Daytime Veterinary Emergencies
Please contact us or come to the hospital during regular business hours if you have an emergency. It is preferable to call ahead of time so that our staff can be ready to begin treatment as soon as possible.
When the situation isn't life-threatening, we can also provide urgent care. Our veterinarians will work to "squeeze" you in between scheduled appointments if you feel your pet needs to be seen before you can get an appointment.
Steps to Take In A Pet Emergency
If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, follow the steps below.
- Call Ahead If Possible - During regular business hours call us right away.
- Follow Instructions Provided - When you call us, we may give you instructions on how to administer first aid or make your pet as comfortable as possible. Pay close attention to the instructions.
- Remain Calm - Remain calm and be extra careful around your pet. When an animal is in pain they often react negatively towards anyone trying to help and could bite or scratch.
- Bring Your Pet In For Care - Do not put yourself in jeopardy! Bring your pet to our San Angelo veterinary clinic in a safe manner. When you arrive, our receptionists will be able to tell you how long you might have to wait to be seen.
Veterinary Emergency FAQs
Read through our most frequently asked questions below to learn more about bringing your pet in for an emergency appointment at Western Veterinary Hospital.
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Do I need to call ahead?
Western Veterinary Hospital provides emergency and urgent veterinary care for cats and dogs during our regular clinic hours. It's always best to contact us in advance if you can, but we understand that in emergency situations that's not always possible.
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When is your clinic open?
Our veterinarians see emergency cases during our regular business hours:
- Monday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Tuesday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Wednesday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Thursday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Friday:07:30 am - 07:00 pm
- Saturday:07:30 am - 01:00 pm
- Sunday:Closed
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What situations require emergency veterinary care?
The following situations are examples of emergencies that require immediate care:
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
- Fractured bones or severe lameness
- Seizures and/or staggering
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; 2+ episodes in 24 hours
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Unconsciousness
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How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
Our San Angelo animal hospital is just like a human doctor's office—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait.
We cannot predict what cases we will see and when they will arrive. If possible, call ahead to find out whether we are able to provide emergency care for your dog or cat.
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What happens if my pet needs to stay in the hospital?
Some veterinary emergencies require intensive overnight care. At Western Veterinary Hospital we may, in some cases, provide overnight and 24/7 care for animals in need. If we are unable to provide your pet with the overnight care they need, we will help you to make other arrangements for their care.
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What types of animals do you treat?
Our emergency veterinarians are experienced with cats and dogs but will see horses in serious situations.
New Patients Welcome
Western Veterinary Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of San Angelo companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.