Same Day Vets: What Urgent Care Vets Can Offer Right Away
When pets aren’t acting like themselves, it’s hard to know what kind of care they need – and how fast. That’s where urgent care veterinarians come in. Urgent care clinics provide same-day veterinary services for dogs and cats who need help quickly, but aren’t facing a life-threatening emergency.
But when should you seek out a same-day vet? What qualifies as an urgent care vet visit? Knowing where to turn when your pet is sick or injured can make all the difference.
Here’s what urgent care can offer, and when same-day care might be the best solution.
What Counts as Urgent – but Not Emergency – Pet Care?
An urgent care vet bridges the gap between general practices and emergency hospitals. It’s designed for situations that need attention within 24 hours, but don’t pose an immediate threat to your pet’s life.
Examples of urgent care conditions include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea (especially more than once)
- Coughing, sneezing, or eye discharge
- Limping or minor wounds
- Ear infections or itchy skin
- Decreased appetite or energy
- Trouble urinating or defecating
- Allergic reactions (mild swelling, hives)
- Broken toenails or minor lacerations
- Suspected infections
- And other common issues
These issues are uncomfortable, sometimes painful, and can worsen if ignored. But they don’t necessarily require the intensive (and costly) resources of an ER visit.
We typically advise clients that if you’re calling our clinic for our thoughts, it’s likely something that should be seen. Don’t be afraid to trust your gut… you know your pet best, and if something is off, veterinary urgent care provides the peace of mind of a same-day visit without the high costs of a 24/7 veterinary emergency hospital.
Note: If your pet is experiencing an immediate health emergency, refer to Navigating Pet Emergencies: When to Take Action and What Steps to Follow.
What Same-Day Urgent Care Vets Can Do
Urgent care veterinarians are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide range of non-emergency issues – fast. A same-day urgent care vet like Truss Vet can offer:
- In-house lab testing (bloodwork, fecals, urinalysis, cytology)
- X-rays and ultrasound (including outpatient imaging when available)
- Wound cleaning and minor laceration repairs
- Ear and eye exams
- Skin exams
- Pain relief and anti-nausea medications
- Same-day diagnostics and treatment plans
- Orthopedic exams (limping, suspected sprains or fractures)
- Respiratory exams (coughing, sneezing, wheezing, nasal discharge)
- Urinary issues (frequent urination, accidents, possible UTI or blockage in stable patients)
- Vomiting and diarrhea care (fluids, GI meds, parasite checks)
- Allergy relief
- Anal gland expressions and treatment of infections/abscesses
- Foreign body checks
- Behavioral changes
- End-of-life care (euthanasia, hospice discussions, and quality-of-life consults)
- Tick, flea, or parasite evaluations and treatment
- Accidental ingestions
Appointments are available same day, and walk-ins are often accepted.
How Long Does a Same-Day Vet Visit Take?
Not every urgent care visit takes hours—and in many cases, they’re faster than ER visits.
Here’s a rough idea of what to expect:
- Quick issues (45–60 minutes): Minor injuries or single-symptom visits (e.g. eye discharge, ear infections, skin irritations) are typically quick to evaluate and treat.
- Moderate visits (60–90 minutes): If your pet needs diagnostics like X-rays, bloodwork, or fluids, the visit may take a bit longer depending on test times.
- Complex cases (90+ minutes): If your pet needs a combination of tests, imaging, or sedation, it could take longer—but we aim to keep you updated throughout.
At Truss Vet, we work efficiently to minimize wait times without cutting corners on care. Same-day doesn’t mean rushed—it means responsive.
While we strive to keep visits as efficient as possible, we do triage cases based on urgency, so wait times can vary depending on the needs of other pets being seen. Our team will always do our best to communicate realistic expectations and keep you in the loop.
When to Skip Same-Day Urgent Care and Head to the ER
Some pet issues are too life-threatening for urgent care. If your pet is experiencing any of the following, head to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately:
- Severe difficulty breathing (e.g. gasping, blue gums)
- Collapse or unresponsiveness
- Profuse bleeding
- Trauma from being hit by a car
- Bloat or a distended abdomen
Review our guide for a full breakdown of when you should see an Emergency Vet vs Urgent Care Vet.
If you’re at all unsure, call an urgent care veterinarian. They can help you decide whether to come in or seek emergency care.
Truss Vet: Same-Day Veterinary Urgent Care
At Truss Vet, we’re here when your pet needs help today. Our urgent care clinics are open 10 AM – 10 PM six days a week (closed Saturdays), offering same-day veterinary care without the emergency price tag.
- Visit our locations page to find the Truss Vet clinic closest to you.
If your pet isn’t feeling well and you’re wondering, “Can I get a same-day vet appointment?” – the answer is yes. Truss Vet offers urgent care for the unexpected, with same-day availability and compassionate professionals who get you answers fast.