Emergency vet care in Fort McMurray
If your pet is having trouble breathing, has collapsed, or you think they ate something toxic, call us right away at (780) 715-9369.
During our hours (Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Call (780) 715-9369 before you leave home so our team can be ready when you arrive. Emergencies are seen in order of medical urgency.
Signs your pet needs care right away
How do I know if it is an emergency?
Trouble breathing, collapse, seizures, heavy bleeding, a swollen belly with retching, or eating something toxic all need care right away. If you are unsure, call us. It is always okay to ask.
- Trouble breathing or blue or pale gums
- Collapse, weakness or not able to stand
- Seizures
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Hit by a car, a fall or other injury
- Swollen, hard belly or retching with nothing coming up
- Straining to urinate, especially male cats
- Eating something toxic (see below)
- Repeated vomiting or diarrhea
- Eye injuries
- Signs of severe pain
- Heatstroke or hypothermia
When we are closed
What should I do if my pet has an emergency after hours?
We are closed evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. Current clients can call our main line at (780) 715-9369 any time we are closed to speak with a registered veterinary technologist through our after-hours teletriage service. For in-person care, call Riverside Ambulatory Veterinary Care at 780-531-0664. The nearest 24-hour emergency hospital is Pulse Veterinary Specialists and Emergency in Sherwood Park.
After-hours advice for current clients
Call our main line, (780) 715-9369, any time we are closed. We have partnered with Animal HealthLink so a registered veterinary technologist (RVT) can help you decide whether your pet needs to be seen right away or can wait until we reopen.
- An Animal HealthLink RVT answers your call.
- They ask about your pet’s symptoms and may ask for photos or videos.
- If your pet is stable and comfortable, we will contact you the next day we are open to book an appointment.
- If your pet needs care right away, the RVT will direct you to a suitable emergency service.
This service is available to current Wood Buffalo Small Animal Hospital clients.
After-hours emergencies in Fort McMurray
Riverside Ambulatory Veterinary Care
Mobile and on-call veterinary service, Fort McMurray
On call after hours, 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. (see ravc.ca for current hours)
Call or text 780-531-0664
Riverside can assess your pet, give medication and do x-rays, bloodwork and ultrasound. They do not perform surgery and will refer you if your pet needs it.
Nearest 24-hour emergency hospital
Pulse Veterinary Specialists and Emergency
450 Ordze Rd #320, Sherwood Park, AB T8B 0C5
Open 24 hours, every day
About 4 hours and 25 minutes’ drive from Fort McMurray
Call 780-570-9999
Call Pulse before you leave so their team can prepare and tell you whether your pet is safe to travel.
If your pet ate something toxic
What should I do if my pet ate something poisonous?
Call us right away at (780) 715-9369 during our hours. After hours, current clients can call our main line for advice from an RVT, or contact Riverside Ambulatory Veterinary Care at 780-531-0664 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 (a fee applies). Do not try to make your pet vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Bring the packaging or a photo of what your pet ate, and note roughly how much and when.
Common household toxins
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol (sugar-free gum and some peanut butters)
- Antifreeze
- Human medications
- Cannabis edibles
- Lilies (for cats)
- Rodent poison
Common questions
What should I do on the way to the vet?
Call ahead, keep your pet as calm and still as you can, and bring any packaging or medication involved. Use a blanket or board to carry an injured dog, and keep cats in a carrier.
Not sure if it is urgent?
Call us. Our team will help you decide what to do next.