When Your Pet Can't Wait
When your pet suddenly becomes ill or injured, it can be difficult to know where to turn. At Alpine Animal Hospital, we understand that not every medical concern can wait for a routine appointment, but not every situation requires a trip to the emergency hospital, either.
To help care for pets in our community, we offer same-day appointments, walk-in evaluations, and drop-off urgent care services whenever our schedule allows. Our goal is to provide timely care for pets with urgent medical needs while helping families avoid unnecessary emergency visits whenever possible.
What Is Urgent Care?
Urgent care is designed for pets experiencing medical problems that should be addressed the same day but are not immediately life-threatening.
Examples of conditions that may benefit from urgent care include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Ear infections
- Eye redness or squinting
- Limping or minor injuries
- Coughing or sneezing
- Allergic reactions (without difficulty breathing)
- Skin infections, hot spots, or allergic flare-ups
- Urinary accidents or straining to urinate (dogs)
- Minor wounds or lacerations
- Pain or sudden changes in behavior
- Porcupine quills, foxtails, or other minor foreign body concerns
If you're unsure whether your pet should be seen, please call us. Our team can help determine the most appropriate level of care.
Urgent Care Options at Alpine Animal Hospital
Same-Day Appointments
Whenever possible, we reserve appointment times for pets who need prompt medical attention. If your pet becomes ill unexpectedly, call us as early as possible so we can discuss availability.
Walk-In Evaluations
For certain urgent concerns, we welcome walk-in patients. Because scheduled appointments and hospitalized patients must be cared for first, walk-in visits are seen based on medical urgency and doctor availability.
Wait times may vary depending on the number and severity of patients being treated that day.
Drop-Off Care
If your schedule—or ours—doesn't allow for an immediate examination, your pet may be admitted as a drop-off patient. This allows our veterinary team to examine, diagnose, and begin treatment as soon as a doctor becomes available throughout the day.
A member of our team will contact you with examination findings, recommendations, and an estimate before any major treatments or procedures are performed.
When Should You Go to an Emergency Hospital?
Some medical emergencies require immediate, advanced care that should not wait.
Please seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your pet is experiencing:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or inability to stand
- Seizures that do not stop or repeated seizures
- Severe trauma (such as being hit by a vehicle)
- Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
- Suspected poisoning
- Heat stroke
- Severe abdominal swelling
- Difficulty giving birth
- Loss of consciousness
- Inability to urinate (especially male cats)
- Any condition that appears immediately life-threatening
If the emergency hospital is open and your pet is experiencing one of these conditions, we recommend proceeding directly there while calling ahead if possible.
What to Expect During Urgent Care
Our team works hard to accommodate as many urgent patients as possible while continuing to care for pets with scheduled appointments and those already hospitalized.
Because urgent cases are unpredictable:
- Patients are prioritized based on medical need, not arrival time.
- Wait times may vary throughout the day.
- Some cases may require referral to an emergency or specialty hospital if advanced diagnostics, surgery, or overnight monitoring are needed.
- We appreciate your patience and understanding as we care for every patient with compassion and attention.
We're Here When You Need Us
When your pet isn't feeling well, you don't have to navigate it alone. Whether your pet needs a same-day appointment, a walk-in evaluation, or drop-off care, our experienced veterinary team is here to help you determine the best next step.
If you believe your pet needs urgent medical attention, please call us as soon as possible. We'll help guide you to the most appropriate care for your pet's needs.
Give Us A Call Book An Appointment
Alpine Animal Hospital Serving Carbondale, Glenwood Springs, Basalt, El Jebel, Aspen, and the Roaring Fork Valley with compassionate, high-quality veterinary care.