These “red flag” symptoms may mean that your pet is having a serious health problem.
Contact Pieper’s emergency hospital at 860-347-8387 as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:
The partial list below will give you a sense of how we triage emergencies here at Pieper. If your pet’s condition has worsened while you are waiting, please notify a member of our team immediately so that they can reassess your pet.
Those with emergency symptoms require immediate emergency treatment and life-saving care must be given right away.
Those with priority symptoms will be given priority in the queue for rapid treatment. Wait times may vary depending on the number of emergency cases.
Those who have no emergency or priority symptoms are considered urgent cases. Wait times may be longer if emergency and priority cases are being treated.
If we are concerned that your pet may be unstable, we will bring them into our treatment area to be examined by a doctor. If your pet appears stable, we will ask that they wait with you until a doctor is available to see them. A veterinary assistant will invite you to bring your pet into a room so they can be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
One of our veterinarians will perform a full physical exam of your pet, and will speak with you to understand the conditions that led you to our emergency facility. A medical plan consisting of diagnostics and treatment options will be provided, including an estimate of cost.
Many pets are treated and able to return home the same day to continue care with their primary care veterinarian or at home.
Some patients need to be hospitalized for ongoing diagnostics, monitoring, and care. You will be able to speak with a doctor and other support staff daily for updates on your pet while they stay with us. Depending on your pet’s condition, you may be able to have them transferred to your primary care veterinarian for continued care once they are available.
Our medical notes, lab test results, and diagnostic imaging reports are available to your primary care veterinarian through an online portal system. Your primary care veterinarian will be notified within a few hours of your pet being admitted to our hospital. Our doctors will send records and communicate with your primary care veterinarian throughout their time with us.
Your general practice veterinarian is an important part of your pet’s health and we work as an extension of their services when advanced or after-hours treatment is necessary. We will notify your veterinarian that your pet visited our ER, and provide them with treatment and follow-up information to continue your pet’s care once you leave our hospital.
Some emergency situations are obvious. However in some cases you may be uncertain whether your pet’s symptoms are serious enough to warrant immediate attention, or if they may be able to wait until your family veterinarian’s regular business hours.
Please feel free to contact us if you have questions or need guidance about your pet’s specific condition.
Recommendations for handling an injured or frightened pet
Under ordinary circumstances, your pet may be a very calm, docile individual. However, when experiencing pain or fear, even the most placid animal may bite or scratch unexpectedly. It is always best to use caution when handling and transporting an injured pet, even if you doubt they would ever hurt you.
Approach slowly to avoid bites; muzzle gently if needed (use a soft cloth for cats).
Use a blanket to wrap your pet. This will minimize your pet’s ability to struggle, scratch or bite, and may also serve to calm them by limiting their vision. If you are comfortable applying a muzzle to your pet, it is recommended to do so before attempting to move them if they are injured. If you don’t own a muzzle, use a soft leash or other long soft cloth to wrap around your pet’s muzzle to prevent them from opening their mouth. Do not muzzle a pet that is in respiratory distress or having trouble breathing.
If your pet has an open wound, apply direct pressure to help slow the bleeding.
If your pet is unable to move, or if you feel that it is unsafe for them to move on their own, use an ironing board or other strong flat surface as a stretcher to help transport your pet to the car.
Call your veterinarian or the nearest available emergency hospital to receive additional information regarding transportation or information on how to best handle your pet’s specific case. Calling ahead will also allow time for your chosen facility to prepare for your pet’s arrival, especially if you'll need assistance getting your pet into the hospital.
Our 24/7 ERs use advanced MRI, CT, and telemetric monitoring for unmatched care.
Rapid response for critical conditions.
Expert care for injuries and poisonings.
Life-saving procedures when time matters.
Contact our ER team with any questions.
24/7 Emergency Care Available
730 Randolph Road
860-347-8387
24/7 Emergency &
Primary Care
Mon–Fri: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat & Sun: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Urgent Care
51 Boston Post Road
203-245-8511
Mon: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Thu–Sun: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Urgent Care
95 Armory Rd
475-271-2287
Primary Care
Mon–Fri: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sat: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Urgent Care: By Appointment Only
Specialty: By Appointment Only
Urgent Care
920 Trumbull Hwy
860-642-7936
Primary Care
Mon & Tues: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
Wed: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Thu: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Fri: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Sat: 8:30 am – 1:00 pm
Urgent Care: By Appointment Only
$85 Fee
888-426-4435
Veterinarian - Specialist
Veterinarian - Specialist
Veterinarian - ER
Monthly pet care tips and updates, minus the fluff.
“Everyone, the front desk staff, vet techs, doctors, took the time we needed to help us understand what was happening and what steps would be taken. I tell anyone who will listen about Pieper, you're the best!”
“The staff was extremely compassionate, professional, and knowledgeable during a very difficult time… I had to drive over an hour to get to Pieper and I will tell you that I would drive that again to bring my animal here for top notch care.”
“Dr Urbonas was everything you hope a doctor would be in an urgent medical situation - professional and knowledgeable, kind and caring, confident and positive. With a reassuring "we got this" attitude.”
“Thanks to their expertise and unwavering care, our girl is back home, healing, and slowly returning to her joyful self. We are forever grateful.”
“Everyone is so kind and helpful! I love how down to earth the staff members are. I'm so grateful to have such a wonderful team working with me and my pets!”
“Pieper made my dog and I feel so welcome and taken care of the whole time we were there. 10/10, fantastic care.”
“The front desk staff celebrating with me when I shared the news that [my cat] was okay is something I will never forget. Every step of the process, I knew I could trust Pieper to deliver the best veterinary care and owner support.”
“The techs and veterinarians were incredibly kind and efficient. I have nothing but good things to say about this place and I am so grateful that they took care of our dog the way they did.”
“Every single member of the staff cared greatly about the pets that were there. Outstanding communication, both written and verbal, and did a wonderful job at managing expectations.”
“Dr. Carreras and her Pieper Oncology Team go above and beyond. The care, empathy, communication and overall professionalism they all provide is amazing.”
“Thanks to all who helped Gus thru his surgery and recovery, especially Dr Heather Mossman and everyone who attended to Gus during his stay. You set my family at ease knowing our sweet boy Gus was in the best of hands.”
“Pieper has the best veterinary staff that have ever treated my pets in all my experience as a pet owner.”
“We had a fantastic experience. The entire team took great care of Henry and kept us updated the entire time. He is doing great and we are so thankful!”
“The genuine care from every single staff member just blows my mind. I can't speak highly enough of every single person associated with Pieper. Thank you for all you have done for me and my Mochi.”
“My rabbit and I had a great appointment with the exotics department! It's a relief to have a specialist nearby that is knowledgeable, experienced, and comfortable with protocols to keep stress as low as possible.”
“Extraordinary service and care. I am a nurse. I pay attention to the details. Pieper has hit it out of the park”
“I feel like my baby is in the best hands when it comes to the care he's receiving. Dr. Hammond is hands down the best doctor I've encountered!”
“The staff at Pieper were very caring and professional. The Vets in Internal Medicine and Oncology were extremely knowledgeable and thorough. I would highly recommend them”
