Emergency and Urgent Veterinary Care in Chicago
Should your pet experience an urgent emergency, please call our animal hospital at 312-421-2275 and head right over.
If You Need Emergency Veterinary Care During Our Business Hours
Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 8:00pm | Friday: 7:30am – 7:00pm | Saturday: 8:00am – 4:00pm | Sunday: Closed
Our experienced veterinarians are available to care for your pet during our extended hours Monday through Saturday. Our early open and late close make it easy for busy families to schedule appointments at times that work best for them. We will assess the severity of the situation upon arrival, and if necessary, we will see your pet immediately.
If You Need Emergency Veterinary Care Outside of Our Business Hours
If your pet needs emergency vet medical treatment outside of our business hours, please see one of the below emergency animal hospitals. We work closely with these hospitals to remain informed on your pet’s condition, share medical records, and transferring them if needed.
Veterinary Emergency Group
755 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60610 312-757-5444
Premier Medical Group
3927 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60618 773-516-5800
If You Cannot Stay
In the event that you cannot stay for your pet’s appointment, we offer Day Stay appointments. These appointments are generally for non-emergencies, but if necessary, can be used for an emergency. During these appointments, we will care for your pet’s medical needs while you attend to your professional or personal needs. Our veterinarians and staff will examine and care for your pet just as they would if you were there. If they have any questions or concerns, they will give you a call. You will receive a full report when you pick up your pet.
Should I Go to the Emergency Vet? Symptoms of Pet Emergencies in Chicago
If your pet is showing any of these symptoms it is important to take them to the emergency vet right away. Be sure to call the emergency vet so they know you are on your way and can be prepared for your pet’s arrival.
Difficulty/Not Breathing
Do not wait, please take your pet to the nearest animal hospital, prompt treatment is essential. This is the case for both rapid and shallow breathing patterns, this requires immediate care. When you arrive please let the staff know your pet is having issues with breathing.
If they are not breathing, you may choose to perform CPR. A step-by-step resource is available here.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
While isolated incidents are not typically an emergency, if these have happened multiple times in succession, are accompanied by blood, you should make an appointment with a veterinarian.
Open Bleeding, Sprains, Strains, Broken Bones, Dislocations, and Concussions
Also known as acute injuries, these should be treated immediately. Any information you can give your veterinarian on how these occurred is very helpful.
Ingestion of Poison and Toxic Substances
If your pet has ingested any cleaners, chocolate, poisonous plants, or chemicals, please take them to an emergency hospital immediately. Do not wait to see what happens. The ASPCA Poison Control hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-426-4435 for immediate guidance.
First or Severe Seizure
If your pet has had their first seizure, please contact your veterinarian for an appointment to discuss the underlying cause, thankfully a single seizure is not often harmful. However, if a seizure lasts more than a few minutes or has multiple seizures within a few minutes, please take them to the nearest animal hospital.
Bites and Allergic Reactions
If your pet has been bitten by a snake or insect, please look out for signs of anaphylactic shock. These symptoms include swelling at the bite site, skin rash, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and shock. Do not wait to go to an animal hospital if you notice even one symptom.
Ingestion of Foreign Bodies: Toys, Chews, Towels, etc.
If your pet swallows a piece of cloth, towel, rope, plastic, etc. this indeed qualifies as an emergency. Even if the piece is small and you believe it will pass through their system, only an x-ray can determine this for certain. Please call your veterinarian immediately!
If you have any other questions on what qualifies as an emergency, please give us a call at 312-421-2275 and we will work with you to quickly identify a solution!
755 W North Ave Chicago, IL 60610
312-757-5444
3927 W. Belmont Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
773-516-5800