Urgent Pet Care Near Apex, NC

What to Do in a Pet Emergency

Stay calm and move quickly, because your pet picks up on your mood. If we are open, call us first so our team can prepare for your arrival and guide you on the drive over. If we are closed, head straight to the nearest 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital instead of waiting for us to open.

The ASPCA lists pale gums, rapid breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, and excessive bleeding among the signs that a pet needs emergency care. Any one of these is a reason to call a veterinarian right away.

Steps to Take Before You Leave

A few simple actions can keep your pet and your family safer on the way to the clinic.

• Protect yourself: hurt pets may bite or scratch, so approach slowly and gently place a towel over a cat’s head if needed.
• Control bleeding: press a clean cloth firmly on the wound while you get ready to travel.
• Move with care: support the neck and back, and use a blanket as a stretcher for a large dog or an open-topped carrier for a cat.
• Call ahead: ask a friend or family member to phone the clinic so the staff know to expect you.
• Skip home remedies: hold off on food, human medication, or other treatments unless a veterinarian tells you to use them.

Once you are on the road, keep your pet as still and comfortable as you safely can.

If Your Pet May Have Eaten Something Toxic

Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. Have the product name, your pet’s weight, and an estimate of how much was eaten ready when you call.

When to Visit Us and When to Go to a 24-Hour Hospital

We see walk-ins and same-day patients for sudden illness, limping, and injuries that need a prompt exam. Our guide to the common symptoms that mean it is time to call the vet can help you sort out how urgent a problem may be.

Some situations need a 24-hour emergency hospital, especially when they happen outside our open hours. Trouble breathing, seizures, collapse, severe bleeding, and suspected poisoning all fall into that group. Conditions like a severe allergic reaction can also move fast, so reading about recognizing anaphylaxis in pets before you need it may help you spot the signs early.

Diagnostics and Surgery Once Your Pet Is Seen

Every visit starts with a careful pet exam. From there, our in-house diagnostic lab and digital radiology can help us find answers without sending you to another clinic, and ultrasound is available when a closer look is needed.

If your pet needs an operation, our team provides soft tissue surgery, and we bring in a board-certified team for orthopedic surgery. We also welcome pets who have been seen at an emergency hospital and need follow-up care with a team that can take it from there.

Why Apex Families Choose Grace Animal Hospital

We are privately owned and family oriented, and we focus on the whole experience from the moment you walk in to the moment you leave. Dr. Tiana Montell graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine and leads a caring group you can meet on our team page.

We use low-stress, gentle handling so nervous pets feel safe, and our staff includes Spanish speakers. We accept most pet insurance, offer military discounts, and work with CareCredit and Cherry financing.