What to Do in a Pet Emergency in Halifax
Emergency veterinary care is needed when your pet experiences a sudden or severe injury, illness, or accident that cannot be managed with at-home care. It may also be required if it is outside the office hours of your primary care veterinarian.
Knowing what to expect will make managing the emergency easier for you and your pet. Here is the standard process followed at our specialty and emergency animal hospital in Halifax:
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Step 1: Get To Our Hospital Right Away (Call Ahead If You Can)
We understand that in an emergency, you may be unable to call us in advance, but it's always best if you can.
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Step 2: Triage & Examination
A member of our emergency team will triage your pet, followed by a complete examination by one of our dedicated emergency veterinarians.
Please Note: Wait times may vary as we operate on a triage-based system. Critical patients will be seen first.
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Step 3: Diagnosis & Treatment
Once we've thoroughly assessed your pet, we will provide you with more information and discuss treatment options.
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Step 4: Follow-up with your Primary Care Veterinarian
We'll always share your pet's medical history and files with your family veterinarian to ensure seamless and integrated care.
After-Hours & Walk-In Emergency Care in Halifax
Our emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, including nights, weekends and holidays. No appointment or referral is required.
If your regular veterinary clinic is closed, our emergency veterinarians are available to care for cats, dogs and exotic pets. You can find us at 168 Hobsons Lake Dr in the Bayers Lake area of Halifax, with free parking and wheelchair-accessible entry.
Call us ahead to give our team time to prepare for your pet, but we understand that in an emergency, there may not always be time to call ahead.
The cost of an emergency visit will depend on the care your pet needs. After triage and examination, our team will explain the recommended diagnostics and treatment, as well as the associated costs, so you have the information you need to make decisions about your pet’s care. Financing options are also available.
Emergency Vet FAQs
Here are some questions often asked at our emergency animal hospital in Halifax:
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What is considered a veterinary emergency?
Below are some examples of situations that are considered emergencies and may require immediate veterinary care.
If your pet has had an accident or is experiencing any of the symptoms listed below, call Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital.
- Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
- Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
- Choking, difficulty breathing, or continuous coughing/gagging
- Seizures/tremors
- Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in the urine
- Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
- Persistent vomiting and diarrhea
- Injuries to the eye(s)
- Your cat and dog have ingested something toxic (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
- Heat stress or heatstroke
- Unconsciousness
- Collapse
- A swollen or unusually enlarged abdomen, especially with non-productive retching
- Sudden, severe weakness or paralysis
- A severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling with vomiting, weakness or difficulty breathing
- Fractured bones, serious wound, or inability to walk or bear weight
- Traumatic episode such as a fall or vehicle collision - even if injuries are not immediately visible
If you are unsure whether your pet needs emergency care, please call us. Our team can help determine the next step
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Do I need to call ahead?
Our team understands that there isn't always time to call ahead, but whenever possible, it is best to do so. Calling ahead gives our team time to prepare for your arrival.
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How long will we have to wait to see the veterinarian?
We know that waiting for care when your pet is unwell can be stressful. When you arrive at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital, our team will assess your pet’s condition and prioritize patients based on the urgency of their medical needs. This means a pet with a life-threatening condition may be seen before one who arrived earlier.
Wait times can change as new patients arrive, and we may not be able to give you an exact estimate. We’ll do our best to keep you informed. If you notice any change in your pet’s condition while you wait, please let our team know right away so we can reassess them.
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What emergency veterinary services do you offer?
Our emergency team is prepared to handle any emergency your pet may experience.
Our team has the training and skills to remain calm and deal with your pet's medical emergency, ensuring your pet gets the best possible emergency care as quickly and effectively as possible.
Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital is equipped to provide specialized diagnostics, a complete range of surgical services, and hospitalization when required.
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What other procedures happen during an emergency visit?
Throughout your pet's visit to our 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital in Halifax, they may undergo additional procedures to help diagnose the underlying cause of their condition.
Depending on your pet’s needs, these may include bloodwork, urinalysis, X-rays, ultrasound, or other imaging. Please know that our emergency team will explain the recommended tests and discuss them with you before proceeding whenever possible.
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Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?
Yes, we firmly believe that communication is vital at all stages of your pet's care, regardless of the reason for their visit.
We will forward all necessary files, including test results and diagnostic images, to help ensure that your pet's ongoing treatment continues without unnecessary delays.
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Will my pet need to stay overnight?
Depending on the condition of your pet, we may need to keep them for an extended period while we stabilize them and begin treatment.
Once they are responding well to the treatment and no longer require constant monitoring or additional care, we will release them back into your care.
We will also provide your primary care veterinarian with a detailed report including the next steps.
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What if my pet requires critical care?
If your pet requires intensive medical attention or life support, they will be transferred to our dedicated ICU for critical care. This may be needed for pets who are experiencing medical issues such as trauma, organ failure, surgical complications, heatstroke, or other emergencies.
During this time, our experienced staff will provide them with 24/7 health monitoring and care and will have the full range of technology available to help provide care.
Once your pet responds to treatment and their condition improves, we will discuss the next steps, including their return home.
Emergency Vet Team at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital
The skilled emergency veterinary team at Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital is here 24/7, 365 days a year to provide vital medical attention to your pet quickly and efficiently.
Our Halifax emergency veterinarians also regularly collaborate with our board-certified veterinary specialists as well as referring primary care veterinarians to provide your beloved companion with the best possible care.
We are proud to have a passion for comprehensive veterinary care with a focus on communication. This allows for informed decision-making in times that may otherwise be stressful.
Emergency Veterinary Care in Halifax
Caring for Pets in Atlantic Canada
Our specialists are pleased to accept new patients by referral from primary care veterinarians. Our emergency service welcomes all clients – 24/7/365.