Expert Urgent Care and Emergency & Critical Care for Pets
Emergency Care 24/7 and Urgent Care 7 Days a Week
We proudly provide around-the-clock emergency and critical care in Norristown and Plymouth Meeting. For pets with non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries that still require attention before the next available primary care appointment, our urgent care team in Wayne provides prompt, compassionate care.
Our emergency teams are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, offering expert care when your pet needs it most. Urgent Care services are available weekdays from 2pm-12am and Weekends from 12pm-10pm in Wayne.
Emergency Locations
Metropolitan Veterinary Associates (MVA)2626 Van Buren Avenue
Norristown, PA 19403
Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital (HVSH)
2303 Hickory Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Urgent Care Location
Metropolitan Veterinary Urgent Care & Specialty (MVUCS)
997 Old Eagle School Road, Suite 200
Wayne, PA 19087
If Your Pet Is Experiencing an Emergency
Call your primary veterinarian first. Many refer after-hours emergencies directly to our hospitals. You can also call the nearest location below for immediate guidance and to let us know you’re on your way. Calling ahead allows us to:
- Offer first-aid advice over the phone
- Provide clear directions
- Prepare for your pet’s arrival
When to Seek Veterinary Emergency Care vs Urgent Care
If your pet is having trouble breathing, is bleeding heavily, has collapsed, or has ingested a toxin, please go immediately to the emergency department at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, Hickory Veterinary and Specialty Hospital, or the nearest emergency facility.
Emergency Veterinary Care
Call us immediately if your pet is experiencing:
Difficulty breathing
Collapse or unresponsiveness
Severe bleeding or trauma
Ingestion of toxins or foreign objects
Seizures
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
Inability to urinate or defecate
Prompt medical attention can make all the difference in these situations
Urgent Veterinary Care
Call or visit our urgent care team if your pet is experiencing:
Lameness, limping, or mild injuries
Vomiting or diarrhea without collapse or severe lethargy
Ear infections, skin irritation, or itching
Eye redness, discharge, or squinting
Minor wounds or lacerations
Urinary issues such as frequent urination or accidents
Coughing, sneezing, or nasal discharge
Mild allergic reactions or facial swelling
What Is a Veterinary Urgent Care?
Urgent care bridges the gap between your primary veterinarian and a 24-hour emergency hospital. It’s designed for situations that aren’t life-threatening but still shouldn’t wait.
Our veterinarians are equipped with on-site diagnostics, lab testing, and imaging to identify and treat your pet’s condition efficiently—often during a single visit.
If your pet needs additional treatment or overnight monitoring, our team can coordinate directly with Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital to ensure seamless continuity of care.
What to Expect When You Arrive
In the Veterinary Emergency Room
- Like a human ER, we treat pets based on medical urgency rather than arrival time.
- Life-threatening cases are seen immediately.
- Stable pets may wait while critical patients are stabilized.
- A triage nurse will assess your pet as soon as you arrive.
- If your pet is stable, you’ll complete an Admissions Form while our team prepares for your exam. For critical patients, we begin treatment right away. Although we may need to separate you briefly from your pet during stabilization, this ensures they receive immediate care.
In the Veterinary Urgent Care
- Check-In & Assessment – Our team will gather information about your pet’s symptoms and medical history.
- Examination & Diagnostics – A veterinarian will examine your pet and may perform bloodwork or imaging to determine the cause of illness or injury.
- Treatment & Care Plan – We’ll discuss treatment options, provide medications if needed, and outline next steps for recovery or follow-up.
- Most pets are treated and discharged the same day.