ER Alert:
Our Small Animal Emergency Service is experiencing periods of high demand. To help us better serve you, we ask that all clients please call ahead prior to bringing their pet to the hospital. Referring veterinarians: please contact us before referring a patient. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Our small animal emergency service is typically open 24/7, 365 days a year for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of animals needing urgent or emergency care for illness or injury.
Emergencies do not require a referral or an appointment. However, we do ask that you call ahead to let us know you are on your way so that we can be better prepared for your arrival. At times we do experience high volumes, which may impact our ability to serve you.
Once your pet is evaluated and stabilized, we will discuss diagnostic and treatment options with you. This could include transferring your pet to one of our many specialty services for further care or recommending follow-up care through your primary veterinarian.
Our hospital also has a critical care service that is staffed 24/7 and is responsible for caring for animals in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This may include those needing:
- 24-hour monitoring by trained technicians and veterinarians
- Intravenous fluid (IV) therapy
- Oxygen support for severe respiratory difficulty
- Mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure
- Blood transfusions
- Blood pressure monitoring and IV medications for support of blood pressure
- Monitoring and treatment of abnormal heart beats (arrhythmias)
- IV or tube feedings for nutritional support
- Intensive management of pain
Helping an unowned or stray animal
We care about the well-being of every animal in our community. However, because the UGA Veterinary Teaching Hospital is not a shelter, it cannot accept unowned animals for placement. If you find a stray, please contact your local animal control agency, shelter, or rescue organization for guidance and assistance.
