Do Animal Hospitals Take Walk-Ins?

Whether you can walk in depends on what kind of practice it is. The name on the sign ("animal hospital," "clinic," "medical center") doesn't tell you much by itself; what matters is whether the practice is an emergency hospital, an urgent care clinic or a general practice.

Walk-in policies by type of practice

Emergency hospitals: walk in, but expect to wait

Emergency hospitals exist for walk-in patients. They assess each pet on arrival and treat the most critical first, so a pet with breathing trouble or heavy bleeding goes ahead of one with a minor wound. Patton Veterinary Hospital describes one to two hours as a typical wait for stable patients and notes that some ERs see waits of eight hours or more, especially from 5 to 7 p.m. and on weekends. Calling ahead helps the team prepare. See how long emergency vet visits take.

General practice animal hospitals: call first

Most family animal hospitals book appointments, because each one needs a room, a technician and the veterinarian's time. Many keep a few same-day slots for sick pets, so calling in the morning is the best way to be seen quickly. Walking in without calling may mean a long wait or being redirected to an emergency hospital if the schedule is full.

Urgent care: the middle option

Veterinary urgent care clinics treat problems that can't wait for a regular appointment but are not life-threatening: ear infections, mild vomiting, minor wounds, limping, skin problems. They usually accept walk-ins and cost less than an emergency hospital. BluePearl suggests stable problems like these can often be handled at urgent care or by your family vet.

Do pet store vet clinics take walk-ins?

Clinics inside pet stores set their own policies by location. Some offer walk-in vaccine services at set times, while full exams are by appointment. Call the store's clinic to check.

When not to wait for an appointment

Go straight to an emergency hospital for trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, suspected poisoning, inability to urinate (especially male cats), collapse, or a swollen belly with unproductive retching in a large dog. These are on the AVMA's list of emergencies. See when to call an emergency vet.

Find animal hospitals and emergency vets near you and check their hours.

Sources

1. BluePearl: How triage works at an emergency vet (2024)
2. Patton Veterinary Hospital: Why are veterinary ER wait times so long?
3. NYSVMS: Is there a difference between clinics, hospitals, medical centers and offices?
4. AVMA: Animal emergencies that require immediate veterinary care