Urgent Care & Emergency Veterinary Clinics
As a pet parent, you’re tuned in to your furry family member’s every quirk and habit. So when something feels off, worry can quickly set in. The big question: Is this something that can wait for your regular veterinary appointment, or does it require a visit to an urgent care or emergency clinic?
Understanding how to recognize true medical emergencies can help you make confident, potentially life-saving decisions for your pet. Knowing where to seek care when your family veterinarian isn’t available and your pet’s needs are time sensitive or critical can help ensure your pet gets the care they need in any scenario.
So what's the difference between urgent and emergent situations?
Urgent situations refer to medical issues that require prompt attention but are not life-threatening. These situations often cause discomfort or distress to your pet and need to be addressed promptly to prevent them from escalating into more serious problems.
Emergent situations refer to medical issues that pose an immediate threat to your pet’s life or require urgent intervention to prevent serious harm.
Check out this handy guideline to better help you determine urgent vs. emergent situations. This list is not comprehensive by any means, but is definitely something you should have on hand to reference if you ever find yourself questioning "is this urgent or emergent?"
Urgent Care
Urgent care is designed for same-day health concerns that aren’t life-threatening but still need prompt attention.
Examples of urgent care conditions include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea (if your pet is stable)
- Mild allergic reactions (itching, swelling, hives)
- Eye or ear infections
- Coughing, sneezing, or mild respiratory illness
- Lumps, bumps, or skin irritations
- Lameness or limping (no obvious fracture)
- Minor wounds, bug bites, or stings
- Urinary tract issues (straining, frequent urination)
- Post-vaccine reactions (mild soreness, swelling, or lethargy)
Emergency
Emergencies are life-threatening conditions that require immediate treatment at a 24-hour emergency hospital.
Go directly to an emergency hospital if your pet is experiencing:
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Seizures or collapse
- Severe bleeding or trauma (e.g., hit by car, broken bone, large wounds)
- Inability to urinate or defecate
- Ingestion of toxins, foreign objects, or dangerous foods (chocolate, xylitol, etc.)
- Unresponsiveness or loss of consciousness
- Severe allergic reaction (facial swelling, trouble breathing, collapse)
- Severe burns or electrocution
- Snake bite
When to Seek Veterinary Help
As a pet owner, it can be challenging to determine whether your pet’s condition requires urgent/sick care or emergency treatment. Here are some tips to help you make the right decision:
- Assess the Severity: Consider the intensity and duration of your pet’s symptoms. Severe, sudden symptoms often indicate an emergency, while less severe but persistent issues may require a sick care visit.
- Observe Behavior: Changes in your pet’s behavior, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or excessive vocalization, can indicate a health issue that needs attention.
- Trust Your Instincts: If you’re unsure about the severity of your pet’s condition, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Contact your veterinarian for advice on the next steps.
- Prepare Ahead: Familiarize yourself with the nearest veterinary care facilities. Keep their contact information handy for quick access during a crisis.
If you believe your pet requires a visit to an urgent care or emergency clinic, please use the list below to locate the nearest veterinary urgent care or emergency clinic with availability to see your pet.
Please note: The information provided below is for general reference. Please verify hours and review each hospital's policies by visiting their website linked below or by contacting them directly.
Urgent Care Clinics
Always call ahead to confirm if they are able to see your pet.
Daya Urgent Veterinary Services
2800 Spencerport Road
Spencerport, NY 14559
585-488-1116
Hours:
Friday - Monday: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Please note hours ma
Ark Veterinary Hospital
585-487-8700
Hours:
Sunday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Monday - Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Animal Intermediate Care
Pittsford Animal Hospital and Animal Urgent Care
2816 Monroe Ave
Rochester, NY 14618
585-442-6915
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 7:30am - 6:00pm
Friday: 7:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am - 8:00pm
Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Emergency Veterinary Clinics
Always call ahead to confirm if they are able to see your pet.
Cornell University Companion Animal Hospital
VCA Colonial Animal Hospital
2369 N. Triphammer Road
Ithaca, NY 14850
607-257-3650
Hours:
Monday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Enchanted Mountain
700 W State St
Olean, NY 14760
716-257-4830
Hours:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday
10:00 am till 8:00 pm
Rochester Emergency Veterinary Services
Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center
BluePearl Pet Hospital Buffalo
Green Acres Veterinary Center
Veterinary Medical Center of CNY
Please note: The Hornell Area Humane Society is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any of the businesses, companies, or service providers listed or referenced on our site unless explicitly stated otherwise.
