Emergency Veterinary Care

After-Hours Emergency Veterinary Care

If your pet is experiencing a health emergency outside our regular hospital hours, contact one of the after-hours emergency animal hospitals listed below.

Steps to Take In A Pet Emergency

If you are experiencing a veterinary emergency, follow the steps below.

• Call Ahead If Possible - During regular business hours call us right away so we can advise you regarding care. After hours, call the emergency animal hospital listed above to let them know you are on the way.
• Follow Instructions Provided - When you call to let the emergency pet hospital know you are on your way, instructions may be provided to help you apply first aid or otherwise make your pet as comfortable as possible during transport. Follow these instructions carefully.
• Remain Calm - Remain calm and be extra careful around your pet. When an animal is in pain they often react negatively towards anyone trying to help and could bite or scratch.

Emergency Veterinary Care FAQs

Read through our most frequently asked questions below to learn more about bringing your pet in for an emergency appointment at Trooper Veterinary Hospital. 

• Do I need to call ahead?

  Yes. Trooper Veterinary Hospital sees patients by appointment but can sometimes provide emergency and urgent veterinary care for cats and dogs during regular business hours if we have a doctor available. It's always best to contact us in advance if you can.

• When is your clinic open?

  We see patients by appointment during open hours.

  • Monday:08:00 am - 07:30 pm
  • Tuesday:08:00 am - 07:30 pm
  • Wednesday:08:00 am - 07:30 pm
  • Thursday:08:00 am - 07:30 pm
  • Friday:08:00 am - 06:00 pm
  • Saturday:08:00 am - 02:00 pm
  • Sunday:Closed

   

• What situations require emergency veterinary care?

  • Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
  • Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
  • Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
  • Fractured bones or severe lameness
  • Seizures and/or staggering
  • Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
  • Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea; 2+ episodes in 24-hours
  • Injuries to the eye(s)
  • Your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
  • Heat stress or heatstroke
  • Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
  • Unconsciousness
• What do I do if I think my pet has been poisoned?

  If you think your pet has ingested a poisonous or toxic substance, call the pet poison helpline at 1 (800) 213-6680 and bring your pet to the nearest emergency hospital right away.

• How long will we have to wait to see the vet?

  Our Norristown animal hospital is just like a human doctor's office—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait. 

  We cannot predict what cases we will see and when they will arrive. If possible, call ahead to find out whether we are able to provide emergency care for your dog or cat.

  If we are unable to fit an emergency appointment into our vet's schedule we recommend that you visit one of the 24/7 animal emergency hospitals detailed above. 

• What happens if my pet needs to stay in the hospital?

  Some veterinary emergencies require intensive overnight care. If your pet requires hospitalization we cannot provide, we will refer you to the closest 24-hour emergency clinic and work with the vets there to ensure your pet receives the best care possible.

• What types of animals do you treat?

  We offer emergency and urgent care for cats and dogs: 

• Where can I take my small mammal or exotic pet for urgent care?

  If your exotic pet is in need of emergency veterinary care, please contact one of the hospitals listed below.

  Veterinary Emergency Group - Philadelphia 
  Call: (267) 876-8501 

  Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital 
  Call: (267) 876-8501 

  Radnor Veterinary Hospital 
  Call: (610) 687-1550

• I've found injured wildlife, what do I do?

  If you find an injured or sick wild animal please contact one of the organizations below. 

  Important! Call before you go for special instructions!

  Diamond Rock Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic - (610) 240-0883

  The Philadelphia Metro Wildlife Center - (215) 249-1938

  Aark Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center - (215) 249-1938