We provide compassionate emergency care 24/7/365 to pets who have undergone trauma, acute illness, or require urgent care or emergency surgery. Nationally recognized specialists, criticalists, and specialized veterinary technicians lead our emergency team, a dedicated group of experienced emergency clinicians, certified veterinary technicians, specialized veterinary technicians, and veterinary assistants. As a VECCS Certified Level I emergency and critical care facility, you can be sure that Avets offers the best emergency care available for your pet. Continued or follow-up care is available through Avets’ ICU, our specialists (e.g. in surgery, internal medicine), or through your primary care veterinarian.

Emergency Services

You know your pet better than anyone! If your instincts tell you something’s wrong, listen to them and call us. We’re always here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we welcome walk-ins. Avets will provide your pet with excellent, compassionate care while offering you courteous service.

Call Avets immediately at (412) 373-4200 if your pet:

• Has been hit by a car

• Has been poisoned

• Is bleeding

• Is vomiting excessively

• Is having a seizure

• Is having trouble urinating

• Is experiencing excessive diarrhea

• Is having difficulty breathing

• Is having difficulty giving birth

Please note: We are not seeing Avian & Exotics emergencies at this time. The Avian & Exotics service is available by appointment only.

Caring for the Most Critical Patients First

We understand that dealing with pet emergencies can be overwhelming, and they often happen unexpectedly. As pet owners ourselves, we recognize that your pet is a cherished member of the family. When it comes to healthcare, you deserve timely, accurate, and compassionate treatment, which is why our team follows a triage process.

What is Triage?

“Triage” is a medical term that helps dictate how patients are prioritized in an emergency room setting. Derived from the French verb “trier,” meaning “to sort,” it helps us quickly identify and prioritize treating patients with life-threatening conditions first, followed by more stable patients. All emergency hospitals, both human and veterinary, follow this same approach to patient care.

What Happens During the Initial Triage?

The triage nurse will ask about your pet’s main issue, onset of symptoms, and brief medical history. Then, they will check vital signs like mental state, temperature, heart rate, and more. Based on this assessment, a triage score determines how urgently your pet needs care. Once a doctor has been assigned to your pet’s care, they will discuss their physical exam and recommendations.

What Does it Mean if My Pet is Waiting?

Please be assured that we are constantly monitoring all pets that are in the triage queue. If your pet is stable and remains stable, the wait may be longer. We strive to see patients promptly but can’t always provide an exact wait time due to the unexpected nature of emergencies.