Types of Veterinary Care
Choosing The Right Care For Your Pet
Pets can experience a variety of health concerns, from routine check-ups to emergencies. Knowing where to go helps ensure they get proper care. Here’s a quick guide to Primary, Urgent, and Emergency Care and how each supports your pet’s well-being.
Primary Care Hospitals
For routine health maintenance and preventive care.
Urgent Care Hospitals
After-hours or weekend services for non-life-threatening issues.
Emergency Care Hospitals
Open 24/7 to handle life-threatening conditions.
Primary Care Veterinary Services
Primary care veterinarians are like your pet’s family doctor. They focus on routine health maintenance, preventive care, and management of chronic conditions. Regular visits with your primary vet help keep your pet healthy and address any issues before they become serious.
- Wellness exams and vaccinations
- Preventive care (e.g., flea/tick/heartworm treatments)
- Management of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, arthritis)
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Non-urgent health concerns (e.g., mild skin allergies, behavioral questions, ear infections)
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Surgical Services (spays/neuters, dentals, mass removals)
Building a relationship with a primary vet allows them to understand your pet’s unique needs over time, providing continuity of care and early detection of potential health issues.
Urgent Care Veterinary Clinics
Urgent care clinics offer after-hours or weekend services for non-life-threatening issues that need attention soon but aren’t emergencies. Urgent care vets are there to help with cases that require prompt treatment, so you don’t have to wait until your primary vet is available.
- Minor injuries (e.g., small cuts, mild limping)
- Non-severe symptoms that come on suddenly (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea)
- Mild infections (e.g., eye or ear discomfort)
- Concerns that can’t wait until the next primary vet appointment
Urgent care vets provide timely treatment for conditions that could become uncomfortable for your pet if left untreated. This option is convenient for issues that don’t need the emergency room but still require prompt care.
Emergency Veterinary Hospitals
Emergency hospitals are open 24/7 to handle life-threatening conditions. They have specialized equipment and trained staff for critical cases, ensuring your pet receives immediate, life-saving care when every second counts.
- Severe trauma (e.g., hit by a car, major injuries)
- Breathing difficulties or choking
- Seizures, sudden collapse, or paralysis
- Suspected poisoning or ingestion of toxic substances
- Severe pain or signs of extreme distress
Emergency hospitals are designed to treat critical conditions that require immediate intervention. They are equipped with advanced resources, including intensive care units, surgical facilities, and diagnostic tools, to handle the most serious cases.
Here are some trusted options for care in our area:
Urgent Care Veterinary Hospitals
V.E.G. (Veterinary Emergency Group)
Open 24/7
196 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury
Ph: 508.653.4700
Urgent Vet
See website for hours
160 Littleton Rd, Westford
Ph: 978.674.8900
Emergency Veterinary Hospitals
Angell Animal Medical Center
Open 24/7
350 South Huntington Ave. Boston
Ph: 617.522.7282
Blue Pearl – Waltham
Open 24/7
180 Bear Hill Rd. Waltham
Ph: 781.684.8387
Tufts Emergency Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Open 24/7
55 Willard St. North Grafton
Ph: 508.839.5395
Westford Veterinary Emergency & Referral Center
Open 24/7
11 Cornerstone Square Westford
Ph: 978.577.6525
Questions?
If you’re ever unsure about which care type your pet needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice. We’re here to help guide you to the best options for your pet’s health and well-being.