In-Hours Emergency Care in Shelburne, ON

At High County Veterinary Hospital, our medical team provides rapid in-hours emergency veterinary care to evaluate, stabilize, and treat acute medical crises for pets in Shelburne, ON.
A dog in a clinic settings

Immediate Medical Intervention When Time is Critical

Medical emergencies are unpredictable and frightening. When your pet suffers a sudden injury, acute illness, or severe physical distress during normal operating hours, having a trusted veterinary team ready to intervene immediately provides vital peace of mind.

Our clinic is equipped with in-house diagnostics, surgical suites, and intensive medical therapy capabilities to handle urgent cases. We strive to provide prompt emergency triage, pain management, and stabilization for our clients.

  • Trauma & Injury Management: Rapid care for motor vehicle accidents, animal bites, deep lacerations, and severe falls.
  • Toxin & Poison Exposure: Urgent intervention for ingestion of toxic plants, rodenticides, human medications, or chocolate.
  • Gastrointestinal Crises: Emergency triage for severe acute vomiting, abdominal bloating, intestinal blockages, or hemorrhagic diarrhea.
  • Respiratory Distress: Oxygen therapy and stabilization for severe coughing, choking, asthma attacks, or collapse.

The Importance of Prompt Emergency Triage

In acute medical crises, rapid evaluation prevents temporary distress from evolving into life-threatening complications. Timely medical intervention stabilizes vital organ function, controls active hemorrhaging, manages pain, and prevents shock.

Knowing where to seek urgent care saves critical time when your pet needs emergency assistance.

Emergency Medical Capabilities

  • Immediate Triage Protocol: Rapid clinical assessment upon arrival to prioritize critical patients and initiate life-saving care.
  • Point-of-Care Diagnostics: On-site blood analyzers and digital radiology [link to page] yield rapid diagnostic insights.
  • Emergency Surgical Readiness: Fully prepared surgical facilities for soft tissue emergencies, foreign body removals, and wound repairs.
  • After-Hours Partner Network: Clear referral pathways to Highway 10 Emergency Clinic (905-495-9907) for care required outside business hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my pet experiences an emergency during clinic hours?
Please call us immediately before arriving. Calling ahead allows our clinical staff to prepare the triage area and equipment for your pet’s arrival.
How do I know if my pet's situation is a true emergency?
Signs requiring urgent attention include extreme difficulty breathing, pale or blue gums, sudden collapse, repeated vomiting, ingestion of toxins, inability to urinate, or severe trauma.
What should I do if my pet has an emergency after your clinic is closed?
For after-hours care, we direct our clients to our trusted regional emergency partner, Highway 10 Emergency Clinic, reachable at (905) 495-9907.
Can I give my pet human pain medication during an emergency?
No. Never give human medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin to pets. Many human pain relievers are extremely toxic to dogs and cats.
How are emergency patients prioritized at your clinic?
We utilize medical triage. Patients with life-threatening conditions, such as severe trauma, collapse, or respiratory distress, are seen immediately ahead of non-critical visits.

Related Services & Next Steps

Discover our complete range of medical services, including urgent veterinary surgery and rapid wellness testing.

Learn about our compassionate clinical staff on our team page.

If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency during clinic hours, call us immediately!

Welcome to the Dufferin Veterinary Hospital family!

 

We have two integrated locations situated to conveniently provide the health care you need for your pet. Please join us for exceptional, comprehensive and compassionate veterinary care – we look forward to meeting you!

High County Veterinary Hospital

219 First Ave East, Unit 1
Shelburne, ON L9V 3J9
Click here for directions.

Phone: 519-925-6540
Text: 519-806-6540
Email: hcvh@dufferinvethospital.ca

Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm every other Saturday
Sun and Statutory Holidays: Closed

Dufferin Veterinary Hospital

24 Armstrong Street
Orangeville, ON L9W 1M1
Click here for directions.

Phone: 519-941-7690
Text: 519-806-9241
Fax: 519-941-8243
Email: info@dufferinvethospital.ca

Mon - Fri: 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am - 2:00 pm
Sun and Statutory Holidays: Closed


In case of emergency, please  click here to contact Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Brampton.

Our team is here to assist you.

 

Please complete the form below and a member of our team will respond generally within 24 hours. If you wish to schedule an appointment or have an urgent question or problem please call us at 519-925-6540.