Sick, Urgent & Emergency Care:
When Your Pet Needs Care Now
When your pet isn’t feeling well or something sudden happens, knowing where to turn can make all the difference. At Mainstay Veterinary Practice (MVP), we provide sick, urgent, and limited emergency care, by focusing on timely triage, clear communication, and helping you get the right level of care as quickly as possible.
We are not a 24/7 emergency hospital, but our team works hard to support pets facing unexpected or concerning situations during our regular hours.
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Understanding
Sick, Urgent, and Emergency Care
Not every health concern carries the same level of urgency. Understanding the difference helps us guide you to the most appropriate care:
- Sick visits: Non-life-threatening concerns such as mild lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, ear infections, skin issues, or changes in appetite that still require veterinary attention.
- Urgent care: Issues that should be seen the same day when possible, including significant pain, limping, eye injuries, sudden vomiting or diarrhea, wounds, or rapid changes in behavior.
- Emergency care: Life-threatening situations such as difficulty breathing, collapse, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, trauma, or toxin ingestion.
If you’re ever unsure where your pet’s symptoms fall, calling us first at (703) 280-4588 is always the right step.
Our Triage Process
When urgent or emergency situations arise, we ask that pet owners call our office at (703) 280-4588 before coming in. This allows our front desk and nursing team to quickly assess the situation and guide you appropriately:
- A trained team member will ask questions about your pet’s symptoms
- We’ll help determine whether your pet should be seen at MVP, scheduled for a sick visit, or referred to an emergency or specialty hospital
- If an urgent same-day appointment is appropriate, we’ll review availability and next steps with you
This process helps ensure pets receive care in the safest and most timely way possible.
Priority Care
for Established Clients
MVP provides urgent and emergency care for current clients as availability allows:
- Priority access to reserved same-day urgent care appointment slots
- Care coordination with your pet’s existing medical history
- Faster decision-making based on established records
Same-day urgent appointments may include an increased charge due to the staffing and scheduling required to accommodate them. If your pet is scheduled into one of these reserved slots, our team will clearly communicate any associated fees.
Our Capabilities
During business hours, MVP can evaluate and stabilize many urgent medical concerns. However, we are not equipped to provide overnight or 24-hour care.
Depending on your pet’s condition, we may recommend different treatment processes:
- Examine and treat your pet in-house
- Perform diagnostics to guide immediate care
- Stabilize your pet and coordinate referral to an emergency or specialty facility
If referral or transfer is recommended, we will discuss this with you clearly and help guide you to the appropriate next step.
Emergency & Specialty Referral Partners
When advanced or around-the-clock care is needed, we work closely with trusted local emergency and specialty hospitals. We are happy to help direct you to the appropriate facility based on your pet’s needs. We recommend the following practices for care when MVP is closed.
Hope Advanced Veterinary Center
Website: https://www.hopecentervet.com/
Address: 140 Park Street SE, Vienna, VA 22180
Phone: (703) 281-5121
VCA SouthPaws
Website: https://vcahospitals.com/southpaws
Address: 8500 Arlington Blvd, Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: (703) 752-9100
Emergency & Specialty Referral Partners
When advanced or around-the-clock care is needed, we work closely with trusted local emergency and specialty hospitals. We are happy to help direct you to the appropriate facility based on your pet’s needs.
Pet Poison Control
Resources
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, immediate action is critical. In addition to calling MVP, you may contact a pet poison control hotline for guidance.
Fees may apply through these services, but they can provide immediate, expert advice while care is being arranged.
Lost or Found Pets
Emergencies don’t always involve illness or injury. If you have found a lost pet or your pet is missing, our team can help guide you toward appropriate local resources and next steps. Contact us for assistance.
Here When You
Need Guidance Most
Facing a sick or injured pet can be stressful. You don’t have to navigate it alone. Our team is here to help assess the situation, explain your options, and support you in making the best decision for your pet.
If your pet needs care, start by calling our office at (703) 280-4588. Together, we’ll determine the right path forward quickly, calmly, and with your pet’s best interest at heart.
