When to Go to the ER vs. Call Your Regular Vet
One of the most stressful moments in pet ownership is realizing something is wrong and not knowing how urgently to act. The ER is expensive and often a long wait. But waiting when you shouldn't can cost your pet dearly.
Here's a clear framework for thinking through that decision — what warrants an immediate ER trip, what can wait for a scheduled visit, and what falls in between.
Go to the ER now
These cannot wait.
If your pet is experiencing any of the following, go directly to an emergency veterinary hospital. Do not call ahead to ask — drive.
–Difficulty breathing, choking, or blue/white gums
–Collapse, inability to stand, or sudden paralysis
–Seizures lasting more than 2 minutes, or multiple seizures within a few hours
–Suspected poisoning — chocolate, xylitol, grapes, rodenticide, medications
–Trauma — hit by car, fall from height, bite wound from another animal
–Uncontrolled or significant bleeding
–Suspected urinary blockage in cats — straining to urinate with little or no output, crying in the litter box
–Bloat or suspected GDV in dogs — distended abdomen, unproductive retching, restlessness
–Eye injuries or sudden vision loss
–Signs of heatstroke — extreme panting, bright red gums, collapse, disorientation
–Dystocia — labor lasting more than an hour with no delivery, or obvious distress during birth
Schedule a visit within 24–48 hours
Needs attention soon — not immediately.
These warrant a prompt appointment but are not emergencies if your pet is otherwise stable. Monitor closely in the meantime.
–Vomiting or diarrhea more than twice, or lasting more than 24 hours
–Not eating for more than 24 hours (cats), or 48 hours (dogs)
–Limping or lameness that doesn't resolve within a few hours
–Lump or growth that appeared suddenly or changed rapidly
–Scratching ears excessively, head shaking, or discharge from the ear
–Cloudiness or discharge from the eyes
–Increased thirst or urination
–Minor wounds or lacerations that are not bleeding heavily
–Skin irritation, hot spots, or unusual rash
When you're not sure
Trust your instincts — then call.
If your gut says something is wrong, it's probably worth a call. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control line is available 24/7 for ingestion concerns. Your regular vet — or us — can often triage over the phone and tell you whether the ER is warranted.
ASPCA Poison Control
(888) 426-4435
Saving Grace
(626) 240-5000
Be prepared
Know your nearest emergency hospital before you need it.
Save at least one 24-hour emergency animal hospital in your phone now — not when you're panicking at midnight. Here are well-regarded options near our service area:
Always call ahead if possible — emergency hospitals can advise on what to do while you're on the way and confirm current wait times.
Not an emergency, but something's off?
Saving Grace offers in-home sick visits across greater Los Angeles. If your pet needs to be seen but doesn't need the ER, we come to you — often same day or next day.
