Pet emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. Many emergencies unfold late at night or in the early morning hours, when primary care offices are closed, and families are left searching for help.

At Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital, we understand how stressful those moments can be. That is why we are expanding our overnight availability to provide 24-hour emergency care, helping ensure pets and families have access to expert care when they need it most.

Here is why overnight emergency access matters and what families should know.

Emergencies Do Not Follow a Schedule

Some of the most common emergency situations occur overnight, including:

• Sudden breathing difficulty

• Vomiting or diarrhea that worsens late at night

• Pain that escalates after normal business hours

• Seizures or collapse

• Toxin exposures discovered in the evening

• Injuries that happen after work or school hours

Often, symptoms begin mildly during the day and worsen overnight. Without access to emergency care, families may be forced to wait anxiously until morning, unsure if their pet’s condition is stable.

Dr. Jolene Babyak, Medical Director at Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital, explains:

“Many conditions progress quickly. Having access to veterinary care overnight can make a meaningful difference in how quickly we can stabilize pets and begin treatment. Since you know your pet best, the time we want to evaluate your pet is when you are worried.”

Why Immediate Care Can Make a Difference

In many cases, earlier treatment leads to better outcomes. Conditions that benefit from timely care include:

• Heart or respiratory emergencies

• Urinary blockages

• Severe dehydration

• Internal bleeding or trauma

• Acute pain crises

• Severe gastrointestinal illness

Even when a situation is not life-threatening, prompt care can relieve discomfort and prevent conditions from worsening.

Reducing Stress for Families

One of the hardest parts of a late-night emergency is uncertainty. Families often ask themselves:

Should we wait? Is this serious enough to leave home right now? Will anyone be available to help?

Expanded overnight hours provide reassurance that care is available when needed, allowing families to act sooner rather than spending hours worrying or second-guessing their decision.

Rebecca Schmitt, Hospital Director at Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital, shares:

“Our goal is to give families confidence that expert care is available, even in the middle of the night. Knowing help is nearby can ease some of the stress during already difficult moments.”

What Overnight Emergency Care Looks Like

An overnight visit follows the same emergency process as daytime care:

• Arrival and check-in

• Medical triage to assess urgency

• Immediate stabilization if needed

• Doctor evaluation and diagnostics

• Treatment and monitoring or hospitalization if required

Our emergency teams are trained to handle critical situations at any hour, ensuring pets receive the same level of care whether they arrive at noon or midnight.

Planning Ahead for Peace of Mind

Emergencies are always unexpected, but preparation can make them easier to navigate. Families can prepare by:

• Saving Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital in their phone contacts

• Knowing the fastest route to the hospital

• Keeping medical records accessible if possible

• Having carriers or leashes ready for safe transport

Planning ahead removes one layer of stress when quick action is needed.

Here When You Need Us Most

Expanded overnight care is about more than convenience. It is about providing reassurance, rapid medical support, and compassionate guidance when pets and families need it most.

Whether a concern arises in the middle of the day or the middle of the night, Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital is here to help.

Exceptional care. A team you can trust.