Emergency Check-In / Triage Protocol

If you need emergency or critical care, we recommend you call our Emergency Department at 519-432-3300.

When you visit our Emergency Department, your pet will first be assessed by a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) prior to seeing the veterinarian. Patients are triaged based on the urgency of their condition.

If your pet has to wait an extended period of time to be seen by the veterinarian, the RVT will check in with you routinely to make sure your pet is still stable. In the event your pet’s condition changes or you are concerned about their well-being, we ask that you please inform a member of our reception team.

We endeavour to see all patients within a timely manner; however, we appreciate your patience when we have unexpected critical cases that require immediate attention from our team.

After the veterinarian has performed an initial examination of your pet, you will be presented with the most appropriate treatment options for your pet’s condition. An estimate of costs will also be reviewed before commencing treatment.

Life saving measures to be applied immediately

  • Poisoning
  • Allergic reactions
  • Collapse
  • Heat stroke
  • Hypothermia
  • Bloat (GDV)
  • Actively seizing
  • Major trauma (vehicular, animal attack)
  • Penetrating bite wounds around neck or chest
  • Choking
  • Excessive bleeding
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Unable to urinate

Likely to recover if care is given within hours

  • Frequent vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Paralysis
  • Closed fractures
  • Blood in urine
  • Birthing difficulties
  • Can urinate but with straining

  • Abscess
  • Minor wounds/lacerations
  • Sneezing/nasal discharge
  • Stable chronic disease
  • Limping
  • Skin conditions
  • Sore ears/eyes