Call: 250-947-9364

Veterinary Services Urgent Care Services For pets that cannot wait for a regularly scheduled appointment Contact Us g
Compassionate Care When Your Pet Needs It Most

Urgent Care Veterinary Services

If your pet is suddenly sick or injured, it can be scary, especially when regular clinics are booked weeks out. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital, we’re here to help.

We provide same-day urgent care for dogs and cats in the Coombs, Parksville, and Oceanside areas. Whether your pet has a sudden upset stomach, a sore paw, or a new symptom that has you concerned, our experienced and compassionate team is ready to assess and treat them promptly.

 

One of our veterinarians is available every day to see urgent cases that cannot wait for a routine appointment but may not require a 24-hour emergency hospital. After your visit, we send a complete medical summary to your regular vet so your pet’s care stays consistent and coordinated.

 

If you’re unsure whether your pet needs urgent care, give us a call at 250-947-9364. We’ll guide you through what to do next.

When Should My Pet Be Seen?

Every case is different, but the following categories can help you determine whether your pet should wait, be seen soon, or needs immediate emergency care.

Regular Appointments

These animals can wait for the next available appointment

 

  • Annual health/vaccinations
  • Ear infection
  • Skin issues
  • Lameness (mild/chronic)
  • Prescription renewals
  • Long-term stable condition management
  • Anal gland expression

Urgencies

These animals should be seen quickly (most within 24 – 48 hours)

 

  • Laceration repairs
  • Vomiting/Diarrhea/Inappetance
  • Lameness (severe)/Back disease
  • Constipation
  • Seizures (not actively occurring)
  • Abscess (anal or cat bite)
  • Torn nail
  • Eye issues

Emergencies

These animals must be seen immediately (may be directed to an Emergency facility)

 

  • 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

What to Expect During an Urgent Care Visit

At i-Care, we prioritize pets based on the urgency of their condition. This means that more critical patients may be seen first, and wait times can vary. Our goal is to provide each animal with the time and care they need.

 

Please call ahead to confirm availability. Same-day appointments are dependent on staff and case load. Walk-ins may not always be possible without prior notice.

Why Choose i-Care for Urgent Veterinary Care?

When your dog or cat is suddenly sick or injured, finding timely veterinary care can be stressful. At i-Care Veterinary Hospital in Coombs, BC, we provide same-day urgent care services for pets living in the Oceanside region, including Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Coombs, Port Alberni, and Port Hardy, as well as for visitors exploring Vancouver Island.


Our veterinary team is experienced in managing a wide range of urgent health concerns, including sudden limping, vomiting, diarrhea, wounds, eye problems, allergic reactions, or changes in behaviour. We frequently help pets with hiking or playing injuries, heatstroke during warmer months, tick bites, and gastrointestinal upset from travel or new environments.


Every case is carefully assessed, and we communicate closely with your regular veterinarian to ensure continuity of care once your pet returns home.


Whether you live in our community year-round or are visiting beautiful Vancouver Island, i-Care is here to support you during unexpected health concerns. Our goal is to provide compassionate, thorough urgent care to help your pet feel better and to give you peace of mind when you need it most.

Urgent Care

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to call before coming in for urgent care?
Yes. Please call us first at 250-947-9364. This allows us to triage your pet’s condition and prepare for your arrival.
Can I walk in without an appointment?
Walk-ins are not guaranteed and depend on case volume and staffing. Calling ahead is strongly recommended.
Will my regular veterinarian receive records from this visit?
Yes. We share all medical notes, diagnostics, and treatment plans with your primary veterinarian to ensure continuity of care.
What types of pets do you see for urgent care?
We currently provide urgent care services for dogs and cats only.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring any medications your pet is taking, a stool sample if there are gastrointestinal symptoms, and any recent medical records if available. Photos or videos of the symptoms can also be helpful.
How long will the visit take?
Visit length depends on your pet’s condition. Some pets may need lab tests or imaging that takes additional time. Our team will keep you informed throughout.
Urgent Care Appointments Subject to Availability

While You Wait

Some urgent care visits take time. Pets may need lab work, imaging, or monitoring that can last several hours. If you’re visiting from out of town or waiting while your pet receives care, here are a few local spots nearby where you can grab a bite or explore the area.

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.

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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.

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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.

Visit Website

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.

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Activities

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.

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Butterfly World Coombs

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.

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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.

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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.

Visit Website.

Our message to you

We’re With You Every Step of the Way

The i-Care team prides ourselves on the compassionate and friendly atmosphere that we have created within our clinic. We know that visits to the veterinary hospital can be stressful, especially when your animal is sick, and we try to minimize this stress as much as possible. We are a locally owned clinic that strives to deliver a caring and personalized experience for both our clients and patients.

Serving Vancouver Island

Communities served by our urgent care program:

Coombs & Parksville

Qualicum Beach

Port Alberni & Tofino/Ucluelet

Lantzille & Nanaimo

Victoria

Hours of Operation

We are open weekdays as well as on the weekend to help you and your pet. Contact us today.

Monday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

8 AM – 6 PM

8 AM – 6 PM

8 AM – 6 PM

8 AM – 5 PM

Is your pet in need of veterinary care?

Contact i-Care Veterinary Hospital