Urgent Care and Emergency
Know where and when to go when your pet needs care
At Best Friends Animal Hospital and Pet Resources, we know life with pets can be unpredictable. And in those moments, knowing where to go can provide powerful peace of mind and ensure your special friend receives timely, compassionate, and expert care.
Although we are not a 24/7 facility, we strive to be as accessible as possible during normal business hours for urgent and emergent needs.
If your pet is experiencing an emergency, please call the hospital immediately or visit the nearest veterinary emergency center.
What is urgent care for pets?
Modeled after human urgent care, veterinary urgent care is intended for unexpected but non-life-threatening illnesses, injuries, and concerns. These conditions affect your pet’s comfort and benefit from prompt attention.
Reasons to seek urgent care
If you’re worried that your pet can’t wait for a regular appointment, contact our team. Examples of conditions for which urgent care is appropriate include:
- Limping
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Urinary tract problems
- Ear infections
- Toenail injuries
- Minor wounds
- Insect bites
- Allergies (coughing, sneezing, scratching)
Urgent care appointments are typically worked in around scheduled visits. While there may be a wait, our dedicated team will care for your pet as soon as possible.
What is emergency care for pets?
While it can feel like every pet illness or injury is critical, emergencies are life-threatening conditions that require immediate, rapid, and skilled intervention.
If you believe your pet is experiencing an emergency, please call us immediately. Depending on your pet’s condition, we may redirect you to the nearest veterinary emergency center.
Common emergencies include:
- Hit by a car
- Difficulty breathing or choking
- Excessive or uncontrollable bleeding
- Heat stroke
- Uncontrollable seizures
- Toxin ingestion
- Animal or wildlife attack
- Allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
- Bloat (gastric dilation volvulus, or GDV)
- Inability to urinate or urinating only small amounts (especially in male cats)
- Fall from height
- Traumatic eye injuries
- Sudden paralysis or extreme weakness
- Blue, grey, or white gums
- Loss of consciousness
Emergency care at Best Friends Animal Hospital
Our hospital and team are equipped to handle many common pet emergencies during normal business hours. We recommend calling ahead (618-222-9860) to ensure we can handle your pet’s needs and provide immediate and appropriate support the moment you arrive.
If your pet’s condition requires care beyond our abilities—such as 24/7 care or specialized treatment—we will redirect you to a nearby veterinary emergency center. If their condition changes while in our care, we may also recommend transfer to one of these locations for intensive care and round-the-clock monitoring.
Recommended emergency care centers
Veterinary Specialty Services (VSS)
1021 Howard George Dr
Manchester, MO 63021
636-227-9400
Still unsure? Let us help
If you’re concerned about your pet, so are we. Contact our team to discuss your pet’s condition. We’ll help you make an informed decision that’s right for them.