Emergency Vet Hospitals And Urgent Pet Care

Pet emergencies can happen at any hour. Montclair Veterinary Associates is available during regular business hours for urgent concerns — if your pet needs immediate care outside our hours, the facilities below are our recommended emergency and specialty hospitals serving the Montclair, Clifton, and greater Essex County area.

When to Seek Emergency Veterinary Care

The following symptoms in your dog or cat require immediate emergency veterinary attention — do not wait for a regular appointment:

Difficulty breathing, choking, or persistent coughing

Suspected poisoning or toxin ingestion (chocolate, xylitol, grapes, medications)

Seizures, collapse, or sudden loss of consciousness

Severe bleeding that does not stop within 5 minutes

Suspected broken bones or inability to bear weight

Eye injuries or sudden loss of vision

Inability to urinate, especially in male cats (can be fatal within hours)

Bloated or distended abdomen with unproductive retching (GDV — life-threatening in large breeds)

Pale, white, or blue gums

Loss of use of hind limbs or sudden paralysis

Trauma from a car accident, fall, or animal attack, even if no obvious injury

If you are unsure whether your pet’s condition is an emergency, call the nearest emergency hospital listed below — most have 24-hour triage lines and can advise you over the phone.