In an emergency, seconds count. When you arrive with your pet on an emergency or urgent care basis, our highly trained staff will perform an immediate triage assessment to assess the stability of your pet and need for emergency medical intervention. In life-threatening situations, you may be asked for consent to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

The first component of basic triage is assessing your pet’s level of consciousness, airway/breathing (labored breathing or choking, lack of oxygen), circulatory status (pale gums or weak pulses, racing heart), and pain score. Patients needing urgent medical attention, upon consent will be moved to our treatment area for immediate doctor assessment and commencement of emergency care.

Placing an IV catheter and administering IV fluids, giving oxygen supplementation, and pain relief medications may be elements of the initial stabilization of your pet. As your pet is stabilized, your veterinarian will review a diagnostic plan which may include imaging (radiographs, ultrasound) and laboratory evaluation (blood and/or urine tests) to ascertain the severity of the situation and tailor treatment for your pet.

At times, your pet may need advanced care at a referral or specialty center. When this is the case, our staff will discuss options for transfer and referral. Your primary veterinarian will stay abreast of your pet’s status at the emergency facility.

After Hours Emergencies

During office hours, Lifetime Veterinary Center is fully equipped and ready to help with all of your emergency and critical care needs. If you find that you need emergency assistance after hours, please contact the Pet Emergency Referral Center. For your convenience, we have provided the contact and website information for their after-hours location here.


Pet Emergency & Referral Center

3579 Northlake Blvd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33403

Hours of Operation: 24/7/365

Phone: 561-691-9999

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Veterinary Specialty Hospital and Pet Emergency Center

4019 Hood Rd
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410

Hours of Operation: 24/7/365

Phone: 561-625-9995

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MedVet - Jupiter Emergency Vet & Specialty Care

505 Commerce Way
Jupiter FL 33458

Hours of Operation: 24/7/365

Phone: 561-741-4041

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