We at Burke Animal Clinic know how scary it is for pet owners when a pet gets sick or injured. We are here for you and will do our best to provide same-day appointments for sick pets. Your pet’s health and your peace of mind are important to us.
What We Can Do
Sometimes, a vet emergency is obvious. Your pet may be hit by a car or get into a fight with another animal, and the injuries are visible. However, other emergencies involve internal organs or sudden illness. The severity of these issues can be difficult to judge. If your pet exhibits severe lethargy, disorientation, loss of consciousness, vomiting, symptoms of pain or noticeable mood changes, you should call your vet immediately for evaluation and treatment. Fast action can save your pet’s life, and we have a variety of diagnostic methods available to determine the source of the problem.
We are available for urgent care when the condition is not life-threatening, but you feel your pet needs to be seen before you are able to get an appointment. Usually, we are able to schedule sick pets the same day. If we are booked, our staff will work with our veterinarians to “squeeze” you in between scheduled appointments. In such cases, when you arrive, a member of our medical staff will assess your pet’s condition to determine if they are stable or need immediate attention. If your pet is stable you may need to wait until a doctor is available so they can take care of scheduled appointments. If your pet needs immediate attention, a doctor will attend to your pet right away.
Poison Emergencies
If your pet has ingested a toxic substance, or if you are not sure if a substance is toxic, please immediately call us or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
Don’t wait until you see symptoms. With toxic substances, the sooner treatment can be provided, the more likely it is for a positive outcome.
What You Can Do
Please take note that we are not an emergency clinic and are not open 24-hours.
If you feel you have an emergency with your pet, please call us immediately. It is always best to call before coming in so that a staff member can advise you on the best course of action for your emergency. We take emergencies as we are able to during regular business hours, but may need to refer you to an emergency clinic in the best interest of your pet
Always keep emergency numbers handy:
- VCA SouthPaws Emergency Center, 8500 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA, 703-752-9100
- Regional Veterinary Ref and Emergency Center, 6651 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA, 703-451-8900
- The Hope Center 24/7 Emergency Care, 140 Park Street, SE, Vienna, VA, 703-281-5121
- VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital, 2660 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA, 703-751-2022
Burke Animal Clinic is Here to Help
The veterinarians and staff at Burke Animal Clinic know that a pet emergency can be an upsetting experience for pet owners. We offer experienced and compassionate care to help your pet start feeling better. Call Burke Animal Clinic today to learn about our urgent and emergency care veterinary services that can help your pet when sudden illness or injury occurs.
