Urgent Care at Reata (Small Animal)


What is Urgent Care?
Urgent care covers non-routine medical concerns that need attention the same day. This includes sudden changes in behavior, illness, or minor injuries. We also do our best to accommodate more serious conditions like seizures, wounds, or breathing trouble—depending on availability and staffing.


What we treat:
We can see a variety of cases, such as:

  • Vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
  • Eye or ear infections
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Wounds, minor trauma, or lameness
  • Trouble urinating
  • Breathing issues (mild to moderate)
  • Seizures (initial episodes)
  • Skin reactions, allergic responses, or swelling

When to Choose Urgent Care


If your pet is uncomfortable or their symptoms are concerning enough that waiting a few days could make things worse, urgent care is the right choice. If you’re unsure, give us a call and we can help guide you.


Urgent Care vs Emergency Care:
Urgent care bridges the gap between wellness care and emergency care. We can handle many urgent or serious issues, but we are not a full-service emergency facility and cannot provide overnight care or intensive hospitalization. For severe trauma or critical cases, we’ll refer to a nearby emergency clinic.


FAQs


Can I bring my pet in for urgent care without an appointment?
 Yes—urgent care visits are same-day appointments and based on availability. Calling ahead allows us to ensure proper staffing and provide a smooth, well-organized experience for both you and your pet.


What symptoms mean my pet needs same-day care?

  • Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • Trouble breathing
  • Sudden seizures
  • Significant wounds
  • Eye squinting or discharge
  • Swollen face or hives
  • Difficulty urinating or defecating
  • Collapse or unsteadiness

What should I expect during my pet’s urgent care exam?
During your visit, your pet will be examined by one of our expert veterinarians, who will assess their condition and recommend diagnostics or treatments. A technician will then review a detailed estimate with you for any suggested care. Once you approve the plan, we will move forward with in-clinic treatments that we are able to provide that day.
We aim to communicate clearly, provide compassionate care solutions, and support you in making the best decisions for your pet’s health.


Can I drop my pet off for an urgent or emergency exam?
Yes! Depending on our schedule, we may recommend a drop-off urgent care or emergency exam. This means you’ll leave your pet in our care, and the on-call doctor will examine them as time allows between scheduled appointments. Once your pet has been examined, the doctor will call you to discuss the exam findings before moving forward with any treatment.
Drop-off exams help us accommodate more patients when same-day appointment availability is limited.


What are your Urgent Care Hours?
We offer urgent care for dogs and cats during our regular office hours:
 Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
 For horses, our mobile equine services are available 24/7 for emergencies.


What should I bring with me when I bring my pet to urgent care? 
Please bring:

  • Any medications your pet is currently taking
  • A list of symptoms and when they began
  • Medical history/records (if available)
  • Video of symptoms (if applicable)

How much time does a typical urgent care visit take? 
Urgent care appointments typically take 30–60 minutes, depending on your pet’s condition and the services required.


What common treatments are provided through urgent care services?

  • Medications for pain, nausea, infections, or inflammation
  • Wound care and minor procedures
  • Bloodwork and basic diagnostics on site
  • Fluids for dehydration
  • Treatment of ear, eye, or skin infections
  • X-ray imaging on site
  • Ultrasound imaging on site

What should I do if my pet’s condition worsens before I arrive at urgent care? 
If your pet becomes critically ill, collapses, has uncontrolled seizures, or is struggling to breathe, please seek immediate care at the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.


Are follow-up appointments necessary after an urgent care visit? 
They may be recommended depending on your pet’s diagnosis and response to treatment. We’ll let you know if a follow-up is needed before you leave your visit.


Is urgent care covered by pet insurance? 
In many cases, yes. Coverage depends on your specific provider and plan. We recommend contacting your pet insurance company for details.


How do I schedule an Urgent Care appointment at Reata Veterinary Hospital?
You can contact us at (520) 376-2609 to schedule an urgent care appointment.