When you arrive, one of our receptionists will welcome you and get you checked in. We’ll ask for some basic information about you and your pet, and may request a photo ID to ensure everything is entered accurately. Once you’re checked in, a veterinary technician will speak with you to gather more details about what’s going on with your pet. All patients are seen based on medical urgency (triage), so pets with life-threatening conditions may be treated first. Depending on your pet’s condition, the technician may recommend starting initial tests or treatments right away. If so, we’ll discuss those with you and provide a verbal estimate before proceeding. If your pet is critically ill or unstable, immediate life-saving care may be initiated. In these situations, we may request a stabilization fee so there is no delay in beginning treatment. We will communicate with you as soon as possible regarding your pet’s condition and next steps. Your pet will be taken to our treatment area so we can check vital signs and begin any necessary diagnostics. One of our doctors will then perform a full head-to-tail exam. After the exam and any initial testing are complete, we’ll bring you into a room to discuss findings and next steps. We provide a written estimate for all recommended treatments as transparency is very important to us. Once you’ve had a chance to review and approve the plan, we’ll move forward with care. If your pet needs to stay in the hospital, we will collect a deposit based on the lower end of the estimate. If your pet is going home, payment is collected at the time of discharge. We are a paper-free hospital, so all invoices and medical records will be emailed to you. We will also send records to your regular veterinarian to ensure continuity of care. Printed invoices and records are available upon request. This process may vary depending on the situation, but this is the general flow of a visit.

No appointment is needed. As an emergency facility, we see patients on a walk-in basis only. Patients are seen as they arrive and are prioritized based on medical urgency.

Triage is the process we use to prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition. When you arrive, your pet will be assessed based on the information you provide about their symptoms. In some cases, a veterinary technician may also perform a brief initial check, such as evaluating vital signs. Pets that are critically ill or injured are taken for immediate care. Pets that are stable may have a longer wait while more urgent cases are treated first. Triage is not a full exam or diagnosis, it is a quick way for us to determine how urgently your pet needs to be seen. Once your pet is brought back, a veterinarian will perform a full exam and discuss recommended diagnostics and treatment with you. Because patient conditions can change and emergencies arrive unpredictably, wait times may vary. If you notice any changes in your pet’s condition while you are waiting, please notify our team right away so we can reassess.

Patients are seen based on medical urgency, not the order in which they arrive. This process is called triage. Pets that are critically ill or injured are taken for immediate care, even if they arrived after you. This allows us to provide life-saving treatment as quickly as possible to those who need it most. If your pet is stable, there may be a wait while more urgent cases are treated first. We understand this can be frustrating, but this system ensures that all pets receive care based on the severity of their condition. If you notice any changes in your pet while you are waiting, please let our team know right away so we can reassess.

No. For safety and efficiency, treatment is performed in a centralized medical area that is restricted to staff only. This area is often fast-paced, with multiple patients being treated at the same time and procedures in progress. Limiting access helps us maintain a safe environment for patients, clients, and our team, and allows us to focus fully on medical care. We understand it can be difficult to be separated from your pet. Our team will keep you updated and will bring you into a room to speak with the doctor and discuss your pet’s condition and care.

Visit times can vary depending on how busy the hospital is and the urgency of your pet’s condition. Emergency hospitals are unpredictable, and new critical cases can arrive at any time, which may impact wait times. Even if the lobby appears quiet, our team may be actively caring for hospitalized or critical patients behind the scenes. We work as efficiently as possible to provide timely care and will do our best to keep you informed of any delays or changes in wait time throughout your visit.

This depends on your pet’s condition and the care they need. After the doctor evaluates your pet and any necessary diagnostics are completed, we will discuss treatment options and recommendations with you. Some pets can be treated and discharged the same day. Others may require hospitalization for ongoing monitoring, treatment, or supportive care. If hospitalization is recommended, we will review the treatment plan, provide an estimate, and discuss what to expect during your pet’s stay so you can make an informed decision.

A life-threatening emergency is any condition that puts your pet’s breathing, circulation, or overall stability at immediate risk. Examples include: • Difficulty breathing or choking • Collapse, inability to stand, or unresponsiveness • Seizures, especially if prolonged or repeated • Severe trauma (such as being hit by a car) • Uncontrolled bleeding • Signs of shock (pale gums, weakness, rapid heart rate) • Known toxin ingestion (such as medications, chemicals, or certain foods) • Inability to urinate, especially in male cats • Severe pain or distress These conditions require immediate medical attention and are prioritized for rapid treatment. If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition is an emergency, it is always safest to seek care or call for guidance.

If you’re concerned, it’s always appropriate to have your pet evaluated. Some conditions may appear mild at first but can worsen over time, and early assessment can help identify problems before they become more serious. Even if your pet seems stable, we will assess their condition and determine how urgently they need to be seen. Please be aware that if your pet is stable, there may be a wait while more critical patients are treated first. If you notice any changes while you are waiting, let our team know right away so we can reassess.

We do not offer routine drop-offs. We ask that you remain at the hospital until your pet has been evaluated and you have spoken with the doctor to review findings and a treatment plan. If you have a situation where you must leave before speaking with the doctor, please discuss this with our team. In certain circumstances, we may allow it and a deposit may be required. Your pet will still be triaged, examined, and monitored, but there may be a delay in communication, as doctors will need to complete discussions with clients who are present before following up with you. Whenever possible, we recommend staying so we can review your pet’s condition and next steps with you in real time.

We understand that pets can be scared or reactive, especially in an emergency setting. Our team is trained to handle fearful animals with patience and compassion, and we do our best to move at a pace that helps build trust and reduce stress. For the safety of your pet and our staff, we may use gentle restraint techniques, such as a muzzle, if needed. In some cases, we may recommend sedation to allow us to safely examine and treat your pet while minimizing fear, anxiety, and stress. In rare situations, if a pet is too distressed to be safely handled and we are unable to safely administer sedation, we may need to discuss alternative options or, in some cases, decline certain services for everyone’s safety. Our goal is always to provide care in the safest and least stressful way possible for your pet.

Yes, we do accept transfers from other veterinary clinics. Referring hospitals can send patient information and records to us by phone, email, or through our referral portal (https://www.valorvetemergency.com/referrals)so we have a clear understanding of your pet’s condition and any treatments already performed. Our doctors will review this information prior to meeting with you and developing a treatment plan. We also maintain communication with the referring veterinarian and provide updates on your pet’s care and outcomes to support continuity of care.

No. We are a 24/7 facility and provide continuous care, so your pet does not need to be transferred in the morning. If your pet requires ongoing hospitalization, they can remain with us for continued monitoring and treatment. If you prefer to have your pet transferred to your regular veterinarian, that can be arranged, but it is not required.

We are the only true 24/7 emergency veterinary hospital in the Ark-La-Tex, which means your pet can receive continuous care without needing to be transferred or discharged in the morning. Our team is highly trained and experienced, including a strong group of Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) who play a critical role in patient care. We place a strong emphasis on ongoing education and training to ensure our team stays current with the latest advancements in emergency and critical care medicine. We are also committed to clear communication and client support. From regular updates to a transparent approach to treatment plans and costs, our goal is to keep you informed and involved every step of the way. Above all, we focus on providing consistent, high-quality care in a setting designed to support both you and your pet during stressful and unexpected situations.

We offer a waiting area designed to make your time here a little easier. Amenities include a TV, a complimentary coffee and refreshment bar, and light snacks. Restrooms are available for your convenience, and portable phone chargers are available upon request. We know emergency visits can be stressful, and we aim to provide a space where you can feel as comfortable as possible while you wait.