Our dedicated veterinarians at New England Veterinary Center & Cancer Care are here to help. We are specially trained in emergency medicine and triage, and provide high-quality care 24 hours, 7 days a week.
What To Do In An Emergency
If you and your pet know what to expect at our emergency veterinary clinic, the process will be easier for both of you. Here are the steps you should follow:
STEP 1 (OPTIONAL)
Get a Referral
Your primary care veterinarian can refer you by completing our Referral Form for emergency or specialty cases. However, you do not need a referral to take advantage of our emergency service.
STEP 2
Get To Our Office Right Away
Stabilize your pet as best you can, and get them to our hospital as soon as possible. The sooner we can see them, the more likely that we'll be able to treat them effectively.
You will be shown to an exam room by one of our team members. If you have not already done so, you'll be asked to complete our New Patient Form (you can also fill this form out online ahead of time if you prefer). A veterinary technician will triage your pet before a full exam is performed.
STEP 3
Determine Treatment
Once your pet has been examined, our highly trained vets will create a treatment plan so your pet will receive the best possible treatment. We will update your primary care veterinarian with your pet's medical history to ensure seamless, integrated care targeted to your pet's needs.
Animal Emergency FAQs
Emergency veterinary care involves treating animals in situations that require immediate medical attention or may be life-threatening.
- What is considered an emergency?
The following situations are considered emergencies and will need immediate care. If your pet has been in an accident or is experiencing any of these symptoms, bring them to our emergency clinic right away.
- Obvious signs of extreme anxiety or pain
- Bleeding that hasn't stopped, or severe bleeding
- Choking, difficulty breathing or continuous coughing/gagging
- Heatstroke or heat stress
- Pain associated with passing feces or urinating, or inability to pass feces or urinate
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in urine
- Staggering and/or seizures
- Severe lameness, fractured bones or inability to remove legs
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; more than two episodes in 24-hours
- You know or suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Unconsciousness
- What emergency services do you offer?
You'll find state-of-the-art emergency care for your four-legged family members at our emergency clinic. We are equipped to provide a complete range of surgical services, specialized diagnostics and hospitalization.
- Do I need to call ahead?
It is always best to call us ahead of your arrival if you can, but we understand emergency situations can develop very quickly and that this is not always possible.
If your circumstances do not allow time for you to call, please do not hesitate to bring your pet to our clinic for immediate veterinary medical attention.
- When is your emergency clinic open?
We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- Does your emergency clinic take referrals from primary care veterinarians?
Yes, we take referrals from primary care veterinarians. Your veterinarian can complete our Referral Form for emergency or specialty cases.
- How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
Similar to a human emergency department the pace at a veterinary emergency department can be unpredictable and you may have to wait.
We are not able to predict which cases we will see and when they will arrive. However, cases will be prioritized based on medical need.
You'll find a comfortable waiting area, and we will do our best to keep you updated regarding wait times and your pet's status.
- Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?
Yes, we will keep your primary care veterinarian up to date with your pet's files and medical history to ensure your pet receives seamless, integrated care.
Our Emergency Veterinarians
Our emergency veterinarians are qualified and equipped to provide attentive emergency care 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.