Frequently asked questions

Get immediate answers to our most-asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Get immediate answers to our most-asked questions

When should I seek emergency care for my pet?

Seek emergency care for life-threatening conditions such as traumatic injuries, major surgeries, critical care, difficulty breathing, heart failure, head trauma, or if your pet’s gums are blue or white in color. Those should be treated immediately by an emergency hospital.

What is an urgent care hospital?

PetMedic is an urgent care hospital, and we treat non-life-threatening pet injuries and illnesses that arise after your family veterinary hospital is closed or unavailable, on weekends or during select holidays.

Do you take pet health insurance?

Yes. However, pet health insurance is different from human health insurance. The subscriber pays PetMedic out of pocket and then gets reimbursed by their pet insurance company. We can help you submit the claim. See our blog about pet health insurance here.

Do you take walk-in appointments?

We take walk-ins based on availability. We encourage pet owners to consider making an appointment, but if you would like to be seen as a walk-in, please call ahead to make sure we can accommodate you and your pet.

Are you open holidays?

We are closed on New Years, Memorial day, 4th of July, Labor day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas day. We are open for all other days and smaller holidays.

Will my pet always get treated at PetMedic?

In some instances, pets need more intensive care and we will recommend that they be seen at an ER. In those cases, we will do our best to stabilize the patient, run any tests that could expedite their ER visit and call to help coordinate their visit with the specialty center.

Do you offer ambulatory services for pets who need to go to the ER?

We will give you options and help you with the transfer process, but you will be responsible for transporting your pet. Unfortunately, at this time, we do not have the capability to provide ambulatory services.

Why do I sometimes need to wait for my appointment?

We do our best to make sure that we are running as close to schedule as possible. Every so often, however, a very sick pet comes through our doors and needs immediate care. This can impact your appointment. We promise to communicate openly with you and reschedule your appointment for another time if needed.

When is payment due for my pet's appointment?

Payment is due at the time of service.

What forms of payment are accepted?

We accept cash, credit cards or Care Credit. Unfortunately we are unable to accept personal checks at this time.

How long will my dog’s visit be?

The wait time to see a doctor depends on how many patients we are currently seeing, but you can expect the total time in our clinic to be shorter than your typical pet emergency room. We also offer pet owners the opportunity to book appointments online to shorten wait times.

Do you provide routine dog health checkups?

No. We are a pet urgent care veterinary clinic. We do not administer vaccines or perform other routine care, so your dog should continue to have regular visits with a local family veterinarian.

What if you can’t treat my dog?

We treat any illness or injury that is non-life-threatening. During your visit, we will discuss the best options for your pet’s care and treatment. Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend a transfer to a pet emergency room.

Does my dog need to be on a leash?

Yes, your dog always needs to be on a leash in the hospital.

What are some common emergencies in cats?

Emergencies in cats include hit by a car, heart failure, kidney failure, emergency surgery and complex metabolic disease. If your cat requires 24-hour oxygen or intensive critical care with IV fluids, we will send you to a pet emergency room. We will help make the necessary arrangements.

What issues in young cats may require vet urgent care services?

Kittens are vulnerable to becoming very sick, very fast. Their most common problems are upper respiratory infections, ear infections, anorexia and diarrhea. Diarrhea from parasites like whipworms or coccidia can cause blood and mucus in their poop. Some respiratory illnesses can lead to severe congestion. When in doubt, bring your cat to PetMedic.

When should I take my cat to the emergency vet?

If you believe your cat’s life is in danger, please take him/her to the emergency room immediately. Although most illnesses can be treated on an outpatient basis at PetMedic, occasionally your cat will require more intensive care. We will refer life-threatening issues to a pet emergency room. Some complex cases may need a referral to a specialist. With a thorough physical exam and good diagnostic tests, we can quickly determine the best place for your pet to be treated.

Does my cat need to be brought inside in a carrier?

Yes, all cats are required to be in carriers.

Do you provide overnight hospitalization?

No, because most of our patients require outpatient care only. Patients who require continual care or monitoring overnight are referred to a nearby emergency hospital.

Do you have a list of preferred hospitals for referrals?

Yes! When necessary, we refer life-threatening cases to nearby emergency hospitals where we know patients will receive the high-quality care they need and deserve. To learn more about our community partnership, please contact us.