Options for urgent veterinary care have expanded in recent years. Now, you can visit your primary veterinarian, an urgent care center, or an emergency veterinary clinic, mirroring the human healthcare system. When your pet becomes ill, you may have limited options for where to go based on timing, or you may need to choose the best option for your pet’s specific ailment.

So, how can you decide where to take your pet? And what about telehealth options for pets? Red Bank Veterinary Hospital provides 24/7 emergency care and daytime virtual urgent care for pets. Here are the differences between the two so you know exactly who to call and where to go when an urgent medical need strikes.

What is virtual urgent care for pets?

Virtual urgent care connects pet owners with a licensed veterinarian using a secure video platform or mobile app. It’s a convenient and quick way to get help for non-life-threatening pet health issues, general pet health questions, or when you aren’t sure what kind of care your pet needs.

Virtual urgent care for pets may be the right choice when your pet is stable but showing mild discomfort or other signs of illness.

Typical concerns that may be addressed virtually include:

• Limping

• Skin problems

• Allergies

• Surgical incision concerns

• Ear infections

• Mild vomiting or diarrhea

• Coughing or sneezing

• Eye discharge

• Anxiety

Virtual urgent care vets can provide guidance on helping your pet at home, prescribe medication, schedule a follow-up visit with an appropriate specialty, or direct you to the nearest emergency facility for immediate care, depending on your pet’s individual situation.

What is emergency care for pets?

Emergency care is for serious or potentially life-threatening conditions that are likely to get significantly worse without urgent medical intervention. Veterinary emergency care hospitals are typically open 24/7 and staffed with specialized teams that can handle everything from minor cuts to CPR and emergency surgery.

• Conditions often requiring emergency veterinary care include:

• Trouble breathing

• Significant bleeding

• New, prolonged, or back-to-back seizures

• Collapse or unresponsiveness

• Serious trauma

• Heatstroke

• Pregnancy complications

• Toxin or foreign body ingestion

• Straining or inability to urinate

• Pain

• Vomiting or diarrhea accompanied by pain, appetite changes, or bloating

Emergency veterinarians treat pets in order of condition severity rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. Their goal is to stabilize pets and treat their most pressing medical concerns, then transfer their care back to the primary vet or a specialist when they are feeling better.

What to expect from virtual urgent care for pets

Virtual urgent care for pets is a low-stress, straightforward process that can give you peace of mind. You’ll start by answering questions about your pet’s symptoms and health history, and you may be asked to upload an image or video chat with the veterinarian to help them see what you see at home.

During the call or chat, a veterinarian authorized to provide telemedicine for pets in your state will address your concerns and offer personalized advice. They may suggest simple home care, prescribe medications, or direct you to schedule in-person care.

What to expect from veterinary emergency care for pets

When you arrive at an emergency hospital, a technician will triage your pet, which involves checking their vital signs and asking you questions to determine the severity of their condition. Pets in critical condition are seen right away, while stable pets may have to wait to be seen.

Once it’s your pet’s turn, the veterinary team will examine your pet and order diagnostic tests, treatments, or procedures to help them. Most pets go home after treatment, but some may stay overnight for surgery or monitoring.

Know where to go

Virtual urgent care for pets is a valuable tool for managing mild symptoms or consulting with a knowledgeable professional who can help you determine if and when your pet needs in-person care. It doesn’t replace emergency care for pets with serious conditions, but it can save you the drive, stress, and expense of an ER visit for mild or moderate concerns.

Red Bank Veterinary Hospital offers virtual urgent care services to all New Jersey pet owners, whether you are a current or new client. If your pet needs in-person care, our 24/7 emergency and critical care team is here to help. Contact us to learn more or request a virtual urgent care visit.