VetER Now

Life-threatening? Go to the nearest ER now and call on the way.

What to do and who to call

Guide

Who to call, and how to read what you see on VetER Now.

When in doubt, call ahead or go to the ER.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: (888) 426-4435

Poison emergencies

ASPCA Animal Poison Control is staffed 24 hours a day. A consultation fee may apply.

(888) 426-4435

How VetER Now works

  1. Hospitals post their status

    Front-desk staff update capacity and wait times with one tap from a texted link. An update stays live for 3 hours.

  2. You call ahead

    Every hospital has a Call ahead button, so you can confirm before you drive.

  3. Old data expires

    Every status shows its age. When nothing recent exists we say “No live status — call ahead” instead of guessing.

What the statuses mean

  • Accepting patients

    The hospital says it can take new patients.

  • Busy — expect a wait

    Taking patients, but expect a longer wait.

  • No live status — call ahead

    No current report from the hospital. Phone to check.

  • At capacity — call first

    Full or limiting new patients. Not closed — call ahead.

Every status shows who posted it and how long ago. After 3 hours it disappears — we never show an old status as current.

Informational only — not veterinary advice