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At Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency in Cordova, we offer emergency services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for cats and dogs in the Greater Memphis Area.

Have a Pet Emergency? Call (901) 624-9002

If your pet is experiencing any symptoms or behaviors that you are concerned about, come to our office right away. Call us ahead if you can. The reliable and compassionate team at Memphis Veterinary Specialists & Emergency is here for your pet 365 days a year, 24/7.

Across the country, veterinary hospitals continue to see an unprecedented level of emergency cases. While our Emergency Service is operating 24/7, to maintain excellence in patient care, we are currently open to Priority 1 and 2 cases only. Priority 3 cases are encouraged to seek medical attention outside of the ER setting to minimize your wait time and allow our staff to remain devoted to the most critical patients.

If your pet’s specific illness is not listed, please call and our staff will help determine their predicted priority level and if an ER visit is indicated. Refer here for Priority Chart.

Meet Our Emergency Veterinarians

What To Do In A Pet Emergency

Knowing what to expect at our emergency veterinary clinic will make the process easier for both you and your pet. 

STEP 1
Call Ahead If You Can

In an emergency, we know you may not be able to contact us in advance, but if you can it’s always best. If you have time, we also invite you to complete our New Patient Form in advance. 

STEP 2
Get To Our Emergency Vet Office Right Away

You will be shown to an exam room and asked to complete our New Patient Form if you have not already done so. A veterinary technician will triage your pet, and then a veterinarian will complete a full examination of your pet. 

STEP 3
Determine Treatment

Once assessed, our highly trained veterinarians will formulate a treatment plan so your pet can receive the best possible treatment. 

Resources & Helpful Links

Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitators     ·    Bee Swarm Removal
Memphis Area Rescue Groups     

Animal Emergency FAQs

Emergency veterinary care is the treatment of animals in situations that require immediate attention, or could potentially be life-threatening.

  • What is considered an emergency?

    The following situations are considered emergencies, and require immediate care. If your pet has had an accident or is experiencing any of these symptoms get them to our office straight away. 

    • Severe bleeding or bleeding that doesn't stop
    • Obvious signs of pain or extreme anxiety
    • Choking, difficulty breathing or continuous coughing/gagging
    • Seizures and/or staggering
    • Bleeding from nose, mouth, rectum, or blood in urine
    • Inability to urinate or pass feces, or pain associated with urinating or passing feces
    • Injuries to the eye(s)
    • You know or suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous (such as antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate, rodent poison, etc.)
    • Fractured bones, severe lameness or inability to move leg(s)
    • Heat stress or heatstroke
    • Severe vomiting or diarrhea; more than two episodes in 24-hours
    • Refusal to drink for 24 hours or more
    • Unconsciousness
  • What emergency services do you offer?

    Our emergency clinic offers state-of-the-art emergency care for your four-legged family members and is equipped to provide hospitalization, specialized diagnostics, and complete surgical services.

  • Do I need to call ahead?

    It always is best to call us ahead if you can, but we understand that in emergency situations that's not always possible.

    If the situation does not allow time for you to call, please do not hesitate to bring your pet to our clinic for immediate attention.

  • When is your emergency clinic open?

    We are open 24/7 for 365 days a year. 

  • How long will we have to wait to see the vet?

    A veterinary emergency hospital is just like a human emergency department—it can be unpredictable and you may have to wait. 

    We cannot predict what cases we will see and when they will arrive, but we will prioritize cases by their medical needs.

    We provide a comfortable area for waiting and we will do our best to keep you updated about wait times and the status of your pet. 

  • How long will you keep my pet in the hospital?

    The length of your pet's stay at our hospital will depend on each specific case. Your veterinarian can give you a better idea of how long your pet will require treatment once your pet has been assessed and diagnosed. 

  • Can I visit my pet while they are in the hospital?

    Yes, we understand that it is a worrying time when your pet is in the hospital. Many of our patients benefit from being visited by their families, so we generally encourage this. We just ask that you call us before you intend to visit to ensure that our staff can coordinate your visit.

  • Will I be notified of status updates of my pet?

    Yes, we know that having your pet in the hospital is stressful for you and your family. Your veterinarian will update you on your pet’s condition, and you are welcome to call in for updates from our staff about your pet’s progress.

  • Will you keep in touch with our primary care veterinarian?

    Yes, we keep your primary care veterinarian updated with your pet’s medical history and files to ensure seamless, integrated care.

Emergency Pet Care | Memphis Veterinary Specialist & Emergency | Cordova, Tennessee

From Happy Pet Owners

  • “They saved my dog’s life three years ago with a spinal surgery. He’s still doing great!”
    Kevin C.

Contact (901) 624-9002