Emergency Vet & Urgent Care
Advanced triage and stabilization when every minute matters.
VSP is open daily until 10PM. Our emergency team is fully equipped to handle critical cases and safely coordinate overnight transfer when needed. Louisville location only.
When your pet needs emergency care, you need answers quickly–and a team that knows exactly what to do.
We provide emergency veterinary care in Louisville and surrounding areas every day until 10PM with the ability to triage, stabilize, and begin advanced diagnostics for critical conditions. If your pet requires overnight hospitalization, we coordinate a seamless transfer to a trusted 24-hour ICU, with stabilization and planning already in place.
This is emergency medicine, not just urgent care.
If your pet needs emergency care before 10PM, you can come directly to us.
Is VSP an {Emergency} Hospital?
Yes. We function as an emergency veterinary hospital, equipped to handle life-threatening conditions, rapid deterioration, and complex medical emergencies.
The difference between our hospital and a 24-hour ER is overnight hospitalization, not capability.
Pet owners across Louisville trust us for emergency care when their regular veterinarian is unavailable. We regularly treat pets experiencing:
- Difficulty breathing
- Collapse or extreme weakness
- Seizures
- Trauma or injuries
- Toxin ingestion
- Severe vomiting or diarrhea
- Acute pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Sudden behavior or neurological changes
What Makes Our Emergency Care {Different}
Not all emergency care is the same. Our hospital is built to deliver calm, organized, medically advanced veterinary emergency care, without chaos or rushed decision-making.
At VSP, our emergency staff are specially trained and certified under RECOVER, the international gold standard for veterinary CPR.
This means our entire team trains under evidence-based emergency and resuscitation protocols, with defined roles during critical events, advanced life support preparation, and structured post-resuscitation care.
When seconds matter, there is no guessing. There is a plan.
Our emergency service is directly supported by board-certified internal medicine specialists, allowing us to:
• Start complex medical workups earlier
• Obtain proper pretreatment samples
• Avoid unnecessary or redundant diagnostics
• Make smarter, more efficient decisions in unstable patients.
At VSP, we don’t just stabilize. We start solving the problem.
Fast, Organized Emergency Flow
Emergencies might be stressful, but the process shouldn’t have to be. We make it manageable by prioritizing:
• Online emergency visit reservations available
• Purposeful triage on arrival
• Focused diagnostics based on medical priorities
• Frequent updates and clear explanations
We value efficiency without sacrificing thoroughness.
Pet Parent-Centered Decision Making
Emergency medicine is about supporting families as much as their pets. We prioritize transparent communication.
This includes clear and honest explanations of what’s happening, collaborative decision-making, and respect for your goals, concerns, and budget.
With VSP, you will never feel rushed into decisions or left without answers.
What Happens {When You Arrive}
- Immediate triage to assess your pet’s stability
- Stabilization first if your pet is in critical condition
- Diagnostics recommended with complete explanations
- Ongoing communication between us throughout the visit
- Clear next-step planning before we discharge or transfer your pet
Our goal is to bring clarity and control to a frightening moment.
Our Emergency {Capabilities}
In an emergency, fast answers and immediate treatment matter. Our on-site technology is perfect for rapid diagnosis and stabilization. Our hospital features digital X-ray, EKG monitoring, an in-house laboratory for real-time results, endoscopy, and access to fresh and fresh frozen blood and plasma for critical transfusions.
With these resources available under one roof, our VSP emergency team can quickly assess complex conditions and begin treatment without unnecessary delays or transfers.
Emergency Care {Without Financial Pressure}
Before moving forward with treatment, our team will provide a clear, itemized estimate and review it with you in detail so you understand your options and can make informed decisions for your pet. We believe open communication is essential during stressful moments, and we’ll take the time to answer your questions, explain our recommendations, and help you choose a plan that balances your pet’s medical needs with your comfort and financial situation.
We work with you to find the best path forward for your pet.
What If {Overnight Care} Is Needed?
If your pet requires overnight hospitalization or intensive monitoring, we coordinate a seamless transfer to a trusted 24-hour critical care facility in the Louisville region.
Before transfer, we stabilize your pet, begin appropriate diagnostics, obtain critical pretreatment samples, and communicate directly with the receiving hospital.
This way, your care continues – not restarts.
Frequently Asked {Questions}
Do I need an appointment or referral for VSP Emergency & Urgent Care?
No appointment or referral is required – you can walk in anytime you need us. If you’d like to save time in the waiting room, you can also reserve your spot online before you arrive.
Can you handle life-threatening emergencies?
Absolutely. Our emergency team is trained and equipped to manage life-threatening conditions of all kinds. VSP is the only hospital in the area with RECOVER certification – the gold standard for CPR training in veterinary medicine – meaning our team is prepared to follow the most advanced protocols when seconds matter most. Your pet is supported by experienced emergency clinicians, advanced monitoring, and specialty resources all under one roof.
Is VSP open 24 hours?
VSP provides advanced emergency veterinary care daily with extended hours until 10PM. While we are not a 24-hour hospital, our facility is equipped and staffed to deliver the same level of emergency diagnostics, surgical capability, and specialty support you would expect from a full-service emergency hospital during our operating hours.
What if my pet needs overnight hospitalization?
If your pet needs overnight care, our team will first stabilize them and make sure they’re comfortable. We will then coordinate a smooth transfer to a trusted 24-hour hospital in the Louisville region so they can continue getting the care they need without delay. This helps save time, reduce stress, and avoid long emergency room waits, so you can focus on your furry friend.
Can I reserve an emergency visit in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot online using our link to Clockwise MD. This allows you to join the line before you even leave home, saving you time in the waiting room and getting your pet seen sooner. You are also welcome to call us to reserve your spot, or simply walk in.
Do I need to pay for everything upfront?
No. In an emergency, your pet’s care comes first. We focus on stabilizing and assessing your pet before discussing financial details. Our team is also happy to offer flexible payment options to match your budget. We will walk you through estimated costs and available solutions so you can make informed decisions during a stressful moment.
What should I do if my regular vet is closed in Louisville?
If your pet is showing concerning symptoms and your primary veterinarian is closed, don’t wait – trust your instincts and seek emergency care. Acting quickly can make a critical difference in many situations. Our emergency team will evaluate your pet promptly and coordinate directly with your primary veterinarian to ensure medical, updates, and follow-up care stay connected.
Where is VSP Emergency & Urgent Care located in Louisville?
We are located at 11600 Main St. in the Middletown area. However, we are proud to serve all the surrounding neighborhoods and counties of Kentuckiana. We provide emergency veterinary care for any pet family who visits us, coming from as far as Evansville, IN.
Surrounding counties:
- Jefferson County, KY
- Oldham County, KY
- Bullitt County, KY
- Spencer County, KY
- Shelby County, KY
- Clark County, IN
- Floyd County, IN
- Harrison County, IN
When You're Not Sure What to Do - Come In
If you’re worried about your pet and something feels wrong, trust that instinct. Emergency care is all about acting early.