How do I know if my pet needs emergency care right now?

Signs that need immediate emergency care include difficulty breathing, collapse or inability to stand, suspected poisoning, seizures lasting more than two minutes, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected broken bones with weight-bearing failure, eye trauma, and bloated or distended abdomen in large dogs. If you're unsure, call an emergency vet -- they can help you decide over the phone.

What is urgent care for pets, and how is it different from emergency care?

Urgent care handles problems that need attention within hours or the same day, but are not immediately life-threatening: vomiting once or twice without other symptoms, a minor laceration, limping that is new but not severe, ear infections, eye discharge without trauma. Many general-practice clinics offer same-day sick appointments for these situations.

Should I call ahead before going to an emergency vet?

Yes, if your pet's condition allows it. Calling ahead lets the team prepare and gives you a realistic wait-time estimate. For life-threatening situations -- unconscious pet, not breathing, active seizure -- go immediately and call from the car or have someone else call.

Are emergency vet fees higher than regular clinic fees?

Yes, noticeably. Emergency hospitals carry 24-hour staffing and specialized equipment. Exam fees alone are often $120 to $300, not including treatment. That is appropriate when care is genuinely urgent. For problems that can safely wait for a same-day sick appointment at your regular vet, the cost difference is significant.

Emergency vs. urgent vet care: how to tell what your pet needs and how fast

By Maya Krishnan · Updated 2026-03-22

This guide provides general guidance on recognizing veterinary emergencies. If you believe your pet is in immediate danger, contact a veterinarian or emergency animal hospital right away. This is not a substitute for professional medical assessment.

The three categories: emergency, urgent, and can-wait

Most pet health concerns fall into one of three buckets. Placing your pet’s situation in the right one saves both money and time — and in genuine emergencies, it could save their life.

Emergency (go now): The pet’s life may be at risk without immediate care. Do not wait for your regular vet to open.

Urgent (same day): The problem needs professional attention within hours but is not immediately life-threatening. A same-day sick appointment at your regular clinic is the right call.

Can wait (next available): Something you noticed that should be evaluated, but it can wait a day or two for a scheduled appointment.

Symptom guide

Symptom	Category	Why
Difficulty breathing, blue gums	Emergency	Oxygen deprivation can cause brain damage or death within minutes
Collapse, unable to stand	Emergency	Multiple potential causes, all serious
Suspected poisoning (toxin ingestion)	Emergency	Many toxins act quickly; timing matters
Seizure lasting more than 2 minutes	Emergency	Risk of brain damage; may need IV medication
Uncontrolled bleeding	Emergency	Blood loss and shock
Bloated or hard abdomen in large dogs	Emergency	Possible GDV (bloat); fatal without rapid surgery
Eye trauma or sudden vision loss	Emergency	Delay can cause permanent damage
Single vomiting episode, acting normal	Urgent or can wait	Monitor for 2-4 hours; call vet if it continues
Limping on one leg, bearing some weight	Urgent	Same-day eval is ideal; not a 3 a.m. ER trip
Ear shaking, head tilt	Urgent	Ear infections should be seen same day
Soft stool once, otherwise normal	Can wait	Monitor; schedule if it persists 24-48 hours
Mild eye discharge without pain or swelling	Can wait	Mention at next appointment

A vet tech in scrubs calmly examining a dog at an emergency veterinary clinic in Denver while the owner looks on

What to do when you’re not sure

Call your vet or an emergency line. Most veterinary practices have an after-hours message with an emergency contact or a referral to an emergency hospital. Emergency hospitals routinely take calls from owners who are not sure whether to come in. Describing the symptoms over the phone usually gets you a clear answer.

Keep this information ready before you need it:

Your regular vet’s after-hours number
The address of the nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital to your home
Your pet’s approximate weight (matters for medication dosing)
A list of any medications or supplements your pet takes

Poison control

If you suspect your pet ingested something toxic, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center operates a 24-hour hotline. There is a consultation fee. Your emergency vet can also advise, but having the poison control number saves time when you are already stressed.

Emergency vet care in Denver

Denver has multiple 24-hour emergency animal hospitals. Our emergency vet category lists the ones we have scored from real reviews. Use the home page to filter by location, and read our ranking method to understand how we evaluate clinics.

FAQ

How do I know if my pet needs emergency care right now?: Signs that need immediate emergency care include difficulty breathing, collapse or inability to stand, suspected poisoning, seizures lasting more than two minutes, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected broken bones with weight-bearing failure, eye trauma, and bloated or distended abdomen in large dogs. If you're unsure, call an emergency vet -- they can help you decide over the phone.
What is urgent care for pets, and how is it different from emergency care?: Urgent care handles problems that need attention within hours or the same day, but are not immediately life-threatening: vomiting once or twice without other symptoms, a minor laceration, limping that is new but not severe, ear infections, eye discharge without trauma. Many general-practice clinics offer same-day sick appointments for these situations.
Should I call ahead before going to an emergency vet?: Yes, if your pet's condition allows it. Calling ahead lets the team prepare and gives you a realistic wait-time estimate. For life-threatening situations -- unconscious pet, not breathing, active seizure -- go immediately and call from the car or have someone else call.
Are emergency vet fees higher than regular clinic fees?: Yes, noticeably. Emergency hospitals carry 24-hour staffing and specialized equipment. Exam fees alone are often $120 to $300, not including treatment. That is appropriate when care is genuinely urgent. For problems that can safely wait for a same-day sick appointment at your regular vet, the cost difference is significant.