Your Visit to Five Rivers Pet Emergency Clinic: What to Expect

By: Five Rivers | March 31, 2026

Unexpected trips to the ER are never on the calendar, and we know how stressful it can be when your fur baby isn’t feeling their best. To help ease your mind, we’ve broken down exactly what to expect when you arrive at our clinic.

While we are currently under construction, our commitment to your pet’s health remains our top priority. Here is a step-by-step guide to your visit:

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1. Arrival and Check-In

When you pull into our lot, please park in one of the numbered parking spots facing the highway.

• Scan the QR Code: You’ll see a sign at your spot with a QR code. Simply scan it with your phone to start the check-in process from the comfort of your car.
• Curbside Service: Because of our ongoing renovations, we are currently operating as a curbside clinic. This keeps you and your pet safe while our team works hard behind the scenes.

2. Triage: The First Step

Once you’ve checked in, one of our dedicated technicians will come right out to your vehicle.

Important Note on Wait Times: We see patients based on medical priority (most critical first). If you notice a bit of a wait, try to take a deep breath—in the world of ER medicine, a wait is actually a good thing! It means your pet is stable.

The technician will “triage” your pet, gather a detailed medical history, and chat with you about the symptoms or concerns that brought you in today.

3. The Exam and Diagnostics

Your pet will be brought inside where our doctors will perform a comprehensive, head-to-toe physical exam. Since our patients can’t tell us where it hurts, we rely heavily on diagnostics (like bloodwork or imaging).

• The “Why”: These tests allow our doctors to create a “differential diagnosis”—a list of potential causes—so we can pinpoint the exact issue and treat it effectively.
• Communication: After the exam, the doctor will call or come out to discuss their findings and recommend the next steps for testing and treatment.

4. Tailoring Care to Your Needs

Our medical team is trained to provide Gold Standard care to every patient. However, we also live in the real world and understand that emergencies can be a financial strain.

• Be Upfront: If you are working within a specific budget, please let us know early in the process.
• Collaboration: We are happy to work with you to prioritize the most essential care, ensuring your pet gets what they need while respecting your financial boundaries.

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We’re here for you and your best friend! If you have any questions while sitting in your designated spot, don’t hesitate to give us a call.