Plains 24/7 Emergency Veterinary Care

We offer 24/7 emergency services for cats and dogs in the Northeast Pennsylvania area.

What To Do In A Pet Emergency

Knowing what to expect at our emergency veterinary hospital will help to make the process easier for both you and your pet. 

Animal Emergency FAQs

• What is considered a veterinary emergency?

  The following situations are considered emergencies, and require immediate care. If your pet has had an accident or is experiencing any of these symptoms bring them to our Plains office straight away. 

  • Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
  • Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
  • Choking, difficulty breathing or continuous coughing/gagging
  • Seizures and/or staggering
  • Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in urine
  • Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
  • Injuries to the eye(s)
  • You know or suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
  • Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move leg(s)
  • Heat stress or heatstroke
  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea; more than two episodes in 24-hours
  • Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
  • Unconsciousness
• What emergency services do you offer?

  At Northeast Veterinary Referral Hospital we offer state-of-the-art emergency care for your four-legged family members and are equipped to provide hospitalization, specialized diagnostics, and complete surgical services.

• Do I need to call ahead?

  It always is best to call us ahead if you can, but we understand that in emergency situations that's not always possible.

  If the situation does not allow time for you to call, please do not hesitate to bring your pet to our clinic for immediate attention.

• When is your emergency clinic open?

  Our Plains emergency clinic is open 24/7, 365 days a year. 

• How long will we have to wait to see the vet?

  A veterinary emergency hospital is just like a human emergency department—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait. 

  We cannot predict what cases we will see and when they will arrive, but we will prioritize cases by their medical needs.

  We provide a comfortable area for waiting and we will do our best to keep you updated about wait times and the status of your pet. 

• How long will you keep my pet in the hospital?

  Every animal emergency is different and the length of your pet's stay at our hospital will depend on each specific case. Your veterinarian can give you a better idea of how long your pet will require treatment once your pet has been assessed and diagnosed. 

• Can I visit my pet while they are in the hospital?

  Yes, we understand that it is a worrying time when your pet is in the hospital. Many of our patients benefit from being visited by their families, so we generally encourage this. We just ask that you call us before you intend to visit to ensure that our staff can coordinate your visit.

• Will I be provided with status updates of my pet's condition?

  Yes, we know that having your pet in the hospital is stressful for you and your family. Your veterinarian will call you with updates on your pet’s condition at varying times depending on progress and treatment.

• Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?

  Yes, we keep your primary care veterinarian updated with your pet’s medical history and files to ensure seamless, integrated care.