An emergency visit is rarely something you plan for. When you’re worried about your pet, the last thing you need is uncertainty about what happens next.

At Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital, we believe clarity is part of compassionate care. Here is what you can expect during an emergency room visit, from the moment you walk in to the moment you head home with a plan.

Step 1: Arrival and Check-In

When you arrive, you will be greeted by our front desk team. We will ask a few quick questions to understand what is happening and collect key details, such as:

• Your pet’s name, age, and your personal information

• Your primary veterinarian’s information

• What are you seeing at home and when did it start

If your pet is in visible distress, such as difficulty breathing, collapse, or uncontrolled bleeding, we may bring them directly to the treatment area immediately, sometimes even before paperwork is completed. That can feel abrupt, but it means your pet is getting urgent attention without delay.

Helpful tip: If you can, bring recent medical records, discharge notes, or medication lists, or have them available on your phone.

Step 2: Triage

After check-in, a veterinary technician or nurse will perform triage, which is a brief medical assessment to determine how urgently your pet needs care.

Triage may include:

• Checking gum color and hydration

• Measuring heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature

• Assessing pain level and alertness

• Asking targeted questions about symptoms

It is important to know that triage is not the full exam. It is a safety-first process to identify which pets need immediate stabilization.

This is also why emergency care does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Pets are seen based on medical urgency, similar to human emergency rooms.

Step 3: Immediate Stabilization If Needed

If your pet is critical, the medical team may begin stabilization with your consent right away. This can include:

• Oxygen support

• Controlling bleeding

• Intravenous (IV) catheter placement and fluids

• Pain relief

• Anti-nausea medications

• Seizure control

In these moments, you may be asked to wait while care begins. That is not because you are being left out. It is because your pet needs hands-on treatment quickly.

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

“In emergency medicine, our first priority is stabilizing your pet family member. Once a pet is safe, we can slow down and focus on diagnostics, treatment options, and clear communication with the family.”

Step 4: Medical Exam and Diagnostics

Once your pet is stable, or if they are stable upon arrival, a doctor will perform a more complete exam and talk with you about the next steps.

Depending on the symptoms, recommended diagnostics may include:

• Bloodwork

• X-rays

• Ultrasound

• Urinalysis

• Testing for infectious disease or pancreatitis

• Blood pressure or ECG monitoring

Not every pet needs extensive testing. We will explain what is most important, what can wait, and why specific recommendations are being made.

Step 5: Your Treatment Plan and Estimate

Before moving forward with major diagnostics or hospitalization, our team will discuss:

• What we are concerned about medically

• What testing or treatment is recommended

• Available options when appropriate

• Expected timeline

• Cost estimate

We know conversations about cost can feel uncomfortable, especially when you are worried. Our goal is to be transparent and supportive while building the best plan for your pet.

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

“Emergency visits can feel overwhelming. We focus on guiding families through each step with clarity, so you always understand what’s happening, what’s next, and why.”

Step 6: Treatment, Monitoring, or Hospitalization

From here, one of a few things typically happens.

Treatment and Discharge

Many pets can be treated and go home the same day with:

• Medications

• Home care instructions

• Warning signs to watch for

• Follow-up recommendations

Continued Monitoring in the ER

Some pets need a few hours of monitoring to ensure they respond to treatment, such as:

• Rehydration after vomiting or diarrhea

• Pain control for injuries

• Observation after toxin exposure

Hospitalization

If your pet needs ongoing care, such as IV fluids, oxygen, advanced monitoring, or surgery, we may recommend hospitalization. If specialty care is needed, such as Internal Medicine, Surgery, or Critical Care, we coordinate that team-based approach within the hospital.

Step 7: Updates While You Wait

Wait times can be frustrating, especially when you are anxious. Please know that behind the scenes, our team is constantly prioritizing patients based on medical need.

If you are waiting, it may be because:

• A more critical case has just arrived

• Your pet is stable while others need immediate intervention

• Diagnostics are running or results are pending

• Treatment plans are actively in progress

We do our best to provide updates as we are able. If you have not heard from us in a while, it is okay to ask the front desk for an update.

Step 8: Discharge, Follow-Up, and Communication with Your Vet

If your pet goes home, you will leave with clear instructions and a plan. When appropriate, we will also communicate with your primary veterinarian so your pet’s care remains connected.

Your discharge typically includes:

• Diagnosis or most likely causes

• Medications and dosing instructions

• Feeding and activity guidance

• What to monitor at home

• When to seek care again

• Follow-up timing and recommendations

A Few Practical Tips to Make ER Visits Easier

If possible, consider these simple steps:

• Keep your pet’s medical records accessible on your phone or email

• Have a safe carrier for cats and small dogs

• Bring a leash and a towel or blanket

• Let the team know if your pet may bite due to pain or fear

• Avoid giving human medications unless instructed by a veterinarian

You Are Not Alone Here

An ER visit can feel scary, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Our job is to care for your pet and support you with calm communication and clear next steps, even in stressful moments.

Westbridge Veterinary Referral Hospital is here when you need us most.

Exceptional care. A team you can trust.