Emergency Room Veterinarian in Edmonton, Alberta

Before You Arrive

Emergency Veterinary Services Offered

At Edmonton West Animal Hospital, we provide a full range of emergency services, including critical care and triage, emergency diagnostics and laboratory testing, emergency surgery, and advanced pain management.

Call ahead when possible(780) 488-0124

We're open 365 days a year with extended hours, but we are not a 24-hour emergency clinic. To give every patient and every scheduled surgery the time they need, we operate primarily by appointment. If you're facing an emergency or simply can't get an appointment in time, we do accept walk-ins.

Appointments take precedence over walk-ins, so if you arrive without one, please be prepared for a possible wait to see the doctor. We do our best to accommodate every walk-in, but we can't guarantee availability, this helps us stay fair to clients who scheduled ahead. Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis.

Whenever possible, please call ahead before coming in. It helps our team prepare for your pet's specific needs before you arrive.

If you're arriving less than 45 minutes before closing, we may recommend a 24-hour emergency clinic instead, if that's what's best for your pet.

For guidance on preventing common emergencies, visit our pet safety tips - a few minutes of reading now could make a real difference later.

How We Help in an Emergency

Critical Care and Triage

When your pet is facing an emergency, our priority is rapid stabilization. Our veterinary team is trained to assess vital signs quickly and address life-threatening concerns without delay, whether that means controlling severe bleeding, managing respiratory distress, or stabilizing a pet in shock.

We know how frightening an unexpected health crisis can be. Our team works efficiently and calmly, using current emergency medicine techniques to give your pet the best possible outcome in the critical first minutes of care.

Diagnostic and Laboratory Services

Fast, accurate diagnostics are critical in an emergency. Our in-house lab and imaging equipment allow us to run blood work, urinalysis, and digital X-rays on-site, so we can identify the problem and begin treatment without waiting on outside results.

In true emergencies, minutes matter. Our team prioritizes rapid turnaround on diagnostic testing performed within our establishment so your pet can move into treatment as quickly as possible.

Emergency Surgery

Our veterinary surgical team is equipped to handle a wide range of emergency procedures, including fracture repairs, mass removals, and soft tissue surgery. Our on-site surgical suite is outfitted with the equipment needed to manage urgent surgical cases as they arise.

Every procedure is paired with careful pain management and monitoring, from anesthesia through recovery, so your pet's comfort is prioritized alongside the surgery itself.

Advanced Pain Management

Pain control is a core part of emergency and surgical care. Depending on your pet's condition, our veterinarians may use opioids, anti-inflammatory medications, local anesthetics, nerve blocks, or physical therapy - all prescribed and administered under direct veterinary supervision.

We monitor every patient closely from anesthesia through recovery, adjusting pain management as needed to keep your pet as comfortable as possible throughout treatment.

When To Seek Emergency Vet Services

No pet owner wants to think about an emergency, but most pets will face one at some point, especially if they spend time outdoors. When it happens, you want fast access to care from a team you trust.

We're open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with an on-site surgical suite, in-house diagnostic lab, and a trained team ready to respond. As outlined above, we operate primarily by appointment and are not a 24-hour facility, so please call ahead whenever possible.

If you notice signs like excessive bleeding or difficulty breathing, don't wait - contact us immediately.

Know the Warning Signs

Signs of Illness or InjuryRead more

We know how worrying it can be when your pet isn't acting like themselves. Changes in behavior or mood are often an early warning sign - if your pet seems unusually agitated, disoriented, withdrawn, or anxious, it may indicate an underlying issue that needs prompt attention.

Other signs that warrant a same-day evaluation include a sudden change in appetite or thirst, difficulty standing or walking, pale or discolored gums, or repeated unproductive retching. When in doubt, call - it's always better to check than to wait.

Poisoning or Ingestion of Harmful SubstancesRead more

Few things are more frightening than realizing your pet has gotten into something they shouldn't have. Ingesting toxic substances can cause serious symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, can be fatal if untreated.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, contact us or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away, even before symptoms appear. A consultation fee may apply for the poison control hotline. Our team will work quickly to diagnose and treat your pet, giving them the best chance at a full recovery.

Respiratory DistressRead more

Watching your pet struggle to breathe is one of the most frightening things a pet owner can experience. Respiratory distress like labored breathing, rapid or shallow breaths, or visible struggle to get air - is always an emergency and should never wait.

Our team will move quickly to identify the cause using X-ray and diagnostic imaging, then begin treatment right away which may include oxygen therapy, nebulization, medication, or surgery, depending on what your pet needs. We'll keep you informed and involved at every step.

Excessive BleedingRead more

Seeing your pet bleeding can be alarming, and it's always worth getting checked, even if the bleeding seems to slow on its own. Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding can result from trauma, surgery complications, or underlying conditions like hemophilia or Von Willebrand's disease.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include blood transfusions, surgical repair, or ongoing management for chronic bleeding disorders. Our team will work quickly to identify the source and stabilize your pet, keeping you informed throughout.

Seizures or Loss of ConsciousnessRead more

Watching your pet have a seizure or suddenly lose consciousness can be one of the most alarming things a pet owner experiences. Seizures typically involve uncontrolled movements or behavior changes, while loss of consciousness may present as sudden lethargy or unresponsiveness.

These symptoms can point to a range of underlying causes, including epilepsy, head trauma, poisoning, or in some cases, brain tumors. Our team will run the diagnostics needed to identify the cause and start your pet on the right treatment path, with pain management included wherever needed.

Why Choose Our Emergency Vet Services in Edmonton, Alberta?

When you're facing a pet emergency, you deserve a team that's experienced, well-equipped, and easy to reach. Here's what you can expect from us.

Experienced and Qualified Veterinarians and Technicians

Our veterinarians and technicians bring hands-on emergency experience to every case, paired with a genuine commitment to your pet's wellbeing. We focus on more than just treating the immediate issue - we look at your pet's overall health and history to guide the best course of care.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment

Beyond our diagnostic and treatment equipment already outlined above, we've designed our hospital to feel as calm and low-stress as possible, even during an emergency. A steady, quiet environment helps pets stay easier to treat and helps owners feel more at ease too.

Compassionate and Personalized Care

We know a vet visit, especially an emergency one, can be stressful for you and your pet. We take the time to explain what's happening, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported, not just informed, throughout your pet's care.

Efficient and Prompt Services

We know timing matters in an emergency. From initial triage through diagnostics and treatment, our team works efficiently to get your pet the care they need without unnecessary delay during our posted hours - 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Transparent Communication and Pricing

Emergencies are stressful enough without financial surprises. We'll walk you through your pet's treatment plan and the associated costs before moving forward, so you can make informed decisions with confidence, not guesswork.

Emergency veterinary care for pets at Edmonton West Animal Hospital

Contact Us For Emergency Veterinary Services In Edmonton, Alberta

If there's one thing we at Edmonton West Animal Hospital understand, it's that pet emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere. That's why our experienced and compassionate veterinary team is here to provide your beloved companion with the best possible care during an emergency. From critical care and diagnostic services to advanced pain management and surgical procedures, we're equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to handle any situation.

Call (780) 488-0124 Contact Us