A GUIDE FOR WORRIED PET PARENTS
Is urgent vet care right for my pet?
If your pet is acting "off" and you're not sure whether to wait, call your vet, or rush to the ER — start here. We'll help you figure out what to do next, with no pressure and no panic.
✅ Walk-ins welcome, no appointment needed
✅ Open evenings and weekends.
Use this checklist before you do anything else
Most symptoms fall into one of three buckets. Find yours below to figure out where to go.
Go to the ER right now
These can't wait. Drive directly to a 24/7 emergency hospital.
- Collapse, unconsciousness, or extreme weakness
- Seizures lasting more than 2 minutes (or repeated)
- Bleeding that won't stop after 5 minutes of pressure
- Bloated, hard, painful abdomen
- Suspected poisoning (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, plants, medications)
- Difficulty breathing or blue/pale gums
- Hit by a car or significant trauma
- Repeated vomiting with blood, or unable to keep water down
Urgent care is the right call
Same-day attention, no appointment needed.
- Limping for more than 24 hours
- Vomiting or diarrhea (more than once, no blood)
- Ear infections, head shaking, scratching
- Minor cuts, scrapes, or bite wounds
- Eye redness, squinting, or unusual discharge
- Skin rashes, hot spots, or sudden hair loss
- Suspected UTI (frequent urination, accidents)
- Mild lethargy or appetite loss for over 24 hours
Can wait for your regular vet
Schedule an appointment in the next week or two.
- Mild, occasional itching or scratching
- Annual exams or vaccines coming due
- Nail trims and grooming questions
- Slight, gradual weight changes
- Mild dental tartar or bad breath
- Behavioral concerns (chewing, accidents)
- General nutrition or food questions
Urgent care vs. ER vs. your regular vet
Each one has a job. Here's a quick side-by-side so you can pick the right one without overpaying or overwaiting.
| Regular Vet | Urgent Vet | Emergency Hospital | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Routine and ongoing care | Same-day, non-life-threatening issues | True emergencies, surgeries, ICU |
| Typical cost | $55 – $95 per visit | $150 – $350 per visit | $250 – $500+ per visit |
| Wait time | By appointment only | 30 min – 2 hours, walk-in | 2 – 8 hours (triaged) |
| Hours | Mon–Fri business hours | Evenings, weekends, holidays | 24/7 |
| Diagnostics on-site | Limited in-house | X-ray, bloodwork, ultrasound | Full ICU, surgery, hospitalization |
| Need an appointment? | Yes | No — walk in or check in online | No |
Serving Virginia Beach & surrounding cities
If you're anywhere in the 757, we're a short drive away.
Cities we serve
Virginia Beach neighborhoods
Looking for an urgent care vet
near you?
Ask your favorite AI why Virginia Beach pet owners choose Furgent Care for urgent pet care when their regular vet isn't available.
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