Urgent Care for Dogs and Cats in Victoria
Urgent care is for the problem that started this morning and should not wait for next week. Unexpected health issues are assessed promptly during business hours, so your pet gets care when they need it.
Please call before you set off, so our team is ready when you arrive.
When to Call Us About Your Dog or Cat
Owners are usually better judges of this than they give themselves credit for. If something has changed quickly and is not improving, it is worth a phone call rather than an internet search.
Describe what you are seeing and let our team weigh it.
What we treat
- Injuries, wounds, bites and trauma
- Sudden illness, repeated vomiting or ongoing diarrhea
- Allergic reactions
- Pain and discomfort, including a leg your pet will not use
- Straining without producing urine
- Not eating for more than a day
- Breathing that looks like effort
- Swallowing something they should not have
- Going flat and quiet in a way that is not like them
Your Urgent Visit, Step by Step
Urgent cases are seen in order of clinical need, so the most unwell patient goes first. A quiet dog in reception may be waiting because a cat in the back needs help first, and our team will keep you updated rather than leave you guessing.
Call first
Reception will ask a few questions about what has changed and how quickly, so the team can prepare before you arrive. Urgent slots fill through the day, so the earlier you ring the more room there is. Weekday mornings are usually easiest, and Saturdays fill fastest.
Same-day assessment
A team member takes vital signs and a brief history, then a veterinarian examines your pet. From there, the plan depends entirely on what the examination finds.
Clear treatment recommendations
Some patients need nothing more than pain control and a recheck. Others need bloodwork, X-ray or ultrasound, all in the same building, so answers usually arrive during the same visit.
Hospitalization when required
When a patient needs more, we stabilize first with fluid support, pain control, warming or oxygen, or admit them for the day. You will hear from us through the day, and nothing beyond the agreed plan happens without talking to you first.
Ready to book your pet's visit?
Our AAHA-accredited team is here to provide the right care, at the right time, for every stage of your pet’s life.
FAQ
Are you open on Sundays or statutory holidays?
What if you cannot fit my pet in?
Will my pet need to stay overnight?
Related Services & Resources
All veterinary services
Ongoing medical services
X-ray, ultrasound, and lab
Pet resources and links
Contact and clinic hours
Reviewed by the Vic West Pet Hospital veterinary team. Last updated October 2026.