Around-the-Clock Support for Pets: 24/7 Emergency Vet Care in Salt Lake City, UT

When your pet is suddenly sick, injured, weak, painful, or acting “not right,” it can be hard to know what to do next. WAG Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Hospital provides 24/7 emergency vet care in Salt Lake City, UT for dogs and cats who need medical attention after hours, on weekends, during holidays, or when their condition cannot wait for a regular appointment.

Our emergency team is here day and night with experienced veterinarians, veterinary nurses, advanced diagnostics, ICU support, and specialty resources available when your pet needs more than basic urgent care.

If you suspect your pet needs emergency care, contact us immediately for guidance.

Call Us (801) 893-6886
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black and white cat playing with a stethoscope on a clipboard

When Should I Take My Pet to an Emergency Vet?

You should seek emergency veterinary care if your pet has symptoms that are severe, sudden, worsening, or potentially life-threatening. Some problems cannot safely wait until the next available appointment.

Your dog or cat may need emergency care for:

  • Trouble breathing, choking, or blue/pale gums

  • Collapse, extreme weakness, or loss of consciousness

  • Seizures or repeated seizure activity

  • Severe vomiting or diarrhea, especially with blood

  • Bloated or painful abdomen

  • Trauma from a fall, car accident, bite wound, or other injury

  • Heavy bleeding or deep wounds

  • Inability to urinate or crying while trying to urinate

  • Difficulty giving birth

  • Suspected toxin exposure

  • Severe pain, sudden limping, or inability to walk

  • Heatstroke or extreme temperature exposure

  • Eye injuries or sudden vision changes

  • Sudden behavior changes, confusion, or extreme lethargy

What Is the Difference Between Urgent Care and Emergency Care for Pets?

Urgent care is for health concerns that need prompt attention but are not immediately life-threatening. Emergency care is for symptoms or injuries that may put your pet’s life, comfort, or long-term health at risk if treatment is delayed. The line between urgent and emergency can be hard to judge at home. If your pet’s symptoms are sudden, intense, or rapidly getting worse, emergency evaluation is the safer choice.

Urgent care concerns may include:

  • Mild vomiting or diarrhea

  • Ear infections

  • Limping without severe pain

  • Skin wounds that are not heavily bleeding

  • Coughing without breathing distress

  • Appetite changes in an otherwise stable pet

  • Minor eye redness or irritation

Emergency concerns may include:

  • Trouble breathing

  • Collapse

  • Major trauma

  • Uncontrolled bleeding

  • Seizures

  • Inability to urinate

  • Severe pain

  • Bloated abdomen

  • Suspected poisoning

  • Extreme weakness or unresponsiveness

Explore local urgent care clinics and additional emergency hospitals to find the one nearest you by clicking here. 

veterinarian checking golden retriever dog's vitals

How Triage Works at WAG

Emergency hospitals do not always see patients in the order they arrive. Instead, our team uses triage to identify which pets need immediate medical attention first.

When you arrive, a veterinary nurse will assess your pet’s condition and look for signs of life-threatening illness or injury. Pets with breathing trouble, collapse, severe trauma, active seizures, uncontrolled bleeding, or other critical symptoms will be prioritized.

Triage helps us direct care where it is needed most. We know waiting is stressful, especially when you are worried about your pet, and our team will keep you updated as we evaluate patients and move through cases.

Call Us (801) 893-6886

What Happens During an Emergency Vet Visit?

During an emergency visit, our first goal is to assess your pet’s stability. If your pet is critical, we may begin life-saving care right away before moving into a full discussion of diagnostics and treatment.

For stable patients, the visit may include:

1. Triage and initial assessment

Our team evaluates your pet’s breathing, circulation, pain level, mentation, and overall stability.

2. Veterinary exam

A doctor examines your pet and reviews your concerns, timeline, and any relevant medical history.

3. Diagnostic recommendations

Depending on your pet’s symptoms, we may recommend bloodwork, X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, or other testing.

4. Treatment plan and estimate

We explain what we found, what we recommend, and what options are available before moving forward whenever the situation allows.

5. Treatment, monitoring, or hospitalization

Some pets can go home after treatment. Others may need surgery, ICU care, oxygen support, pain control, or continued monitoring.

What Should I Bring to the Emergency Vet?

If you can safely gather information before leaving, please bring anything that may help our team understand your pet’s condition.

Helpful items include:

  • Current medications and supplements

  • Medical records or referral notes

  • Recent lab work or imaging reports

  • Photos or videos of symptoms

  • The packaging of anything your pet may have eaten

  • Your pet’s vaccine history, if available

Yellow Paw Left

If you’re unsure if your pet needs veterinary attention, contact our team at (801) 893-6886. Otherwise, head directly to our emergency department.

Call Us (801) 893-6886
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