For current clients, we are fully equipped and ready to help with critical care and emergency vet needs both during and after hours.
If you experience an emergency after hours, please call the clinic line at 515-332-2346 and you will be directed to the doctor on call.
Get Directions | Phone: 515-332-2346
Hours of Operation
Mon-Fri: 8am-5pm
Sat: 8am-12pm*
*Open the 1st & 3rd Saturday of each month.
Please note: Emergency services are only offered to current clients of Humboldt Veterinary Clinic.
Pet Emergency Vet Services
Humboldt Veterinary Clinic provides urgent care for our existing patients who need immediate attention. If an emergency happens after hours, you can’t always wait until the next day for your pet to be seen. Pet emergency services eliminate delays and pet care when time is of the essence. They ensure your pet gets timely emergency vet care during a scary situation.
If you experience an emergency after hours, please call the clinic line at 515-332-2346 and you will be directed to the doctor on call.
Signs of a Pet Emergency
A pet emergency can take many shapes. But as a pet parent, you know best when your pet needs immediate attention. We divide pet emergencies into three categories: Trauma, Poisoning, Other.
Trauma Signs & Events
- Possible fractures
- Being hit by a car
- Attacked by a wild animal
- Fight with a dog or cat
- Cuts and wounds
- Nerve damage
- Limping
- Yelping, crying, wincing, or other signs of pain
Poisoning Signs & Events
- Eating human food, especially if it contains artificial sweeteners or bones that could fragment
- Poisonous plant consumption
- Chocolate
- Rat poison
- Vitamin D
- Anti-depressants
- Stimulants such as those prescribed for ADHD
- Illegal drugs (even tiny doses can be dangerous)
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Medicine prescribed for inflammation
Other Emergencies
- Trouble breathing
- Seizures
- A bloated stomach
- Trouble during labor
- Bleeding
- Not urinating or difficult urination
- Heatstroke
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Eye problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Refusing to eat
- Pale gums
- Choking
How to Stabilize Your Pet in an Emergency
Your pet may need stabilization before you can put them into a vehicle to travel to the vet. Your quick action may help your pet survive long enough to get professional emergency vet services.
- Bleeding – Apply pressure to the wound and elevate it above heart level to slow loss of blood
- Choking – Use your fingers to carefully try to pull the item out without pushing it further in. Give your pet a strong rap to the chest, which may force a cough and dislodge the object
- Cardiac Arrest – First, check for a pulse (on the inside of the back thigh for dogs) or (on the inside of the left front thigh for cats). If no pulse, hold the mouth closed and blow into the nose 1X per 3 seconds. With each breath, do 3 quick chest compressions.
In an emergency, call our emergency team to let us know you’re on your way. Please note: we can only accept current clients on an emergency basis. You can reach us at 515-332-2346
