(555) 316-4820 Book a Visit

Same-Day Sick Visits in Richmond

When your pet is unwell, call us first

Every day we hold appointment time open for pets who are sick or hurt. If your dog has been vomiting since last night, your cat is pushing in the litter box without much result, or a paw has a cut that will not stop bleeding, call us as early as you can and we will offer the first available slot. New clients are welcome.

When you call, a member of the client care team asks a few quick questions about what you are seeing. If it sounds like something that cannot wait for us, we will tell you, and point you to the closest emergency hospital, then pass your pet's history along to its team.

Wrenfold keeps weekday hours and Saturday mornings only. After hours, a recorded message on our main number gives the name, address and number of the closest emergency hospital.

We also keep a short list of things owners can do while they wait: keep a vomiting pet off food for a few hours with small sips of water, rinse a cut paw with clean water and wrap it loosely, and keep a limping dog on a short leash.

Common reasons for a same-day visit include vomiting or diarrhea, limping, coughing, sudden itching or ear trouble, eye problems, urinary straining, small wounds and eating something questionable. If you are not sure whether it can wait, call and ask; that is what the phone line is for.

Same-day visits are shorter and more focused than wellness exams. The doctor concentrates on the problem you came in for, explains what they think is going on and offers a plan with an estimate. Many sick visits end with medication and a recheck call; some need tests or X-rays the same day.

If your pet needs more than we can provide in a day, such as overnight fluids or continuous monitoring, we arrange a transfer to a hospital that can offer it and send everything we have learned so far.

Same-day visit or emergency hospital?

Not every problem fits neatly into a category, so treat this as a starting point. This guide helps you decide where to go. When in doubt, ring us while we are open and we will help you decide. After hours, call the emergency hospital your phone line message gives you.

Same dayVomiting or diarrhea

One or two episodes in a pet that is otherwise alert and drinking.

Same dayLimping or a cut

Bearing some weight, bleeding that stops with gentle pressure.

Same dayEar, eye or skin trouble

Head shaking, squinting, a hot spot or sudden itching.

Emergency nowBreathing trouble or collapse

Labored breathing, pale gums, collapse or a seizure that does not stop.

General guidance only. If you are worried, call.

An owner sitting with her senior border collie on a waiting room bench

Bring these to a sick visit

A few small things make the visit faster and help the doctor find answers sooner. Do not delay coming in to collect them; bring what you can grab on the way out.

  • Your pet on a leash or in a carrier
  • A list of current medications
  • A photo of any vomit or stool
  • Packaging of anything eaten
  • Past records if you are new
  • Notes on when it started
  • A fresh stool or urine sample
  • Your questions, written down

Questions owners ask about sick visits

Our client care team answers these on the phone every day. See also our new patients page if this is your first visit.

Do you see new clients for sick visits?
Yes. Tell us you are new when you call and bring any records you have.
What if you have no openings today?
We will tell you honestly, suggest the earliest time we have and, if your pet should be seen sooner, direct you to the nearest emergency hospital.
Are you open at night or on Sundays?
No. We are a daytime practice. After hours, the message on our main number gives the closest emergency hospital's address and number.
My dog ate something it should not have. What do I do?
Phone us at once while we are open, or an emergency hospital when we are closed. Have the packaging handy.
What will a same-day visit run me?
We quote the exam fee when you book. If tests or treatment are recommended, you receive an estimate first.
Will I see my usual doctor?
If they are available, yes. Otherwise another of our doctors will see you and update your pet's regular doctor.
Do you follow up after a sick visit?
Yes. A member of the team calls or texts within a day or two to check on your pet.
Should I give my pet anything before coming in?
Please do not give human medicines. Many are harmful to pets. Call us and we will tell you what is safe to do on the way.
Can I wait with my pet?
Yes, in most cases. If the doctor needs to take your pet to the treatment floor for tests, we let you know roughly how long it will be.
What if my pet gets worse after the visit?
Call us during open hours. After hours, the message on our main number names the closest emergency hospital, and our visit notes go over to that team.
Client voices

About that first phone call

The first call is often the hardest part. Here is what a few owners said about theirs.

Client notes are examples written for this demo.

I called in a panic about something our dog ate. The front desk told me exactly what to do and got us in within the hour.

Lena F., Biscuit's ownerSick visits

They answered every question about the new kitten without rushing me off the phone, then booked all three visits at once.

Jorge A., Pip's ownerKitten plan

We were moving from Raleigh and they set up the records transfer before we even arrived.

Allison B., Hank's ownerNew patients

Called on a Saturday at noon and still got a real person, plus clear directions to the emergency hospital for later.

Victor L., Sadie's ownerVisit us
Our team

Who you will see that day

Portrait of Julian Mensah, Associate Veterinarian at Wrenfold Veterinary GroupAssociate VeterinarianJulian MensahPortrait of Lucia Ferreira, Client Care Coordinator at Wrenfold Veterinary GroupClient Care CoordinatorLucia FerreiraPortrait of Asha Venkat, Lead Veterinary Technician at Wrenfold Veterinary GroupLead Veterinary TechnicianAsha Venkat
New and existing clients

Book a visit for your pet

Share your pet's name and why you would like to come in, and the front desk will offer the next opening that suits you.

Call the front desk(555) 316-4820

Thanks. Because this is a demo site nothing was sent; a working clinic site would call you back today.