As a pet owner, knowing where to find emergency vets in Connecticut is of the upmost importance. Accidents happen under even the most diligent pet owners’ watch and chances are your veterinarian of choice is not open at all hours of the day. So what should you do? Call your local emergency veterinary clinic.
What is an emergency vet?
An emergency is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “a serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.” An “emergency vet” typically refers to an emergency veterinary clinic staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Each have their unique specialists and capabilities but at the end of the day, they are there when you need help.
What should I expect when visiting an emergency vet?
When thinking of a vet visit, pet owners often think of a routine visit for an annual exam, vaccines or a minor ailment. In this case your appointment is scheduled in advanced. You spend a few minutes in the waiting room but are seen at a prearranged time.
At an emergency vet clinic, pets are not seen at specified times or on a first-come first-serve basis. Instead, patients are triaged and seen in order of urgency. While this may result in a bit of a wait, you can be grateful your pet is not in such danger that he is rushed straight into a treatment room.
When it is your pet’s turn, he will be assessed and treated just as he would at your normal veterinarian. It is worth noting that each emergency vet in Connecticut may have different patient release and payment policies than what you have come to expect at your primary vet.
Where are 24 hour emergency vets in Connecticut?
The following list of veterinarians are open 24 hours a day. There are many other veterinary hospitals with extended hours that may be closer to your location. Ask your primary veterinarian what options they recommend.
Newtown Veterinary Specialists
52 Church Hill Rd, Newtown, CT 06470
(203) 270-8387
VCA Shoreline Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center
895 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 929-8600
Connecticut Veterinary Center
470 Oakwood Ave, West Hartford, CT 06110
(860) 233-8564
Veterinary Specialists of Connecticut
993 N Main St, West Hartford, CT 06117
(860) 236-3273
Veterinary Emergency Center
135 Dowd Ave, Canton, CT 06019
(860) 693-6992
Pieper Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (Middletown Location)
730 Randolph Rd, Middletown, CT 06457
(860) 347-8387
Pieper Veterinary Emergency & Specialty (Madison Location)
51 Boston Post Rd, Madison, CT 06443
(203) 245-8511
Bolton Veterinary Hospital
222 Boston Turnpike, Bolton, CT 06043
(860) 646-6134
Central Hospital For Veterinary Medicine (North Haven Location)
4 Devine Street, North Haven, CT 06473
(203) 865-0878
Central Hospital For Veterinary Medicine (Guilford Location)
535 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT 06437
(203) 533-6444
New England Veterinary Center & Cancer Center
955 Kennedy Rd, Windsor, CT 06095
(860) 688-8400
VCA Veterinary Referral and Emergency Center
123 W Cedar St, Norwalk, CT 06854
(203) 854-9960
Cornell University Veterinary Specialists
880 Canal St, Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 595-2777
Note: The VCA Cheshire Vet Hospital used to be 24 hours but no longer provides this service. If Cheshire was your go-to urgent clinic, you may want to pick your next closest hospital in the above list of emergency vets in Connecticut.
Is there anything I should do before visiting an emergency vet in Connecticut?
Although appointments can’t be made ahead of an emergency, many hospitals recommend you call ahead. This way they know what to expect, when to expect you and can give you advice to help keep your pet stable on the trip.
If possible, bring a copy of your pets’ medical records. If you don’t have these already, ask your primary veterinarian to get you a paper or electronic copy. Some veterinarian offices even have online portals where you can access them on demand.
In addition, add your closest emergency vet to your contacts right now! In the case of an actual emergency time is precious and waits for nobody. Having your local emergency vets on speed dial will allow you to move quickly when time is of the essence.
In the case of emergencies, prevention is key. Educating yourself and being sure those who care for your pets in your absence are qualified is crucial. Be sure those caring for your beloved pets are trained, insured and value continuing education.
To learn how RCO Pet Care’s team of professional pet sitters can help you safely care for your furry crew, check out our services, contact us or call us at (203) 641-2428.
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