We’re Here When You Need Us
Sometimes, health problems, injuries, and illnesses require immediate care. If you need pet emergency care, Veterinary Emergency & Specialty of Tidewater is here to help. Our Board Certified Criticalists provide advanced diagnostics & care for your pet with Hi-flow oxygen, Ultrasound, CT, Blood Transfusions and more. We are available during our regular hours to assist with pet emergencies. We commit to keeping you informed every step of the way, providing clear communication and support during what we know is a stressful time for any pet parent.
Please call us at 757-841-VEST (8378) in advance of your visit when possible. This helps our staff fully prepare for your pet’s arrival and tend to their needs faster, ensuring you and your pet receive the best care possible.
Signs of a pet emergency:
- Pale gums
- Rapid breathing
- Weak or rapid pulse
- Change in body temperature
- Difficulty standing
- Apparent paralysis
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Excessive bleeding
- Hit by car or other traumatic injury
Safety Tips
- Pets who are severely ill or injured may try to bite, claw, or act aggressively toward those trying to help them. Approach any injured or sick pet slowly and calmly. Say the pet’s name and see how they react. Call for help if the pet responds aggressively.
- For a large dog who cannot move, fashion a makeshift stretcher with a blanket or tarp and ensure the neck is supported.
- For cats, slowly place a blanket or towel over their heads to prevent biting. Then, slowly lift the animal into an open-topped carrier or box.
- If possible, elevate and apply pressure to any bleeding wound.
If you think your pet has eaten or been exposed to something toxic:
Call us at 757-841-VEST (8378) immediately! You can also contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435. Trained toxicologists assess your pet’s age, health, and what was ingested and then recommend what action should be taken.
For emergencies outside of our regular hours, please contact:
Bay Beach Veterinary Emergency Hospital
2476 Nimmo Pkwy #101
Virginia Beach, VA 23456
(757) 427-8810
NCSU Emergency Services & Critical Care Veterinary Hospital
1052 William Moore Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 513-6911
Coastal Animal Referral Emergency
5295 John Tyler Highway
Williamsburg, VA 23185
(757) 703-0199
Center of Veterinary Expertise
6550 Hampton Roads Pkwy #113
Suffolk, VA 23435
(757) 935-9111
Urgent Care Hospitals
Ally Urgent Veterinary Care (Chesapeake)
228 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Chesapeake, VA 23322
(757) 900-2559
Ally Urgent Veterinary Care (Virginia Beach)
521 Old Great Neck Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23454
(757) 900-2559
Furgent Care
5425 Virginia Beach Blvd., Suite A
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 656-5650
Hampton Roads Veterinary Urgent Care
676 N Battlefield Blvd B
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 271-4669
Unleashed Veterinary Care
747 Volve Pkwy #101
Chesapeake, VA 23320
(757) 841-8015