Need an emergency vet in Calgary?
Chaparral Veterinary Clinic sees pet emergencies during clinic hours. Call us first at 403-769-1442 so we can prepare. After hours, the emergency vet we refer Calgary clients to is Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital on Macleod Trail SW, open around the clock.
What counts as a pet emergency?
Any sudden change that affects breathing, consciousness, bleeding or the ability to urinate is an emergency. When in doubt, call. We would rather talk you through a false alarm than have you wait on something serious.
Go to a vet right away if your pet:
- Is struggling to breathe, choking, or has blue or pale gums
- Has collapsed, had a seizure, or cannot stand or wake up
- Is bleeding heavily, or bleeding that does not stop within five minutes
- Was hit by a car, fell from a height, or was attacked by another animal
- Has a swollen, hard belly with retching that brings up nothing (possible bloat)
- Is straining to urinate with little or nothing coming out, especially male cats
- Has eaten something toxic such as chocolate, xylitol, grapes, rat poison, antifreeze or human medication
- Has an eye injury, a bone sticking out, or a wound you can see into
- Shows signs of heat stroke: heavy panting, drooling, weakness or collapse on a warm day
Call us the same day if your pet:
- Has vomited or had diarrhea more than twice in a day, or there is blood in it
- Has not eaten for 24 hours (12 hours for cats and small or senior pets)
- Is limping, crying out when touched, or hiding and not acting like themselves
- Has a wound, abscess or swelling that is getting bigger
- Is drinking or urinating far more than usual
- Is a diabetic, cardiac or senior patient with any new symptom
Not sure which list applies? Call 403-769-1442 or text (825) 425-2496 and describe what you are seeing.
Is Chaparral Veterinary Clinic an emergency vet during the day?
Yes, during clinic hours. Call 403-769-1442 before you come so we can get a room, a veterinarian and equipment ready. We see urgent cases in south Calgary throughout the day and will tell you honestly if you need a 24-hour hospital instead.
A veterinarian and technicians are on duty during our open hours and are set up for urgent care, from toxin ingestion to injuries. Because we also have scheduled appointments there may be a wait, and some cases need overnight monitoring or specialist equipment we do not have. In those situations we stabilize your pet where we can and send you to Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital with notes.
| Monday to Thursday | 8:30 am – 7:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday, Sunday and statutory holidays | Closed |
Chaparral Veterinary Clinic, 803 Chaparral Drive SE #220, Calgary, AB T2X 0E5. For non-urgent questions, text us at (825) 425-2496.
Which emergency vet in Calgary is open after hours, on weekends and on holidays?
Go to Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital at 5707 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary. Call 403-212-4008 on the way. It is the 24-hour emergency vet we refer Calgary clients to, and they will send us the records so we can follow up with you.
Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital
5707 Macleod Trail SW, Calgary, AB
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Emergency and intensive care facility, about 15 minutes north of Chaparral on Macleod Trail.
Suspected poisoning
If your pet has eaten something toxic, call a poison line while you head to a vet. Both charge a consultation fee and can give the treating hospital a case number.
Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435
Bring the packaging or a photo of whatever was eaten. Do not make your pet vomit unless a veterinarian tells you to.
How do I get my pet to the vet safely?
Keep your pet warm, still and contained. Use a carrier for cats and small dogs, and a blanket or board as a stretcher for larger dogs. Even gentle pets may bite when they are in pain, so move slowly.
- Apply firm pressure with a clean cloth to bleeding wounds and keep it in place.
- Do not give human medications. Many are toxic to dogs and cats.
- Do not offer food or water if surgery might be needed.
- Have someone else drive if you can, so you can keep an eye on your pet.
- Bring your pet’s medications and tell the team about any health conditions.
Emergency vet questions Calgary pet owners ask us
Does Chaparral Veterinary Clinic take walk-in emergencies?
Yes, during our open hours. Please call 403-769-1442 first if you can so we can prepare. Urgent cases are seen as quickly as possible around scheduled appointments.
Is there a 24-hour emergency vet in Calgary?
Yes. Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital at 5707 Macleod Trail SW, 403-212-4008, is open 24 hours a day, every day, including holidays. Chaparral Veterinary Clinic is open Monday to Thursday 8:30 am to 7:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Which emergency vet is closest to Chaparral, Walden and south Calgary?
Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital on Macleod Trail SW is the 24-hour emergency vet we refer to. It is roughly 15 minutes north of the Chaparral area by car.
What happens after my pet is seen at the emergency hospital?
Ask the hospital to send the records to Chaparral Veterinary Clinic. We will review them and call you to arrange any follow-up care, rechecks or medication refills.
How much does an emergency visit cost?
It depends on what your pet needs. During our hours we will give you an estimate before any treatment beyond stabilization. Emergency hospitals have their own fees; ask them for an estimate on arrival.
Worried about your pet?
Call or text us during clinic hours and we will tell you whether to come in. After hours, Alpine 24/7 Pet Hospital is ready for you.