FAQs

There is no question too big or too small for our veterinary team. Below are some answers to our most common questions.

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Common Questions

At Tell Tail Veterinary Urgent Care, we get a ton of interesting questions from pet parents. Below are some common FAQs that might help answer any questions or concerns. Please feel free to call us at 619-282-8035 for any other concerns you might have about your pet.

Is your pet having an Emergency?

While this is not a comprehensive list, the following signs do indicate you should bring your pet to a veterinarian right away:

  • Difficulty breathing or passing out
  • Any type of trauma, injury, or pain
  • Eye issues involving trauma, pain, bleeding, squinting
  • When your pet is too hot, heat stroke
  • Choking or gagging
  • Allergic reaction, severe swelling, hives, facial swelling
  • Rattlesnake bite
  • Broken bones
  • Poison Ingestion
  • Unable to urinate or defecate (especially cats)
  • Bleeding
  • Seizures
  • Swallowed/ate something foreign
  • Bite Wounds
  • Prolonged labor
  • Bloated abdomen
If you think your pet is experiencing an urgent situation should you call or just come in?

If your pet is having any of the above, please start by coming in. You may call from the road to let us know you are on your way.
If you are unsure, please call.

Will you tell my regular vet that my pet had an urgent care visit?
We will take the contact information of your regular vet and send over all of the information and treatments that we perform on your pet after your visit. We encourage you to follow up with your regular vet after any urgent care/emergency room visit.
Will you vaccinate my pet?

We are here for your pet’s urgent medical needs. We do not provide vaccinations and recommend that you contact your regular veterinarian.

Do you offer spay and neuter services for my pet?

For routine spay & neuter services, please contact your regular veterinarian. These can be scheduled when your pet is feeling well.

How is Urgent Care different from regular veterinary care?
Urgent care is available on a walk-in basis to treat your pet when they cannot wait for an appointment. Your regular vet usually requires an appointment ahead of time.
What do I do if my pet is bleeding?

Apply pressure to the wound if possible, keep them calm and confined, and transport to a veterinary hospital right away.

What types of animals do you treat?
We are focused on the treatment of cats and dogs.
Do you provide humanely euthanasia?

We understand that saying goodbye to your loved one is a delicate time. We do offer humane euthanasia for dogs, cats, birds, and pocket pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, and mice. Euthanasia involves a sedative and then an overdose of an anesthetic medication for this purpose. It does not hurt, burn, or sting and is intended to provide relief from suffering. In most cases, you may be present for the euthanasia of your dog or cat. This is not possible in some emergent situations or with other species. Cremation options available include private cremation, where your pet’s ashes are returned for you, or communal cremation, where your pet’s ashes are spread to sea. For more details or special requests, please contact us.

How long will my wait time be?

Wait times will vary. When you arrive, you will be placed in the queue. Patients are triaged based on the time of arrival and the severity of their illness. Based on evaluation, pets that are in a more critical state will be seen first. If you feel that your pet is in a critical state, please let our staff know immediately.

Is Urgent Care more expensive than my regular veterinarian?

Sometimes patients that need urgent care require more advanced treatments or diagnostics tools to reach a diagnosis. The cost of these services correlates with the level of care we are providing for your pet.

What information should I bring with me?
You may not always have time in an urgent situation but if possible, bring a list of current medications your pet is taking, records from your current veterinarian, and any current bloodwork your pet may have received. The more information we have, the better we can help your pet.
How do I book an abdominal ultrasound?

If you believe your pet is in need of an abdominal ultrasound, contact your primary vet about your concerns. Your primary veterinarian will coordinate with our imaging team to book the appropriate appointment for your pet. 

If you do not have a primary veterinarian, you can check-in through our urgent care for urgent or emergency needs.

I have an appointment for an ultrasound, what do I do?

On the evening before your appointment, fast your pet. This means no food or treats after midnight. Your pet can have a small amount of water in the morning but excessive intake of water should be avoided.

On the day of your appointment, arrive at our location on time and check in at the front desk. Our staff will guide you from there.