When your pet suddenly gets sick or injured, every second feels critical. But should you head to an urgent care, such as Peak Veterinary Referral Center, or go straight to the emergency room? Knowing the difference can save time, reduce stress, and ensure your pet gets the right level of care.

At Peak Veterinary Referral Center, we understand how overwhelming these situations can be. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide.

What’s the Difference?

• Urgent Care

  Think of urgent care as the middle ground between routine vet visits and full emergency care. It’s ideal for non-life-threatening issues that still need prompt attention, like minor injuries, vomiting, or sudden changes in behavior.

• Emergency Room (ER)

  ER is for life-threatening conditions or severe trauma. These cases require immediate, advanced care, often with specialized equipment and critical care teams available 24/7.

When to Choose Urgent Care

Urgent care is a good option if your pet is stable but uncomfortable. Common examples include:

• Mild vomiting or diarrhea (without blood)

• Ear infections or skin irritations

• Minor cuts or limping

• Eye redness or mild discharge

• Sudden but non-severe changes in appetite or energy

• Porcupine quillings

• Bite wounds

When to Go Straight to the ER

Head to the ER immediately if your pet shows any of these signs:

• Difficulty breathing or choking

• Severe trauma (hit by car, fall)

• Uncontrolled bleeding

• Seizures or collapse

• Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea with blood

• Sudden inability to walk or stand

Pro Tip: When in Doubt, Call First

If you’re unsure, call your veterinarian or our team at Peak Veterinary Referral Center at (802) 878-2022. We can help assess the situation and guide you to the right level of care.