Urgent Paws is Your After-Hours Vet in Red Deer
- Urgent Paws Vet
- Mar 10
- 4 min read
When your pet faces an unexpected illness or needs routine care outside normal working hours, Urgent Paws Veterinary Clinic in Red Deer provides compassionate, professional after-hours veterinary care so your pet receives the support it needs. Whether it’s late at night, a weekend or a holiday, our veterinary team is ready to help.
Your Dedicated After-Hours Vet Team
Founded by Dr. Sam Felker and Josh Felker, Urgent Paws fills a vital gap in Central Alberta’s veterinary community. After years of experience in both general practice and emergency settings, Dr. Sam recognized how difficult it was for pet owners to find late-night or after-hours vet care in Red Deer.
Our clinic was built with one mission: to provide accessible urgent veterinary care when your regular clinic is closed. We handle sudden, time-sensitive issues that can’t wait until morning, with a focus on pet comfort, owner communication and professional medical support.
Our registered veterinary technicians and client care team are trained for triage, emergency response and compassionate communication, ensuring your experience is calm and organized even in stressful moments.
What Makes Us Red Deer’s Trusted Emergency Vet Clinic
At Urgent Paws, we’re an after-hours emergency vet clinic that operates during peak times when pets are most likely to experience distress outside regular clinic hours.
We’re open Thursday through Sunday, 2:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., covering evenings and weekends when most local clinics are closed. Walk-ins are always welcome, but appointments can also be booked online for convenience.
We serve Red Deer, Red Deer County, Gasoline Alley, Sylvan Lake, Blackfalds and surrounding Central Alberta communities.
What Happens During an Emergency Vet Visit?
1. Triage and Check-In
Our staff will assess your pet’s condition immediately upon arrival. Booked appointment times are respected as much as possible & walk-ins are slotted in as they arrive.
2. Examination and Diagnostics
The veterinarian will perform a physical exam and may recommend diagnostic testing such as:
Bloodwork (CBC, biochemical profiles, electrolytes)
Urinalysis
Cytology
Digital X-rays
In-house ultrasound
All of these tests are performed on-site, so results are available quickly. This allows us to begin treatment without delay.
3. Treatment and Care Plan
Depending on the diagnosis, we’ll provide immediate treatment, recommend monitoring or refer your pet to a 24-hour hospital for critical overnight care if needed.
Throughout the visit, our team keeps you informed, so you always understand your pet’s condition, treatment options and related costs.
Common Pet Emergencies We Treat
When you arrive at Urgent Paws, your visit follows a clear, efficient process designed to minimize wait times and anxiety. See our official Triage Chart below for specific information about how we organise our bookings and walk-ins.
Remember:
In Emergencies: Pets should go directly to their local Emergency Department.
If Your Issue is Urgent or Semi-Urgent: Pets should come to us as soon as the issue is noticed.
If it’s Non-Urgent: Pets should come to us if the wait time to see their regular veterinarian is longer than 1–2 days.
Not every emergency looks the same, but certain symptoms mean your pet needs urgent attention. If you notice any of these, contact us or head directly to the clinic:
Sudden repeated vomiting or diarrhea (especially with blood)
Difficulty breathing or collapse
Straining or inability to urinate
Heatstroke or severe lethargy
Seizures or uncontrolled shaking
Trauma (car accident, fall, bite wound)
Toxin ingestion (chocolate, antifreeze, medications)
Persistent pain, restlessness or whining
If you’re ever unsure whether it’s an emergency, err on the side of caution and call our team. We’ll let you know if your pet needs to be seen right away.
What to Bring to Your Pet’s Emergency Appointment
To help us treat your pet efficiently, we ask that you:
Bring any medications or medical records you have.
Note when symptoms began and any recent changes in appetite, water intake or activity.
Keep your pet secure during transport and in our facility using a leash or carrier.
Stay calm; our team is here to help!
For severe emergencies requiring intensive overnight monitoring, we may coordinate with 24-hour facilities in Central Alberta to ensure seamless continuation of care.
Payment, Pet Insurance and Costs
We understand that emergency visits can be unexpected. Urgent Paws accepts multiple payment methods, including debit and credit cards, as well as pet insurance reimbursement.
Most Canadian pet insurance plans (such as Trupanion, Fetch or Petsecure) cover emergency visits and diagnostics, though you’ll need to submit receipts for reimbursement. We provide detailed invoices and medical records to simplify the process.
How to Reach Urgent Paws
You’ll find our veterinary clinic located at 184 Leva Ave #101, Gasoline Alley, Red Deer County, Alberta.
Phone: 403-341-2435
Email: info@urgentpawsvet.ca
Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 2:00 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Walk-ins welcome
Frequently Asked Questions About After-Hours Pet Care
Do I need an appointment for emergency vet care?
No. Walk-ins are accepted during open hours, but you can call ahead to confirm availability or reduce wait time.
What if my pet’s condition worsens overnight?
If your pet requires overnight intensive care, we’ll arrange a transfer to a nearby 24-hour emergency animal hospital and provide full records for continuity of care.
Do you treat exotic pets?
Urgent Paws primarily treats cats and dogs. We will see all exotic pets & try to provide the best care, but may at times refer them to emergency clinics with more options if they require advanced care.
Can I receive updates on my pet's hospitalization?
Yes — communication is a cornerstone of our care. We’ll keep you informed throughout your treatment by phone. Please note: Text messaging is NOT available.
Compassionate Pet Care When You Need It Most
Your pet’s health matters to us! We know that emergencies rarely wait for morning, so we are proud to be Red Deer’s trusted emergency vet for after-hours, weekend and late-night pet care. Whether it’s a sudden illness or an unexpected injury, we’re here with the experience, technology and compassion your pet deserves.
Visit Urgent Paws Veterinary Clinic today to learn more or plan ahead for your pet’s next after-hours appointment.
