Good Neighbors Are Always There

After-hours phone and triage support.

Abstract image featuring overlapping shapes reminiscent of a veterinarian's color-coded anatomy charts. A red shape on the left partially overlays a blue shape on the right, both outlined in dark. The red gradient mirrors a vet’s careful diagnosis process with its lighter shades.

Good Neighbors Are Always There

After-hours phone and triage support.

Abstract geometric design featuring triangular shapes in blue and orange, boldly outlined, akin to a vet's precision in mapping the complex anatomy of animals.

Pet emergencies don’t keep normal business hours. To make matters worse, determining whether your pet’s condition requires urgent care—or can wait until morning—can be difficult. For all of those what-ifs and wonderings, Neighborhood Veterinary Centers has provided an after-hours phone triage support hotline.

A person in a green shirt is sitting down, holding a phone to their ear, likely speaking with the vet. A fluffy orange cat with green eyes is calmly lying on their lap, seeking comfort. Geometric shapes decorate the image corners.

What is phone triage?

Triage simply means sorting patients according to the urgency of their care. When you call our hotline, our triage expert will ask specific questions about your pet’s clinical signs and their recent history, to determine whether your pet requires emergency veterinary attention or their problem can wait until a standard appointment during normal business hours. While our experts are trained to recognize pet trauma, illness, and life-threatening situations, they may reach out to a veterinarian for the final determination if they are uncertain about your pet’s circumstances.

After-hours phone triage benefits

Connecting with an after-hours phone triage expert can provide invaluable assistance, including:

A white clipboard icon with a check mark on a red circular background evokes the organized precision of a veterinarian's checklist.

Improved outcomes

With one phone call, you know if your pet needs emergency care—saving precious time that may have otherwise been spent debating whether or not to seek care.

A red circle with a white medical cross symbol inside. A speech bubble is attached to the cross, indicating communication or consultation, reminiscent of a veterinarian discussing pet health advice.

Clinical advice

If they deem your pet stable, our experts can recommend ways to keep your pet calm or comfortable until their appointment.

A red circle with two hands outlined in white, palms up, holding a white heart at the center—symbolizing the care and compassion of a dedicated veterinarian.

Peace-of-mind

Speaking directly to a knowledgeable veterinary professional can relieve your fears, provide you with an action plan, and prevent you from wondering “What if?”.

When to call our after-hours phone triage

Determining a pet emergency isn’t always clear-cut. However, some circumstances always merit a call, including:

  • Bleeding
  • Blunt trauma, such as a fall from height or hit by car
  • Seizures
  • Animal attack
  • White, blue, or grey gums
  • Respiratory distress
  • Unproductive vomiting or retching

  • Inability to urinate
  • Collapse
  • Loss of coordination or mobility
  • Unusual lethargy
  • Known or suspected toxin ingestion
  • Reproductive problems, including stalled labor or an undeliverable puppy or kitten

This list is not comprehensive—if you are at all concerned about your pet’s condition, please call the after-hours phone triage hotline to speak with a knowledgeable veterinary professional.

When to call our after-hours phone triage

Determining a pet emergency isn’t always clear-cut. However, some circumstances always merit a call, including:

  • Bleeding
  • Blunt trauma, such as a fall from height or hit by car
  • Seizures
  • Animal attack
  • White, blue, or grey gums
  • Respiratory distress
  • Unproductive vomiting or retching
  • Inability to urinate
  • Collapse
  • Loss of coordination or mobility
  • Unusual lethargy
  • Known or suspected toxin ingestion
  • Reproductive problems, including stalled labor or an undeliverable puppy or kitten

This list is not comprehensive—if you are at all concerned about your pet’s condition, please call the after-hours phone triage hotline to speak with a knowledgeable veterinary professional.

Two abstract, irregular shapes overlap each other like a playful mascot for a veterinarian clinic. The top shape is orange with lighter streaks, while the bottom is blue with darker streaks. Both boast bold outlines, achieving a stylized and modern appearance reminiscent of innovative vet services.
Two abstract, irregular shapes overlap each other like a playful mascot for a veterinarian clinic. The top shape is orange with lighter streaks, while the bottom is blue with darker streaks. Both boast bold outlines, achieving a stylized and modern appearance reminiscent of innovative vet services.

A better, happier life starts now!

Call us today at Neighborhood Veterinary Centers to request an appointment and get started.

Abstract image featuring a mix of red and orange hues with dark blue outlines creating a fluid, wavy pattern reminiscent of an animal's vibrant world. The colors blend seamlessly, forming a dynamic and visually engaging design, as if conceived by the artistic hand of a passionate veterinarian.
Abstract image featuring a mix of red and orange hues with dark blue outlines creating a fluid, wavy pattern reminiscent of an animal's vibrant world. The colors blend seamlessly, forming a dynamic and visually engaging design, as if conceived by the artistic hand of a passionate veterinarian.