What Happens When Your Pet Arrives in an Emergency

An emergency visit can feel overwhelming. Knowing what happens behind the scenes can help ease some of that stress.

Here’s what typically happens when you walk through our doors.

Step 1: Immediate triage

A technician or nurse quickly evaluates your pet to determine how urgent the situation is. Pets in life-threatening condition are brought directly to treatment.

Step 2: Initial assessment

An emergency veterinarian performs an exam and discusses recommended diagnostics or treatments with you.

Step 3: Stabilization first

If a pet is unstable, our focus is immediate stabilization, oxygen support, IV fluids, pain control, or emergency procedures.

Step 4: Diagnostics and treatment plan

Blood work, imaging, or ultrasound may be recommended so we can pinpoint the problem and outline next steps.

Step 5: Ongoing care or hospitalization

Some pets go home the same day. Others may need monitoring or specialty care.

“Our ER team works in a calm, organized system designed for speed and safety,” says Jillian Sergi, Hospital Director. “Families often see a busy treatment floor, but every action has a purpose and a plan.”

Our Emergency Veterinarian Dr. Carl Agnello adds, “Our goal is to stabilize pets quickly and keep owners informed every step of the way.”

Even in urgent moments, we never lose sight of the bond between pets and their families. That balance is what defines Expert Care. Local Heart.