How Things Work in the ER
We understand this can be stressful, and your pet’s health is our priority. Here is an explanation of how things work in the Emergency Room so you know what to expect, why there might be a wait, and that we’re taking care of the most critical cases first.
Our Commitment & Team
We are open 24 hours a day, every day; nights, weekends, and holidays. Our Emergency Service and ICU teams include doctors and critical care specialists who work together with our in-house specialists and referring veterinarians.
What Is Triage
When your pet arrives, we first assess how serious their condition is. This is called triage. It helps us decide who needs care first. Pets with life-threatening issues are seen immediately, even if they arrived after someone else. We know that triage may feel unfair, but it ensures the most urgent cases are stabilized right away.
Why Triage Matters
Because of how triage works, someone who arrives after you may be seen before you if their pet’s condition is more critical. Please note that we also have hospitalized patients that our team is caring for. We do our best to let you know what’s happening and keep you updated.
What is Taking So Long?
The partial list below will give you a sense of how we triage emergencies here at MVA. If your pet’s condition has worsened while you are waiting, please notify a member of our team immediately so that they can reassess your pet. If you are here for an urgent issue, you may have a shorter wait at MVA’s Urgent Care in Wayne.
Emergency
Those with emergency symptoms require immediate emergency treatment and life-saving care must be given right away.
Trouble Breathing/Not Breathing
Collapsed or Unconscious
Ongoing or Multiple Seizures
Severe Bleeding or Major Trauma
Hit by Car / Serious Injury
Bloated, Painful, or Suddenly Swollen Belly
Poison Ingestion (Antifreeze, Rat Poison, Xylitol, etc)
Male Cat Straining to Urinate
Heatstroke / Very High Temperature
Priority
Those with priority symptoms will be given priority in the queue for rapid treatment. Wait times may vary depending on the number of emergency cases.
Eye Injury or Sudden Blindness
Repeated Vomiting with Weakness
Diarrhea with Weakness
Painful Broken Bone
Obvious Fracture
Pain / Restlessness
Dystocia or Birthing Difficulty
Urgent
Those who have no emergency or priority symptoms are considered urgent cases. Wait times may be longer if emergency and priority cases are being treated.
Abscesses or Minor Wounds
Ear or Skin Infections
Lameness Without Trauma
Loss of Appetite
Ongoing or Chronic Conditions
MVA’s Urgent Care Can See Any Urgent Issue
Our Promise to You
Your pet will be treated with compassion, respect, and urgency. We will stabilize critical patients first and keep you informed. For pets that require treatment, we’ll explain what’s needed, possible risks, and approximate timelines.
If you have questions while you wait, feel free to ask our staff. We want you to be as comfortable and informed as possible. Thank you for trusting us with your pet’s care.