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. Give us a call and talk to a veterinary professional now or continue scrolling for some general guidelines about where to seek care.
✅ Same day appointments available
✅ Open evenings and weekends
Use this checklist before you do anything else
Most symptoms fall into one of three categories. 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 veterinary 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
- Difficulty breathing or blue/pale gums
- Hit by a car or significant trauma
Vet Urgent care is the right call
Same-day attention, no appointment needed.
- Limping
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- 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
- Suspected poisoning (chocolate, grapes, xylitol, plants, medications). Please call us immediately for further direction.
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 | 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 | Same day care | 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
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