When your pet is not feeling well or has been injured, it can be stressful and scary to decide where to turn. Veterinary urgent care facilities are designed to help pets who need timely medical attention but are stable enough to wait briefly for care. When you arrive, the team will take steps to understand what your pet is experiencing and determine how quickly they need to be seen.
Triage at a veterinary urgent care facility helps the medical team evaluate each pet’s condition so care can be provided safely, thoughtfully, and in the right order. Here is what you can expect during the triage process.
Phone Assessment
If you call ahead, a member of the urgent care team may ask a few questions about your pet’s condition. This phone assessment helps determine whether urgent care is the right setting for your pet’s needs or if immediate emergency care would be more appropriate.
You may be asked about your pet’s age, symptoms, and how the injury or illness occurred. The team can also give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive, including possible wait times, and help guide you on the next steps. Calling ahead allows the staff to be better prepared to support you and your pet.
In-Clinic Triage Process
Once you arrive at the urgent care clinic, a veterinary technician or trained staff member will perform a brief initial assessment. This is not a full exam, but rather a focused check to understand how your pet is doing at that moment.
They will take vital signs, observe breathing and heart rate, and look for signs of pain, distress, or injury. You may be asked questions about your pet’s symptoms, medical history, medications, or recent changes in behavior. Key areas they assess include:
- Appearance, or the presence of any injuries, bleeding, swelling, or distress
- Vital signs, including heart rate, pulse, and breathing rate
- The color and condition of the gums, eyes, and nose
- Your pet’s alertness and neurological status
Patient Prioritization
After triage, pets are prioritized based on the urgency of their condition. Those who need more immediate attention will be seen first, while pets with less urgent concerns may wait a bit longer. This approach ensures that every patient receives care in a safe and timely manner.
If the team determines that your pet requires emergency or specialty care beyond the scope of urgent care, they will discuss next steps with you and help guide you to an appropriate facility.
Regular Check-Ins During Wait Times
If there is a wait before your pet is seen, the team will continue to monitor their condition. Veterinary staff may check in with you periodically and reassess your pet if needed. If you notice any changes, worsening symptoms, or increased discomfort, it is important to let a team member know right away.
Call Tucson Veterinary Urgent Care Now for Urgent Pet Care
At Tucson Veterinary Urgent Care, we understand how worrying it can be when your pet needs medical attention. We offer pet urgent care services in Tucson, AZ, including diagnostics, in-house laboratory services, radiography, surgery, and treatment for poisoning, allergic reactions, and breathing problems. We are open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, 365 days a year. Please call ahead for an initial phone assessment, triage, and to let us know that you are on your way. We also offer online check-in services, and accept walk-in patients.