Veterinary Emergency & Urgent Care
I Have An Emergency
Emergency, Critical, & Urgent Care in the Twin Cities Area
Emergencies can be overwhelming, which is why families in the Twin Cities have trusted the Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota (AERC) for over 40 years. With two locally-owned hospitals serving the seven-county metro area, our emergency and critical care teams are available around the clock, providing immediate attention when your pet needs it most.
Understanding Emergency, Critical, and Urgent Care
Whether they're eating something they shouldn't, or suffer an unexpected accident, our animal companions have a way of keeping pet parents on their toes. These moments remind us why knowing where to go for 24-hour emergency care is so important.
Emergency & Critical Care
Life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical attention, such as trauma, collapse, or difficulty breathing.
Urgent Care
Conditions that are not immediately life-threatening, but still require timely veterinary attention, usually within a few days. Examples include persistent vomiting, sudden lameness, or an infection that is rapidly worsening.
Our veterinarians ensure that pets receive expert care promptly, and if specialty support is needed, we can continue treatment seamlessly in-house.
When to Call or Come In
Please call ahead whenever possible. Knowing you are on the way allows our medical team to prepare for arrival, prioritize care, and, when needed, meet families at their vehicles to provide immediate support. If calling ahead isn’t possible, please come in directly—we will be ready to help.
Call Oakdale: (651) 501-3766Call St. Paul: (651) 293-1800
Emergency—Seek Immediate Veterinary Care
- Difficulty breathing, choking, or open-mouth breathing
- Collapse, loss of consciousness, or unresponsiveness
- Seizures that last longer than 5 minutes, or multiple seizures in a short time
- Severe trauma (hit by a car, fall, bite wounds with uncontrolled bleeding)
- Profuse bleeding that does not stop with pressure
- Ingestion of toxins, medications, or foreign objects that could cause harm
- Swollen, painful abdomen or signs of bloat (restlessness, retching, distended belly)
- Sudden paralysis or inability to walk
- Eye injuries with bleeding, swelling, or sudden blindness
- Labor complications (straining for more than 30 minutes without producing a puppy/kitten, or more than 2 hours between deliveries)
Urgent—Same-Day Veterinary Care Needed
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if bloody
- Refusal to eat or drink for more than 24 hours
- Straining to urinate or defecate, vocalizing while attempting, or producing little-to-no output
- Sudden limping or inability to bear weight on a limb
- Moderate wounds, lacerations, or abscesses
- Sudden change in behavior, lethargy, or disorientation
- Persistent coughing, wheezing, or nasal discharge interfering with breathing
- Painful or infected ear (scratching, shaking head, discharge, odor)
- Eye discharge, squinting, redness, or swelling
- Fever, shivering, or panting without cause
Urgent but Not Emergency—Schedule Prompt Appointment
- Mild limping or stiffness, but still able to walk
- Minor wounds or abrasions without heavy bleeding
- Occasional vomiting or soft stool without blood
- Decreased appetite or mild lethargy (still drinking, alert, interactive)
- Sneezing, mild coughing, or nasal discharge without breathing distress
- Itchy skin, hair loss, or mild rash
- Small lumps, bumps, or masses that are not rapidly growing or painful
- Excessive ear scratching or head shaking without severe swelling or odor
- Bad breath, tartar buildup, or gingivitis
- Overgrown nails, cracked nails, or minor paw injuries
- Weight loss or gain over time without acute distress
- Behavioral changes (increased anxiety, aggression, excessive vocalization)
A Team Approach to Care
Board-certified criticalists oversee our emergency team. When advanced care is required, pets can transition directly from emergency treatment to specialty care within the same hospital. This approach ensures continuity of care and reassurance for pet parents.
- Understanding the Cost of Emergency Care
When unexpected health issues strike, a visit to an emergency vet may be unavoidable. But many pet owners worry about the costs associated with an urgent visit. At AERC, we provide transparent communication about costs and offer a variety of payment options to help families during difficult times.
Here When You Need Us
When you need access to a trustworthy Twin Cities 24-hour vet and emergency treatment center, our team is here to help. With locations in Oakdale and St. Paul, AERC is available 24/7/365 to provide immediate, compassionate care for pets in critical situations.