Emergency Care
Contact Burlington Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital
OPEN:
- Monday:24 hours
- Tuesday:24 hours
- Wednesday:24 hours
- Thursday:24 hours
- Friday:24 hours
- Saturday:24 hours
- Sunday:24 hours
Call: (905) 637-8111
What To Do In An Emergency
This process will be easier for you and your pet if you understand what to expect at our emergency veterinary hospital. This process will be easier for you and your pet if you understand what happens when you arrive at our emergency veterinary hospital. Here is what to expect:
STEP 1
Call Ahead If You Can
We understand that you may be unable to call us in advance if you are experiencing a veterinary emergency. However, it's always best if you can.
STEP 2
Get To Our Hospital Right Away
You’ll be asked to complete our New Patient Form and a veterinary technician will triage your pet. A veterinarian will then conduct a full physical examination and work with you to investigate your pet’s health concerns.
STEP 3
Determine Plan
Once we’ve assessed your pet, our veterinarians will create a diagnostic and treatment plan to meet pet’s needs. We will also provide an estimate of cost during this discussion.
Animal Emergency FAQs
Emergency veterinary care involves the treatment of animals in situations that require immediate medical attention, or could potentially be life-threatening.
Please read the FAQs below to find out more about our emergency care. However, if you have any concern with your pet, we are more than happy to help you.
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What is considered an emergency?
These situations are considered emergencies and will require immediate care. If your pet has had an accident, or is experiencing any of these symptoms, bring them to our emergency office straight away.
- Any signs of pain
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that won’t stop
- Abnormal bleeding i.e. from nose, mouth, in stool, in urine etc.
- Any coughing or difficulty breathing
- Any eye injuries or concerns
- Pain, difficulty or inability to urinate/defecate
- Seizures
- Weakness, inability to use limbs, staggering or other neurologic concerns
- Lameness
- Suspected ingestion of foreign material or possible harmful substances. Some common toxins include, but are not limited to,
chocolate, grapes/raisins/currants, xylitol (i.e. gum), antifreeze and rodent poison. If you are concerned about any
substance, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435. They can help you and us determine next steps. - Refusing or inability to eat/drink
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Heatstroke or heat stress
- Unconsciousness
If your pet is showing any of the above signs, bring them to our emergency veterinary clinic right away during our business hours. No matter if you are from Burlington, Niagara, or anywhere else in the GTA, we prioritize patient care and will work tirelessly to save your pet's life.
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What emergency services do you offer?
At our emergency clinic, we offer emergency care for your pets. We are equipped to provide on-site bloodwork, radiographs, urinalysis, specialized diagnostics, a range of surgical services, and hospitalization.
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Do I need to call ahead?
If you can, it's always best to call us ahead of your arrival, but we understand emergency situations can develop very quickly and that this is not always possible.
If your situation does not allow time for you to call, please do not hesitate to bring your pet to our emergency and referral hospital during our business hours for immediate veterinary medical attention.
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When is your emergency clinic open?
We offer emergency care 24 hours a day, seven days a week for cats and dogs.
- Monday:24 hours
- Tuesday:24 hours
- Wednesday:24 hours
- Thursday:24 hours
- Friday:24 hours
- Saturday:24 hours
- Sunday:24 hours
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How long will we have to wait to see the vet?
A veterinary emergency hospital is very similar to a human emergency department — the pace can be unpredictable and you may have to wait.
We are not able to predict which cases we will see and when they will arrive, but we work on a first come first serve basis. However, all patients are triaged upon arrival and more critical or time-sensitive cases will be prioritized.
You'll find a comfortable area for waiting, and we will do our best to keep you updated about wait times and the status of your pet.
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Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?
Yes, we will keep your primary care veterinarian updated with your pet's medical history and files to ensure your pet receives seamless, integrated care.
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What are the fees associated with an emergency visit?
Once the veterinarians examine your pet, an estimate for diagnostics and treatment will be provided. For diagnostics, treatment, hospitalization, or surgery, a deposit is required upfront with payment in full due when your pet is discharged.
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Can I call the hospital to check up on my pet?
Yes, you absolutely can get in touch with us to check in on your pet's health and status while they are being cared for at our facility. Rest assured, though, that if there is any problem or change in your pet's condition, we will contact you promptly for information or updates about your companion's health.