Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care
What's the Difference?
Not every concerning symptom is a true emergency requiring a trip to a 24-hour emergency hospital. Many issues fall into a middle category: they need attention soon, but they're not life-threatening.
That's where urgent care comes in.
✓ Need attention today or tomorrow (not next week)
✓Are concerning but not immediately life-threatening
✓ Occur during our business hours or close to it
✓ Would benefit from prompt veterinary evaluation
Not sure which category your pet's symptoms fall into? Call us at (802) 434-4935. We'll help you determine if it's urgent care, emergency care, or can wait for a regular appointment.
When to Call for Urgent Care
Here are some of the most common reasons pet owners need urgent care appointments
Vomiting or Diarrhea
A single episode of vomiting or diarrhea usually isn't concerning. But if your pet has multiple episodes, seems uncomfortable, or you notice blood, that warrants an urgent care visit.
When to call:
- Multiple episodes of vomiting or diarrhea
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Refusal to eat or drink
- Lethargy along with GI symptoms
Limping or Lameness
If your dog or cat suddenly starts limping, they could have a sprain, strain, torn ligament, fracture, or other injury. Prompt evaluation can prevent worsening and provide pain relief.
When to call:
- Sudden onset limping
- Holding a leg up completely
- Swelling or heat in a limb
- Crying out in pain when touched
- Unable to bear weight
Eye Problems
Eye issues can worsen quickly and potentially lead to vision loss. Prompt treatment is important.
When to call:
- Squinting or keeping an eye closed
- Redness or cloudiness
- Discharge (yellow or green)
- Pawing at the eye
- Sudden vision changes
- Eye injury
Ear Problems
Ear infections are painful and uncomfortable. They also tend to worsen if not treated.
When to call:
- Head shaking or tilting
- Scratching at ears
- Foul odor from ears
- Redness or swelling
- Discharge from ear canal
- Pain when ears are touched
Skin Problems
Sudden skin issues like hot spots, hives, or severe itching can make your pet miserable.
When to call:
- Sudden severe itching
- Hives or facial swelling
- Hot spots (red, moist, painful skin patches)
- Possible allergic reaction
- Excessive licking or chewing at skin
Urinary Issues
Straining to urinate, frequent attempts, or blood in urine need prompt attention. Complete urinary blockage is an emergency (especially in male cats).
When to call:
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent urination with small amounts
- Blood in urine
- Accidents in the house (when housetrained)
- Crying when urinating
If your pet is trying to urinate but producing nothing, call us for evaluation. If it is after hours please go to an emergency hospital immediately. Complete blockage is life-threatening.
Decreased Appetite or Lethargy
If your normally energetic, food-motivated pet suddenly has no appetite or seems unusually tired, that's worth checking out.
When to call:
- No interest in food for 24+ hours
- Significant decrease in energy
- Hiding or avoiding interaction
- Change in drinking habits (much more or much less)
Wound or Injury
Minor cuts and scrapes can be treated at home. But larger wounds, deep cuts, punctures, or animal bites need veterinary attention.
When to call:
- Wound longer than 1 inch
- Deep cuts
- Puncture wounds
- Animal bites
- Wounds showing signs of infection
Not sure if your situation qualifies? Call us. We'd rather answer your call and tell you it can wait than have you worry unnecessarily or delay needed care.
Getting Same-Day Care for Your Pet
Here's how to access urgent care at Richmond Animal Hospital
Call Us
Phone: (802) 434-4935
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm
When you call, be prepared to describe:
- What symptoms you're seeing
- When symptoms started
- Your pet's age and any existing health conditions
- Any home treatments you've tried
Our team will assess the situation and determine if we can fit you in for same-day urgent care.
We'll Fit You In
If the team determines your pet needs to be seen today, we'll work you into the schedule as soon as possible.
Urgent care appointments may mean:
- Shorter appointment times focused on the immediate issue
- Possible wait times if we're fitting you between scheduled appointments
- You may not be put in the exam room right away (we might have you wait in your car and call you when ready)
We prioritize based on medical urgency. True emergencies are seen first, then urgent care, then routine appointments.
Exam & Treatment
When you arrive:
- Check in at the front desk
- Let us know if symptoms have changed
- Our team will triage you based on severity
- The doctor will examine your pet, offer diagnostics (if warranted), and recommend treatment
- We'll explain costs before proceeding with treatment
Most urgent care visits include:
- Physical exam focused on the problem area
- Diagnostic tests if needed (bloodwork, urinalysis, X-rays, etc.)
- Treatment or medications
- Home care instructions
- Follow-up plan
Follow-Up
Depending on the issue, we may:
- Schedule a recheck appointment
- Call to check on your pet's progress
- Adjust treatment if needed
After-Hours & Weekend Urgent Care
Richmond Animal Hospital is currently open Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm. We're closed on weekends and holidays.
If your pet develops an urgent problem outside our hours, you have two options:
Option 1
Call Our After-Hours Line
We've partnered with Guardian to provide 24/7 after-hours phone support where you can speak with a licensed veterinary professional who can:
- Help you determine if your pet needs emergency care tonight
- Provide guidance on home care until morning
- Advise on whether the situation can wait until we open
Call the same number you know
(802) 434-4935
Available 24/7 for after-hours guidance and support.
Option 2
Emergency Animal Hospital
For emergencies outside our hours, contact:
Burlington Emergency Veterinary Specialists (BEVS)
(802) 863-2387
PEAK Veterinary Referral Center
(802) 878-2022
What to Bring
If you're coming in for urgent care, bring:
✓ Your pet (on a leash or in a secure carrier)
✓ Medical history if you're a new client
✓ List of current medications
✓ Sample if relevant (vomit, diarrhea, urine in a clean container)
✓ Payment method
✓ List of symptoms and when they started
✓ Any questions you have
For safety:
- Keep dogs on a short leash
- Keep cats in secure carriers (not open-top carriers)
- If your pet is aggressive or fearful, let us know when you call so we can plan accordingly
Don't wait and worry. If your pet has concerning symptoms that need prompt attention, call us now. We'll help you determine the best course of action and fit you in if possible.
Your Pet Needs Care Today?
Questions first? Send us a message