Walk-In Pet Care and Same-Day Urgent Appointments for Your Pet
At Alpine Animal Hospital, we know how disconcerting it can be when your pet isn’t feeling their best. Whether your dog suddenly starts limping or your cat can’t stop sneezing, these situations are stressful for any pet owner. We are here to support you through those moments and make sure your pet receives the right level of care they need.
Our goal is to provide clear answers and exceptional care when you and your pet need it most. You can count on us to deliver the best, every time. We are a team you can count on.
Urgent Care vs. Emergency Care for Pets: What’s the Difference?
What Is a Pet Urgent Care Appointment?
Our pet urgent care at Alpine Animal Hospital is designed for those unexpected situations when your pet needs help the same day, but the issue isn’t immediately life-threatening or traumatic. Think of it like going to a walk-in clinic for your pet. It is not quite an emergency, but it definitely can’t wait until next week.
We reserve same-day appointment slots specifically for urgent situations because we know how important timely care is. When you reach out to bring your pet in, we’ll always let you know what we have available and help determine how urgent your pet’s condition may be.
Reasons to Schedule an Urgent Care Appointment for Your Pet
If your pet is showing any of these symptoms or conditions, an urgent care visit is likely the right choice:
- Allergic reactions with facial swelling or hives
- A sudden decrease in appetite
- Broken toenails or light bleeding
- Coughing or sneezing without distress
- Ear infections or redness
- Eye issues (redness, squinting, discharge)
- Limping or favoring a leg after play
- Minor wounds or small cuts
- Scooting or signs of anal gland discomfort
- Skin irritations like hot spots or excessive licking
- Urinary changes (frequent urination, small accidents)
- Vomiting or diarrhea
If you aren’t sure if your pet needs immediate care or if it can wait, we are happy to talk it through with you!
What Qualifies as a Pet Emergency?
Some situations go beyond urgent care and need immediate attention. Pet emergencies are critical, life-threatening conditions or extensive trauma that need immediate medical intervention. If your pet is experiencing any of the following symptoms, skip urgent care and head straight to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital or call us immediately:
- High fever or low body temperature
- Inability to urinate (especially in male cats)
- Loss of consciousness or extreme lethargy
- Major trauma (e.g., hit by a car, serious fall)
- Pale gums or weak pulse
- Seizures or sudden collapse
- Severe bleeding or deep wounds
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of toxic substances
- Trouble breathing or choking
- Bloating
How to Tell the Difference
If your pet seems uncomfortable but is alert, eating, drinking, and breathing normally, it’s likely urgent care. If your pet is in distress, unresponsive, or rapidly declining, it’s an emergency.
When in doubt, contact us immediately. Our trained veterinary team will assess your pet’s symptoms over the phone and direct you to the best next step. Whether it’s coming in for urgent care or heading to emergency services, we will make sure you get the care your pet needs.
Emergency Veterinary Hospitals Near Carbondale, Colorado
While we strive to accommodate urgent needs during business hours, some emergencies require more advanced or after-hours care. We recommend keeping these local emergency vet hospitals on hand:
Valley Emergency Pet Care
180 Fiou Lane Unit 101
Basalt, CO 81621
(970) 927-5066
Animal ER of the Western Slope
1660 North Avenue
Grand Junction, Colorado 81501
(970) 525-0911
We’re Here When Your Pet Needs Us Most
From unexpected limps to sudden upsets, we know pet health doesn’t follow a schedule. At Alpine Animal Hospital, we’re committed to being your trusted partner for both urgent and preventive care and helping you navigate the moments in between.
Need urgent care today? Call us at (970) 963-2371, and we’ll do our best to get your furry friend seen as soon as possible.