How do I know if my pet's issue is a true emergency?

Difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, inability to urinate, a swollen or hard abdomen, seizures, or collapse all need immediate care. When in doubt, call an emergency line and describe the symptoms, they'll tell you whether to come in now or monitor at home.

Will my regular vet see emergencies after hours?

Some general practices in Denver have on-call vets for existing clients, but many refer after-hours cases to a dedicated emergency hospital. Call your regular clinic's after-hours line first to find out which applies.

Do emergency vets require payment up front?

Most emergency hospitals require payment at the time of service or a deposit before starting treatment, since they don't bill later like a hospital would for a person.

24-hour emergency vet care in Denver

Some situations can't wait for a regular appointment: a dog hit by a car, sudden collapse, bloat, seizures, or a cat that stopped breathing right. This page is for finding a clinic that is actually open right now, not just one that lists "emergency" as a service on a daytime schedule.

Denver has a mix of standalone 24-hour emergency hospitals and general practices that keep after-hours on-call staff. Before you drive anywhere, call ahead. Emergency hospitals will often tell you what to do in the car and get a room ready, which saves time once you arrive.

Have your pet's weight and any known conditions ready to tell the phone staff
Bring a muzzle or carrier if your pet is in pain and may bite or scratch out of fear
Ask for an estimate range before agreeing to diagnostics if cost is a concern, most ERs will give one over the phone

What it costs

Overnight and weekend emergency visits run higher than daytime appointments because of after-hours staffing and the exam/triage fee charged before any treatment starts. Diagnostics like x-rays, bloodwork, or ultrasound add to the bill quickly, and anything requiring overnight hospitalization or surgery will be the biggest cost driver. Ask for a written estimate before treatment begins whenever your pet is stable enough to wait a few minutes for one.

Top 3 by our score

Ranked from our published scoring of public Google reviews for emergency & urgent care.

1. VEG ER for Pets
4.9★ · 351 reviews

93
2. VEG ER for Pets
4.8★ · 2064 reviews

91
3. Denver Animal Hospital
4.7★ · 281 reviews

89

See the full ranking → · Browse all providers

FAQ

How do I know if my pet's issue is a true emergency?: Difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected poisoning, inability to urinate, a swollen or hard abdomen, seizures, or collapse all need immediate care. When in doubt, call an emergency line and describe the symptoms, they'll tell you whether to come in now or monitor at home.
Will my regular vet see emergencies after hours?: Some general practices in Denver have on-call vets for existing clients, but many refer after-hours cases to a dedicated emergency hospital. Call your regular clinic's after-hours line first to find out which applies.
Do emergency vets require payment up front?: Most emergency hospitals require payment at the time of service or a deposit before starting treatment, since they don't bill later like a hospital would for a person.