Urgent Care

What Is Urgent Care?

Urgent care fills the gap between routine veterinary visits and the emergency room. It's for situations that need prompt attention but aren't immediately life-threatening. Things like a sudden limp, an ear infection that's clearly causing pain, vomiting that won't stop, or a wound that needs treatment today.

At Petfolk, we reserve same-day appointments for urgent cases so you don't have to wait days to be seen or pay emergency room prices for non-emergency care. We'll evaluate your pet, diagnose the problem, and start treatment right away.

Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care

It's not always easy to tell whether your pet needs urgent care or emergency care. As a general rule, urgent care is appropriate when your pet is uncomfortable or unwell but stable. Emergency care is needed when your pet's life may be in danger.

Signs that require emergency care include: difficulty breathing, collapse or inability to stand, seizures, severe bleeding that won't stop, suspected poisoning, bloated or distended abdomen, inability to urinate (especially in male cats), trauma such as being hit by a car, and loss of consciousness.

If you're unsure, call us. We can help you determine the right level of care and direct you to an emergency hospital if needed.

How do I know if my pet needs urgent care or can wait?

If your pet is in pain, symptoms are worsening, or you're concerned enough to be searching for answers, it's worth being seen today. Vomiting, diarrhea, limping, eye problems, ear infections, and wounds generally benefit from prompt attention.

Can I get a same-day appointment?

Yes. We prioritize same-day appointments for urgent needs. Book online or call your nearest location. If we're fully booked, we'll advise on next steps and refer you to an emergency facility if your pet can't wait.

What should I do while waiting to come in?

Keep your pet calm. For bleeding wounds, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and prevent licking. Do not give medications unless directed by a vet. Withhold food if your pet is vomiting. Note when symptoms started and how they've changed.

How much does urgent care cost?

Cost depends on what's needed to diagnose and treat your pet. Beyond the exam fee, additional costs may include diagnostics, medications, or treatments. We walk you through pricing before proceeding.

What happens during an urgent care visit?

We assess your pet's condition and vital signs, then perform a focused exam based on their symptoms. If needed, we may recommend bloodwork, urinalysis, or X-rays. We'll discuss findings and treatment options before moving forward.

Will my pet need to stay at the clinic?

Most urgent care visits are outpatient. In some cases, pets may need to stay for monitoring, IV fluids, or additional treatment. If that's the case, we'll explain why and keep you updated.

My pet ate something they shouldn't have. What do I do?

Contact us right away. Time matters in cases of potential toxin exposure or foreign body ingestion. Be ready to share what they ate, how much, and when. We'll let you know whether they need to come in immediately or can be monitored at home.

Do you offer after-hours urgent care?

Urgent care is available during clinic hours. For after-hours emergencies, we can direct you to trusted emergency hospitals in your area. 

What if my pet needs more advanced care than you can provide?

If your pet requires specialized equipment, overnight monitoring, or a higher level of care, we'll coordinate transfer to an emergency or specialty hospital, including direct communication with the receiving team.

Does my pet need to be an existing patient to be seen?

No. Urgent care is open to all pets regardless of whether they've been seen at Petfolk before.