We reserve several appointment slots per day that are specifically held for “day-of emergencies.” If your pet has a medical issue that needs to be addressed right away, call our office to see if there are any “day-of emergency” appointments available. There is no guarantee that such an appointment will be available when you want one, or that you will see your regular doctor. These appointments are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and they do fill up quickly in the morning.

When an injured pet needs medical care the same day, but all of our appointment slots are full, existing clients may be offered a “drop-off appointment.” If the client accepts, the pet is dropped off at VCA Dublin and a doctor evaluates the patient between their scheduled appointments. It is important to realize that the doctor may not be able to see the pet for several hours, but technicians and assistants will be monitoring them in the meantime.

Urgent Care exams do cost more than a regular appointment because the doctor needs to see the sick pet in addition to their scheduled appointments. We require a deposit upon arrival to cover the cost of the exam and possibly to begin diagnostics. Once a doctor has seen the pet, they will call the client to discuss if the pet needs x-rays, blood work, surgery, or medications. Once an agreement is met, the doctor will begin care for the pet. If additional workup is needed, or if test results need to be discussed, the doctor will call the client again. Once the pet is ready to go home, the doctor or technician will call the client to let them know. The remaining balance is due at pick-up.

In order to better serve our loyal clients, VCA Dublin does not offer drop-off appointments for new clients. In order to use a Drop-Off Urgent Care Exam, you must be a current, active client. Being able to drop off your sick or injured pet for a same-day exam is a perk of being a VCA Dublin client. If your pet is sick and you have never been to VCA Dublin, we encourage you to try the nearest animal emergency hospital.

When your pet is scheduled for a surgery, you must bring your pet to the hospital ahead of the actual appointment time. Pets need to be dropped off between 7:30 am - 8:00 am on weekdays.