After hours
In case of an emergency
We're open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm. Outside those hours, please go straight to one of the emergency hospitals below, call ahead if you can so they're ready for you.
Dogs & cats
24-hour emergency hospitals
If you have an emergency outside of our regular business hours, we recommend one of the following facilities.
During clinic hours, call us first.
Mon to Fri, 8am to 6pm we can see urgent cases same-day. We'll tell you whether to come in or head to an emergency hospital.
BluePearl Pet Hospital
4631 Merle Hay Road
Des Moines, IA 50322Iowa Veterinary Specialties (IVS)
6110 Creston Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50321Westfield Veterinary Hospital
8789 NW 54th Avenue
Johnston, IA 50131
Birds & small mammals
Exotic-capable emergency care
Fewer emergency hospitals see birds and pocket pets, so some of these are a drive. Always call first to confirm they can see your species.
VEG ER for Pets
6840 EP True Pkwy #101
West Des Moines, IA 50266Westfield Veterinary Hospital
8789 NW 54th Avenue
Johnston, IA 50131Small mammals only, please call ahead for availability.
Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota
1160 Helmo Ave N
Oakdale, MN 55128Southpaw Veterinary Clinic
19102 Q St. Suite 115
Omaha, NE 68135
When to go
Signs that can't wait until morning
- Trouble breathing, choking, or blue/pale gums
- Collapse, seizures, or can't stand
- Bleeding that won't stop, or a deep wound
- Hit by a car, a fall, or any major trauma
- Straining to urinate with nothing coming out (especially male cats)
- Repeated vomiting, or a swollen, hard belly
- Ate something toxic: chocolate, xylitol, grapes, lilies, rodent bait, medications
- Birds: sitting fluffed on the cage floor, tail bobbing with each breath, or not eating
Poison questions, any hour
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply). Have the packaging handy and your pet's weight.
After an emergency visit
Ask the hospital to send us the records so we can handle follow-up care. You can also contact us the next business day.