Wait Times

Emergency Service

Our emergency service is not based on scheduled appointments.  In fact, there are no scheduled appointments for the emergency service at all.

Many of the animals presented to the staff at OPVMC have critical or life-threatening problems that require immediate medical attention. This necessitates that pets, and their families, are serviced on a medical priority basis. Medical staff will conduct triages for any incoming emergency case to establish the urgency and prioritize caseload.  Our emergency service operates very much like a human emergency room in that regard.  Wait times for the emergency service can be up to 3 hours at times, so we advise all clients to call ahead and see what type of wait is in store. 

We have one doctor dedicated to managing emergency cases while our general practice doctors and specialists continue to see regularly scheduled appointments.  What can often be confusing is seeing patients who have arrived after you be taken ahead of you.  Please understand if you are accessing the emergency service that there may be cases that have been scheduled in advance with one of our general practice doctors or one of our specialists. 
  
We have crayons and educational coloring materials for children. There are informational Seasonal Warnings and other brochures for your education available at the Client Services desk. We strive to make you and your pet as comfortable as possible during your wait.

(Photo is our new entrance, waiting area, and check-in desk.)