Urgent Care
For pets that cannot wait for a regularly scheduled appointment
If you can’t get an appointment at your regular vet…
We are currently experiencing a province-wide shortage of veterinarians. As such, many clinics are fully booked several weeks in advance. This can make it very difficult to find an available appointment for your pet when they experience an acute issue such as an ear infection, bladder infection, anal gland abscess, or bought of vomiting/diarrhea.
i-Care Veterinary Hospital keeps one veterinarian available every day to see these urgent cases. The medical records and diagnostic results from these appointments will be returned to your primary care clinic to make sure your regular veterinarian is kept up to date on all of your animal’s needs.
Common Veterinary Conditions
Regular Appointments
These animals can wait for the next available appointment
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- Annual health/vaccinations
- Ear infection
- Skin issues
- Lameness (mild/chronic)
- Prescription renewals
- Long-term stable condition management
- Anal gland expression
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Urgencies
These animals should be seen quickly (most within 24 – 48 hours)
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- Laceration repairs
- Vomiting/Diarrhea/Inappetance
- Lameness (severe)/Back disease
- Constipation
- Seizures (not actively occurring)
- Abscess (anal or cat bite)
- Torn nail
- Eye issues
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Emergencies
These animals must be seen immediately (may be directed to an Emergency facility)
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- Gastric Dilation and Volvulous
- Trouble urinating (esp. male cats)
- Active seizing
- Breathing difficulty
- Severe trauma (ie – hit by a car)
- Acute collapse
- Toxin ingestion
- Altered consciousness
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The above mentioned conditions are examples only. Each animal must be assessed and triaged on a case-by-case basis.
If you are not sure if you are experiencing an animal health related Emergency, please call your primary care veterinarian, your local animal Emergency hospital, or the i-Care team as soon as possible.
Call us right away!
250-947-9364
Serving North and Central Vancouver Island
Communities served by our urgent care program:
Coombs & Parksville
Qualicum Beach
Port Alberni & Tofino/Ucluelet
Lantzille & Nanaimo
Subject to Availability
Our urgent care spots are limited at this time. Please call in advance to make sure we can help you. We may not be able to accommodate walk-ins based on staff availability.
Emergency Vet Hospitals on Vancouver Island
Urgent Care comes with longer
Wait Times
Animals requiring care for acute issues will often need multiple diagnostics, which take time to complete. It is not uncommon for animals in this department to be in our care for several hours. Please investigate our local community if you find yourself away from home while waiting for your furry friend.
Visit these local gems while you wait
Food and Drink
Old Country Market - Goats on Roof
A famous tourist destination for a reason!
“The Old Country Market started as a roadside fruit stand providing fresh produce to travellers heading to the west coast of Vancouver Island. Over the years it has evolved into a landmark of Coombs, with a mixture of shops and eateries for locals and visitors alike. Oh yeah, and there are goats… on the roof!”
Located at 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs
Karma Coffee
Right next door!
“Founded on Lasqueti by two coffee loving Gulf Islanders in 1997, who mastered the roasting formula in their kitchen before moving to Vancouver Island to share their blends with cafes, restaurants & boutique stores across the island. Our promise to you is to deliver the freshest, most delicious, roasted organic & ethically sources beans in BC.”
Located at 2458 Alberni Hwy Unit A, Coombs
French Press Coffee Roasters
The short journey to Qualicum Beach is worth it for this local favorite.
“We are a specialty coffee roasters based on beautiful Vancouver Island that pride ourselves in sourcing & roasting some of the very best coffee available. We serve it in our delightful cafe’s in Qualicum Beach & Coombs as well as supplying & supporting our wholesale customers.”
Located at 692 Primrose Street,
Qualicum Beach
Trees Restaurant and Bakery
A staff favorite!
“The food we serve at Trees Restaurant and Bakery is healthy and delicious. Our ingredients are fresh and we cater to all types of dietary requirements. Check out our flavourful menu online and call to order, or come enjoy our outdoor tables! Trees has a bakery on site with fresh baked desserts, savories and bread. We are especially proud of our array of gluten free options on the menu and multiple bakery items including our amazing gluten free bread and buns!”
Located at 1385 Alberni Hwy, Parksville
Activites (all great for kids and kids at heart)
Goats on Roof - Old Country Market
You can even email the goats!
“Ever wonder what it’s like to live on the roof of the Old Country Market? How the roof stays so green? Or even what is the best flavour of ice cream to try? Well, feel free to ask the goats! They know the answer to practically everything about the Market, and enjoy receiving mail from people all around the world.”
Located at 2326 Alberni Hwy, Coombs
Butterfly World
Our absolutely beautiful neighbour (warning – it’s hot inside)!
“Our greenhouses are home to butterflies from all over the world. Watch as they fly, sip nectar, and bask in the sunlight showing off their glorious colours. Visit our African Sulcata Tortoise Samson. We also have a new Summer resident visiting in 2022. His name is Joe. He is an 11 year old Tortoise. Find him in his outdoor summer home, across from our fountain.“
Located at 1080 Winchester Rd, Coombs
Hamilton Hobby Farm
For those who can’t get enough animal snuggles!
“The Hamilton Hobby Farm rests on 12 acres of beautiful land in Coombs Country, just west of Qualicum Beach, 2 minutes from the Goats on Roof Market, and right across from Butterfly World! The hobby farm boasts a myriad of animals, including horses, goats, potbelly pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and many other critters.
We strive on providing a safe and fun environment where everyone, big or small, young or old, can enjoy a visit to the farm! Contact us today for more info!“
Located at 2679 Alberni Highway, Coombs
North Island Wildlife Recovery Center
A bit more of a drive, but definitely worth it!
“Founded in 1985, the North Island Wildlife Recovery Association (NIWRA) is a non-profit, world-class rehabilitation facility situated on 8 acres of immaculately manicured grounds, caring for animals with all types of needs, including birds with broken wings, orphaned black bears, electrocuted eagles and much more!”
Located at 1240 Leffler Road, Errington
We’re all in this together
Please remember that every member of our team (as well as all veterinary staff across the province) are doing our best to keep up with the incredible demand for animal health care. We want nothing but the best for every patient we see, as well as their loving human counterparts. We ask that you understand how hard we are working, and please treat all team members with respect and patience, even during stressful times.
~Thank you! From the i-Care Staff
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