow their veterinary team to prepare the equipment needed for your arrival.
- Follow instructions provided: When you call the emergency pet hospital, the staff there may offer instructions to help you administer first aid or otherwise make your pet as comfortable. Follow these instructions carefully.
- Remain calm: When animals are in pain, they often react negatively towards anyone trying to help and could bite or scratch. So, remain calm and be extra careful around your pet.
- Bring your pet in for care: Do not put yourself at risk! Be sure to safely transport your pet to one of the emergency animal hospitals listed above.
Emergency FAQs
Read through our most frequently asked questions below to learn more about where to take your pet during a medical emergency.
- Do I need to call ahead?
Our veterinary team at Greenbrier-Springfield Animal Hospital is currently experiencing an overwhelming demand for our standard veterinary services and is unable to accept walk-in emergencies at this time.
For emergency or urgent veterinary care please contact one of the emergency animal hospitals that are listed above to request further instructions and to let them know you are on your way. - When is your clinic open?
At this time our veterinarians are unable to accept walk-in emergency cases, but are able to see patients by appointment during our regular business hours:
- Monday:08:00 am - 05:30 pm
- Tuesday:08:00 am - 05:30 pm
- Wednesday:08:00 am - 05:30 pm
- Thursday:08:00 am - 05:30 pm
- Friday:08:00 am - 05:30 pm
- Saturday:08:00 am - 12:00 pm
- Sunday:Closed
- What situations require emergency veterinary care?
The following situations are examples of emergencies that require immediate care:
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- Seizures and/or staggering
- Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
- Fractured bones or severe lameness
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; 2+ episodes in 24-hours
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- Unconsciousness
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
Emergency animal care is similar to any human ER—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait.
You may want to call one of the emergency animal hospitals above prior to arriving to ensure that they will be able to see your pet.
New Patients Welcome
Greenbrier-Springfield Animal Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Springfield companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.