Yes, when the problem is not immediately life-threatening and your pet is otherwise alert — for example occasional vomiting or diarrhea with the pet still keeping water down, limping but still using the leg, small wounds, or ear problems. Go to a 24/7 ER now for trouble breathing, collapse, a long seizure, heavy bleeding, a swallowed toxin, a male cat straining to pee, and the other emergency signs on our checklist. Many urgent-care clinics close overnight. When in doubt, call a vet or ER.
When urgent care is usually the better fit
Urgent care and same-day clinics are for a sick or injured pet that is not in immediate danger. Typical examples include occasional vomiting or diarrhea when the pet is still alert and keeping water down; limping, but still using the leg; small wounds, minor bites, or skin problems; ear problems; eye redness or discharge (a sudden, serious eye injury belongs at an ER); coughing or sneezing if breathing is otherwise comfortable; not eating, or a pet that is “off” but still alert; mild hives or mild facial swelling; and urinating more often if the pet can still pass urine.
If your pet becomes weak, has trouble breathing, or suddenly worsens, treat it as an ER visit. Many urgent-care clinics close overnight, so if it is late, a 24/7 hospital may be the only option.
When to go to a 24/7 ER now
Go now for trouble breathing, choking, or gums that are blue, gray, or very pale; collapse, unconsciousness, or not being able to stand or walk; a seizure now, one that lasts more than 5 minutes, or more than one in 24 hours; heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, or major trauma; a known or suspected toxin or poison; straining to pee with little or no urine, especially a male cat; a swollen, hard, or painful belly, or trying to vomit with nothing coming up; trouble giving birth; signs of heatstroke; severe pain, sudden paralysis, or repeated vomiting with weakness, blood, or an inability to keep water down; or a serious eye or head injury.
Emergency hospitals see the sickest pets first, so a minor problem may wait longer there than at an urgent-care clinic. Call ahead if you can so the team can prepare.
This distinction summarizes publicly posted guidance also used on our printable checklist, including material from the AVMA, the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, and the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center. It is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
Related questions
Do vets take walk-ins?
It depends on the clinic. Some urgent-care and same-day clinics say they accept walk-ins; others require an appointment or a call first. A clinic that accepts walk-ins may still be full. On each city page we show the walk-in policy only when the clinic publishes one; otherwise the card says “not published.” We never guess. Call before you drive.
Is my pet’s problem an emergency?
Treat it as an emergency and go to a 24/7 animal ER for trouble breathing, collapse or not being able to stand, a seizure now or one that lasts more than 5 minutes, heavy bleeding or major trauma, a known or suspected toxin, a male cat straining to pee with little or no urine, a swollen or hard belly, trouble giving birth, signs of heatstroke, severe pain or sudden paralysis, or a serious eye or head injury. If your pet is “off” but alert, a same-day or urgent-care vet is often the better fit. When in doubt, call or go to an ER.
Are vets open on weekends and holidays?
Some urgent-care and same-day clinics are open Saturdays, and some are open Sundays. 24/7 emergency hospitals are open every day, including holidays, unless a clinic’s own website says otherwise. Posted hours change, and the “Open now” filter on our city pages does not know about holidays or sudden closures. Call ahead, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas and July 4. Each city page lists clinics that post weekend hours, with 24/7 ERs at the bottom.
What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous?
Call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (both 24/7; a consultation fee may apply) and go to a 24/7 ER if they advise it, or if your pet is already in distress. Do not give home remedies or try to make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian or poison expert tells you to. A searchable list of common toxins is at https://vetsopentoday.com/pet-toxin-checker.html.
See the full checklist, the pet toxin checker, or find a vet by city.