URGENT PET CARE
AND HOSPITALIZATION
As much as you love your pets, you can’t always keep them completely out of the way of danger.
Sometimes, your dog or cat can start exhibiting unusual symptoms without any obvious causes. In these cases, you don’t need to be told that you need urgent pet care.
At Saltwater Animal Hospital, we want to help you scale through these situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of your pets. However, it is essential to note that we are not an ER hospital.
Our vets can provide stabilization and urgent care in certain situations. But, there are cases we will need to transfer to an ER facility or send your pet to one directly. We understand how scary it can be when your pet is having an emergency. Call us before you bring your dogs or cats so our helpful staff we can guide you correctly.
When You Should Come In
In cases that are generally non-life-threatening, our vets can provide urgent care to your dogs and cats.
For urgent care cases in the green column (see the color-coded triage below), please BOOK NOW! online (click here) or call us to make a prompt appointment for your pet. Our team of vets and clinical staff will make sure to take the best care of your pet.
For those cases where your pet may fall into the yellow column (see the color-coded triage below), these can be more urgent cases that may require immediate attention which we want to prioritize immediately. We can also provide hospitalization during our business hours for specific cases. Therefore please call us as soon as possible to discuss what is going on with your pet and get a plan in place promptly for your pet’s care.
When You Should Go to ER
In cases where your pets exhibit symptoms in the red zone (see the triage below), you should take your pet to the nearest ER immediately.
If you are unsure if the symptoms fit in the red zone or don’t know where the nearest ER facility is, call us, and we will help you through the next steps.
Triaging Urgent & Emergency Cases
FOR URGENT CARE CASES IN THE GREEN COLUMN
(see the color-coded triage below)
Please BOOK NOW! online (click here) or call us to make a prompt appointment for your pet. Our team of vets and clinical staff will make sure to take the best care of your pet.
FOR THOSE CASES WHERE YOUR PET MAY FALL INTO THE YELLOW COLUMN
(see the color-coded triage below)
These can be more urgent cases that may require immediate attention which we want to prioritize immediately. Therefore please call us as soon as possible to discuss what is going on with your pet and get a plan in place promptly for your pet’s care.
FOR EMERGENCY CASES IN THE RED COLUMN
(see the color-coded triage below)
We will have to transfer your pet to the closest ER facility. You can call us once you notice the symptoms. We will give you directions and call the closest ER to give them a heads-up. The ER team you are transferred to will handle the case promptly upon your arrival.
Red triage cases can be life-threatening or require advanced or prolonged care. Often these cases need to have treatment and care started promptly so we recommend going directly to the closest ER rather than coming into our hospital. Providing the Best Care for Your Pets Always!
Care Like Family Always
Never fear about your pets getting into emergencies while you stay in Des Moines and its surrounding areas. Our family of vets is always ready to help. Give us a call today!
We Treat Your Pet Like Family
Saltwater Animal Hospital provides emergency pet care and hospitalization for dogs and cats in Des Moines, Burien, Normandy Park, Federal Way, SeaTac, and the surrounding areas.
Explore Our Complete List of Veterinary Services in Des Moines, WA
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Veterinary Treatments
- Reptiles
- Pocket Pets
- Drop Off And Go
- Microchipping
- Senior Care
- Class IV Laser Therapy
- Puppy & Kitten Care
- Pet Vaccinations
- Pain Management
- Parasite Prevention & Control
- Nutritional Counseling
- Pet Euthanasia
- Dental Care
- Blood Screening
- Pet Ultrasound
- Fully Stocked Pharmacy
- Surgery
- Radiology
- Spay and Neuter
- Wellness Exams
What's Next
Call us or schedule an appointment online.
Meet with a doctor for an initial exam.
Put a plan together for your pet.
