What To Do In a Pet Emergency
If you and your pet understand what you can expect at our emergency veterinary clinic, the process will be easier for both of you. Here are the steps you should follow:
STEP 1
Call Ahead If You Can
We understand that in an emergency, you may be unable to call us in advance, but it's always best if you can.
We treat both cases from current clients and cases referred by primary veterinarians.
STEP 2
Get To Our Office Right Away
When you arrive, our front desk person will start the triage process. Describe your pet's symptoms to them. They will also note your pet's appearance. If your pet is stable, your information will be taken at the front desk and then you and your pet will be escorted to a private exam room. A veterinary technician will triage your pet, then a veterinarian will perform a full exam.
STEP 3
Determine Treatment
Once your pet has been assessed, our highly trained veterinarians will develop a treatment plan so your pet will receive the best possible treatment. We will keep your primary care veterinarian updated with your pet's medical history to ensure seamless, integrated care that meets your pet's needs.
Animal Emergency FAQs
In situations that may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention, emergency veterinary care is administered.
- What is considered an emergency?
These situations are considered emergencies and will require immediate care. If your pet has had an accident, or is experiencing any of these symptoms, bring them to our emergency office straight away.
- Obvious signs of extreme anxiety or pain
- Bleeding that hasn't stopped, or severe bleeding
- Choking, difficulty breathing or continuous coughing/gagging
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- 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 move legs
- You know or suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea; more than two episodes in 24-hours
- Heatstroke or heat stress
- Unconsciousness
- What emergency services do you offer?
At our emergency clinic, we offer state-of-the-art emergency care for your four-legged family members. We are equipped to provide specialized diagnostics, a complete range of surgical services, and hospitalization.
- Do I need to call ahead?
If you can, it's always best to call us ahead of your arrival, but we understand emergency situations can develop very quickly and that this is not always possible.
If your situation does not allow time for you to call, please do not hesitate to bring your pet to our clinic for immediate veterinary medical attention.
It always is best to call us ahead if you can, but we understand that in emergency situations that's not always possible.
- When is your emergency clinic open?
We are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
A veterinary emergency hospital is very similar to a human emergency department — the pace 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, but we will prioritize cases based on medical need.
You'll find a comfortable area for waiting, and we will do our best to keep you updated about wait times and the status of your pet.
- Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?
Yes, we will keep your primary care veterinarian updated with your pet's medical history and files to ensure your pet receives seamless, integrated care.
Payment & Financing
At Hope Advanced Veterinary Center we'll help you navigate our options for payment and financing so you can focus on getting your pet the care they need.
- What types of payment options are available?
Payment is due in full at the time services are provided or upon discharge of your pet. We accept payment via check, cash, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, and American Express.
- Are there payment plans available for my pet's care?
We are proud to offer CareCredit as a financing option. They offer an easy application process that will send you results in minutes.
- Will I be provided with an estimate of costs?
Yes, we will provide a good-faith estimate of the cost of our services before pet treatment, however, unforeseen circumstances may arise that influence your final bill.
We will always discuss our written estimate with all clients before they leave our facility, and require a deposit based on our estimate prior to any further treatment.
- What fees are associated with an emergency visit?
A deposit payment is required for all emergency examinations. Once the staff and doctors examine your pet, an estimate for treatment will be given to you to determine a treatment plan.
For further hospitalization, diagnostics or surgery, a deposit is required upfront with payment in full due when your pet is discharged.
- Can you help with my pet insurance?
We’re happy to help you complete pet insurance forms for your pet’s visit to our Vienna animal hospital.
Our Emergency Veterinarians in Vienna, VA
Our emergency veterinarians are equipped and qualified to provide attentive emergency care 24 hours, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.