Same-Day and Urgent Care for Pets in Calgary
When your dog or cat needs care right away, NorthWest Animal Hospital in Carrington, NW Calgary is here for you. We accept same-day and urgent walk-in appointments for dogs and cats during our business hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. If your pet is showing signs of a serious emergency, call (403) 930-3500 on your way in and our team will be prepared for your arrival. For after-hours emergencies, please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (CARE).
Breathing Difficulties in Dogs and Cats
Labored breathing, open-mouth breathing in cats, extended neck posture, or blue-tinged gums are signs of a respiratory emergency. These symptoms can indicate pneumonia, heart failure, fluid in the chest, or airway obstruction. If your pet is struggling to breathe, do not wait. Call (403) 930-3500 immediately and bring your pet in. Keep them as calm and still as possible during transport. We will assess your pet's airway and breathing on arrival and take immediate action to stabilize their condition.
Seizures
A single seizure lasting more than two minutes or multiple seizures within a 24-hour period constitute an emergency. During a seizure, keep your pet away from stairs and furniture, do not put your hands near their mouth, and time the seizure if possible. Call (403) 930-3500 the moment the seizure ends. Post-seizure pets are often confused, unsteady, and disoriented, and veterinary evaluation as soon as possible after a seizure episode is essential. Our team will assess the likely cause and discuss next steps with you.
Trauma and Accident Injuries
If your pet has been hit by a vehicle, fallen from a height, or suffered blunt trauma, bring them in immediately even if they appear to be walking normally. Internal injuries are not always apparent from the outside, and symptoms of internal bleeding or organ damage can take time to develop. Call (403) 930-3500 on the way so we can prepare for your arrival. We will perform a full assessment including pain evaluation, vitals, and imaging as needed to determine the extent of injuries.
Allergic Reactions and Suspected Poisoning
Facial swelling, sudden hives, vomiting after a bee sting, or collapse following contact with a known allergen are signs of a serious allergic reaction requiring immediate veterinary attention. Suspected poisoning from plants, household chemicals, human foods such as grapes or xylitol, or rodent bait is also an emergency. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen. Call (403) 930-3500 immediately. You can also reach ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435 for poison-specific guidance while in transit.
Urinary Blockage
Urinary blockage is a life-threatening emergency, particularly in male cats. Signs include straining repeatedly in the litter box with little or no urine produced, vocalizing in the box, lethargy, and a distended abdomen. A blocked bladder can cause kidney failure and cardiac complications within hours. If you notice these signs, call (403) 930-3500 immediately. Do not wait to see if it resolves on its own. We see urinary blockage cases during our business hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. For after-hours emergencies, please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (CARE).
Lacerations, Limping, and Eye Injuries
Deep cuts, puncture wounds, or injuries that do not stop bleeding after five minutes of firm pressure require prompt veterinary attention. Severe limping, a leg held completely off the ground, or a limb that appears deformed after an injury should be evaluated the same day. Eye injuries deteriorate rapidly. If your pet is squinting severely, pawing at the eye, or has visible discharge or cloudiness following an injury, do not wait to see if it improves. Call (403) 930-3500 and come in during our business hours.
Parvovirus, Heatstroke, Pyometra, and Foreign Body Concerns
Parvovirus in unvaccinated puppies, heatstroke from overheating in the summer, pyometra (uterine infection) in intact female dogs and cats, and suspected foreign body ingestion all require same-day veterinary assessment. Parvovirus causes rapid deterioration in puppies and is a veterinary emergency. Heatstroke in Calgary during warmer months can progress quickly. Pyometra causes sudden illness in unspayed females and is life-threatening without surgical intervention. If your pet has swallowed an object such as a sock, corn cob, or toy piece, call us immediately before symptoms develop.
Explore More Services
Yes. We accept same-day urgent care appointments for dogs and cats during our business hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm. Call ahead at (403) 930-3500 so we can prepare for your pet’s arrival.
Signs that warrant same-day urgent care include difficulty breathing, seizures, collapse, severe vomiting or diarrhea with blood, straining to urinate with no output, pale gums, suspected poisoning, major trauma, and eye injuries. If you are unsure, call (403) 930-3500 and our team will help you assess whether your pet needs to come in right away.
For after-hours emergencies, please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (CARE). Save their number now so you have it ready in an urgent situation.
Call (403) 930-3500 immediately and describe what was ingested, how much, and when. You can also contact ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435 for specific poison guidance. Do not induce vomiting without veterinary guidance, as this is not safe for all substances or all situations.
If your pet needs same-day urgent care in Calgary, call NorthWest Animal Hospital at (403) 930-3500 or book at nwvet.ca/book-an-appointment/. We are open seven days a week. For after-hours emergencies, please contact VCA Canada Calgary Animal Referral and Emergency Centre (CARE).