Emergency Services

Emergencies During Regular Hospital Hours

If you are experiencing an emergency situation with your pet during our normal business hours, please contact us right away (509-525-2502). A member of our medical staff will help you assess the situation, determine the severity of your pet’s condition, and prepare for your arrival should emergency care be necessary.

We are excited to partner with Guardian Vets to provide after hours veterinary care support. The team of veterinary professionals at Guardian Vet provide after hours telephone triage and can support you in deciding if emergency care is necessary. Call our regular hospital number (509-525-2502) to reach our extended team.

Small animal patients requiring emergency services after hours, are referred to Mid Columbia Pet Emergency Service in Pasco . In the event of an emergency, you may also call Mid Columbia Pet Emergency Service in Pasco directly at (509) 547-3577 so that they can prepare for your arrival.

For equine and other large animal emergencies please call our regular hospital number (509-525-2502) to speak to our after hours support team who will help connect you to the local on-call veterinarian. You may also call WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711.

A few of the common signs your pet may need emergency care include:

  • Trouble or no breathing
  • Weak heartbeat or pulse
  • Extreme lethargy or trouble standing
  • Extreme vomiting and/or diarrhea, especially involving blood
  • Loss of consciousness; unable to awaken
  • Seizures
  • Broken bones or open wounds
  • Excessive bleeding or blood in eyes, ears, nose, or urine/stool
Learn more about emergency situations from the following :

Small Animal Emergencies

Mid Columbia Pet Emergency is an AAHA accredited emergency hospital and belongs to the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (iVECCS). Mid Columbia provides after hours emergency care for small animals. They are open Monday – Thursday 5:30pm – 8:00am and Friday 5:30 pm through Monday 8:00 am.

8913 Sandifur Parkway
Pasco, WA, 99301
United States (US)

Phone: 509-547-3577

Fax: 509-547-9630

Equine, Food Animal, & Small Animal Emergencies

WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is one of the best equipped Veterinary Teaching Hospitals in the nation. They provide care to both large and small animals. The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences is committed to excellence in the diagnosis, treatment and management of animal health. Sophisticated diagnostic and treatment technologies are available including MRI, CT scan, ultrasound, endoscopy, arthroscopy and radiation therapy. Fourth-year professional veterinary students and postgraduate students (interns, residents, and graduate students) work together with clinical faculty and staff to diagnose and treat patients.

WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital
205 Ott Rd
Pullman, WA 99164-7060

Main Hospital & Emergencies:  509-335-0711

Poison Related Emergencies

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

Common household pet toxins include:

  • Xylitol (found in gum, candy, and toothpaste)
  • Alcohol
  • Marijuana
  • Chocolate
  • Garlic, Onions, Chives
  • Grapes, Raisins
  • Bleach, other household cleaning liquids
  • Human medications
  • Some household plants


If you believe your pet has ingested something potentially poisonous, seek help right away.

No matter how gentle your pet may be on a normal basis, it is always safe to assume he or she has the potential to bite or become aggressive when severely injured, in pain, or frightened. You should always be prepared and take the proper precautions to keep both you and your pet safe.
It is best to always wrap your injured pet in some kind of blanket or fabric to keep them confined when hurt or scared. For larger animals, place an arm around their neck and another arm around their chest, pulling them closely against your body. This keeps them from flailing about and gives you control in case things get out of hand.

If you suspect your dog may bite or become aggressive, or if you must handle them while they are frightened or in pain, you should always use a muzzle. If you do not own a muzzle, you can make a substitute using tape, gauze, cloth, a leash, or other fabric. Follow the steps below:

  • Using the material you have, make a large loop over the dog’s muzzle.
  • Tighten the loop by crossing the ends underneath the muzzle.
  • Bring the ends behind the ears and tie snuggly.

It is important to remember to never muzzle a dog if it is vomiting, coughing, having difficulty breathing, or is unconscious.

If your pet is injured and you need to transport them to an animal hospital, near or far, it is best to do so in the safest manner possible.

Small animals should be transported in a large box or pet carrier or wrapped in a large blanket.

Large animals that may have a possible back or head injury can be transported on a large piece of plywood or heavy cardboard. Use duct tape or rope to secure the dog to the board at the shoulders and in front of the hips.

No matter their size, confining is key when it comes to transporting an injured pet. For more information, see these tips for handling an injured pet from the American Veterinary Medical Association.