Does Salish Offer Urgent Care Services?

Yes, Salish Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer urgent care services, depending on factors such as: the nature and severity of your pet's clinical signs, time of day, and the number of other urgent cases we are managing at that time. Our team is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care in a timely manner-especially when unexpected health concerns arise.

To address a variety of urgent needs, we off several appointment options, including Same Day Exams, Drop-Off Exams, and Emergency Exams. Each of these services is designed to accommodate different levels of urgency, allowing us to tailor our care to your pet's specific situation.

Same Day Exams

Salish Veterinary Hospital is pleased to offer "Same Day Exams", a specialized service designed to accommodate pets experiencing more urgent, non-life-threatening health concerns that require prompt medical attention. These appointments are specifically reserved for same-day scheduling to ensure we can provide timely care when your pet needs it most.

Due to the expedited nature of these visits and the need to adjust our daily schedule to prioritize your pet's care, Same Day Exams are priced higher than appointments scheduled in advance. This reflects the immediate access to our veterinary team and the additional resources allocated to address your pet's condition promptly. A few examples of urgent care needs are:

  • Minor infections
  • Limping
  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting and/or diarrhea

If you believe your pet may require a Same Day Exam, we encourage you to contact us as early in the day as possible so we can assess your needs and determine the best course of action. Our Same Day Exams are usually filled within the first hour of opening. 

Drop Off Exams

Salish Veterinary Hospital also offers "Drop-Off Exams", a convenient and flexible option designed for pets experiencing urgent or minor emergency health concerns that require same-day attention. This service allows pet owners to leave their animal in our care while our veterinary team finds time between advanced scheduled appointments to conduct a thorough examination and administer any necessary treatments. Drop off patients are triaged at intake and worked into our schedule as we are able.

Drop Off Exams require additional coordination and resources from our team, as such they are priced higher than standard appointments. This reflects the time and attention dedicated to your pet outside of our routine scheduling structure, ensuring that urgent needs are met without compromising the quality of care provided.

When utilizing the services, you will leave your pet with us for a portion-or potentially the entirety-of the business day. The duration of their stay will depend on the doctor's availability to assess and treat your pet between other schedule visits. Our team will maintain communication with you throughout the day to provide updates and ensure you're informed every step of the way. A few examples of when a Drop Off Exam is needed:

  • Foreign body ingestion
  • Major wounds
  • Minor trauma
  • Torn or broken nails
  • Inability to walk or stand

We understand how stressful it can ben when your pet isn't feeling well, and our Drop Off Exam option is designed to provide peace of mind and timely care when scheduling a traditional appointment isn't possible. 

Emergency Exams

At Salish Veterinary Hospital, we understand that true medical emergencies can occur without warning, and prompt intervention can be critical to your pet's outcome. We offer Emergency Exams for cases involving sudden, severe, or life-threatening symptoms that require immediate medical attention.

While we are not a 24-hour emergency facility, we are committed to supporting our established clients whenever possible during these critical moments. Our ability to accommodate emergency cases depends on several key factors, including:

  • the nature and severity of your pet's clinical signs
  • the time of day
  • whether we have the appropriate staffing, equipment, and resources available to provide the level of care your pet requires

Each emergency is assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine whether we can safely and effectively manage your pet's condition in our hospital. In situations where specialized or around-the-clock care is necessary, we will promptly refer you to a dedicated emergency or specialty facility to ensure your pet receives the best possible treatment. 

Our goal is to be a trusted partner in your pet's health, especially during urgent and frightening situations. If you believe your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, please call us immediately so our team can evaluate the circumstances and advise you on the most appropriate next steps. Our commitment is to provide compassionate, responsive care-especially in situations where waiting for a routine appointment is not in your pet's best interest.